Skincare: What’s Truly Necessary (and What Isn’t). Find out about it in our aesthetic clinic based in Esher, Surrey
With skincare ranges expanding rapidly and countless products promoted online and in shops, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many people find themselves on the wrong products for their skin type and concerns, unsure where to start, or influenced by marketing into following an unnecessarily long multi-step routine.
At Revital Lab, we advocate a “less is more” approach, a philosophy rooted in medical aesthetics and dermatological science. By focusing on ingredients that are clinically validated, we ensure patients invest in what truly benefits their skin.
Just like your skin, your routine should be unique, but that doesn’t mean complicated. In reality, there are certain key products that make the greatest difference, influenced by age and your skin’s individual needs.
The Problem with the 10-Step Routine
The rise of social media skincare has normalised excessive routines, often involving 7–10 products layered daily. While this approach can feel indulgent, it’s rarely necessary and can even lead to over-exfoliation, irritation, or barrier damage.
More isn’t always better. Skincare efficacy lies not in the number of products, but in the quality and active ingredients chosen — and whether they’re right for your specific skin needs. Using too many overlapping active ingredients can cause inflammation or sensitivity, ultimately doing more harm than good.
Why Professional Skincare Consultations Matter
Even with a simplified routine, personalisation is key. Each skin type responds differently to active ingredients depending on factors like sensitivity, pigmentation, and acne history.
A professional skincare consultation allows our practitioners to:
- Assess your skin type and condition using medical-grade analysis
- Recommend products and concentrations appropriate for your specific concerns
- Prescribe stronger formulations where medically indicated (e.g., prescription retinoids or pigment control treatments from Dr Raj Dhillon)
- Monitor your progress to ensure results are achieved safely and effectively
This approach ensures that every product in your regime has a purpose and that your investment directly supports your skin’s health, not marketing hype.
The Essentials: What Every Skin Needs
While everyone’s skin is unique, most people will benefit from a foundation of four evidence-based essentials. These can be adapted based on individual skin type, tolerance, and concern.
1. A Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is about maintaining balance, not stripping your skin. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can disrupt the protective barrier, causing dryness and sensitivity. A mild, pH-balanced cleanser removes impurities, sunscreen, and makeup without compromising your skin’s natural oils.
Our practitioners often recommend gentle cleansers from clinically proven brands like CellDerma and Obagi, designed to support skin health while maintaining hydration and integrity.
2. An Antioxidant Serum (Morning)
Antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, play a vital role in protecting the skin from free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. These unstable molecules accelerate collagen breakdown and pigmentation. A well-formulated Vitamin C serum neutralises oxidative stress, helping to brighten tone and support collagen synthesis.
CellDerma’s antioxidant formulations combine Vitamin C with other stabilising ingredients to maximise absorption and maintain potency. Obagi and skinbetter science also offer professional-grade antioxidant serums designed for stability and effective delivery.
3. A Retinoid (Night)
Retinoids — derivatives of Vitamin A — are among the most researched ingredients in dermatology. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen, improving texture, fine lines, and pigmentation irregularities over time.
Retinoids should always be introduced gradually under professional advice, as overuse can cause dryness or irritation. In some cases, stronger prescription formulations are available through Dr Raj Dhillon, depending on your skin’s tolerance and goals.
If you’re retinoid-new or sensitive, skinbetter science AlphaRet® offers retinoid benefits with an AHA complex designed for efficacy with tolerability.
4. Daily SPF Protection
The single most important product in any routine is sunscreen. UV radiation is the leading cause of premature ageing, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. Even the best skincare is ineffective without consistent SPF use.
Look for broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher), applied every morning — and re-applied if outdoors or after sweating.
CellDerma’s UV protectants are formulated to defend against both UVA and UVB damage while maintaining a lightweight, non-greasy finish suitable for daily use. Obagi also provides elegant daily SPFs suitable for all skin types.
Less Is More — When Science Leads the Way
When these four steps are used consistently, they deliver measurable improvements in texture, tone, and radiance. Adding more products doesn’t necessarily improve outcomes; it can simply make routines harder to follow and increase the risk of irritation.
Our Recommended Range
Revital Lab offers a curated selection of medical-grade skincare products available to purchase in clinic or online. These include our CellDerma, Obagi, and skinbetter science ranges, designed by medical experts to complement in-clinic treatments and support long-term skin health.
- Obagi — comprehensive systems (including Nu-Derm) for tone, pigmentation and texture, alongside daily hydrators and photoprotection.
- skinbetter science — advanced peptides and retinoid technology (e.g., AlphaRet®, InterFuse® lines) for collagen support and visible rejuvenation with measured tolerability.
- CellDerma — antioxidant and supportive formulations that complement in-clinic treatments and everyday maintenance.
If you would like medical guidance on skincare or advice on the most appropriate products for your skin type and concerns, you can book a complimentary 15-minute virtual consultation with one of our practitioners here.
You can explore our full skincare range and purchase directly through the Revital Lab Shop, or by visiting cellderma.com and use the clinic code ‘RevitalLab’ at checkout to access our recommended product range.
In Summary
Skincare shouldn’t be overwhelming. A well-formulated cleanser, antioxidant serum, retinoid, and SPF — guided by professional advice — are all most people need to maintain youthful, resilient, and healthy skin.
The best results come from consistency, medical guidance, and evidence-based simplicity.
Do you have any questions?
Please give us a call on 01372613080 or click on the link below to make an enquiry or book a consultation appointment at our Esher clinic.
We look forward to hearing from you
