What are the most important skincare products to use daily?

"If there’s one skincare product I strongly advise my clients to use daily, it’s sun protection," Estelle recommends. "Regardless of whether you’re in tropical climates or the midst of a local winter, harmful UV rays are still hard at work and without adequate protection (I suggest a minimum of factor 30) you’re at risk of sun damage, increased signs of aging and most severely, skin cancer. This goes for ALL skin tones too–it doesn’t matter how dark your skin is, you still need sun protection." "Then, a good cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities, and a Vitamin C serum," she continues. "Vitamin C is one of my favorite ingredients within skincare; it’s a powerful antioxidant that's said to encourages collagen production, often synonymous with youthful skin. In addition, Vitamin C has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help ease acne and inflamed skin. Antioxidants, like Vitamin C, are great for the prevention of free radical damage and for skin brightening so prove an ideal option for those seeking anti-aging formulas."

How can someone who is new to skincare find products that work for them?

"To avoid wasting your hard-earned money, and your time, I would strongly advise visiting a skin specialist or dermatologist," says Estelle. "This will ensure a qualified and experienced professional assesses your skin first-hand and creates a regime that is tailor-made to you. This will ensure your money is being well-spent, and you’ll get results faster because you can skip the trial and error that so many consumers become–understandably exasperated with."

How long does it take most skincare products to make a noticeable difference?

"As a general rule, with any new skincare regime, you should commit to 90 days of use—this is around three skin cycles. But it’s worth keeping in mind that as we age, our skin cycles lengthen in time due to cell renewal slowing down, so if you have more mature skin, allow for a little extra time to cast your verdict," Estelle recommends. "I should also mention that adopting certain products–such as products targeting acne–will offer results sooner."

The 8 Best Skincare Products of 2023

With so many skincare products on the market—not to mention sorting through the plethora of ingredients in those products—it can be hard to know where to start. From redness to dry skin to under-eye circles, finding products that work for your own beauty concerns can feel overwhelming. Adding in the pressure to look "perfect" on your big day doesn't help, either.

Fortunately, there are a variety of expert-approved products that can target specific needs, so you feel utterly confident walking down the aisle. To help, we asked Bianca Estelle, a skin specialist and medical aesthetician, for her expert insight. Below, she shares her go-to skincare products and why she loves them, as well as her best tips for healthy skin.

Read on for the best skincare products for wedding day prep.

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Price at time of publish: $35

"Rosalique’s 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 is brilliant for neutralizing the skin and is what I would call a hybrid between skincare and makeup because it treats the skin whilst also concealing, acting as a primer of sorts. It's a wonderful creation for those with conditions like Rosacea or who simply want to disguise areas of redness. The product also contains SPF but depending on how much you’re applying, I would still suggest applying separate sun protection as to ensure adequate protection for the whole face."

Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool

Dermstore

View On Dermstore View On Sephora

Price at time of publish: $49

"We all love a gadget, and for under the eye, I’d recommend Nurse Jamie’s Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool. Sometimes, we can get too heavy-handed with facial massagers so it’s good to have an option specifically designed for the delicate eye area. The high-frequency vibration can help to address dark circles and puffiness and is best used with an eye serum or cream for maximum benefit."

Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Swivel Stick with Vitamin E

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Price at time of publish: $8

"You really can’t beat a drugstore lip balm and I recommend Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Formula. Keep one in every handbag or dotted around the house so you’re never caught short. A top tip to prevent lips from cracking is to also stay hydrated—the most expensive lip treatment will be worthless if you’re dehydrated."

Courtesy of Bea

View On Bea-skincare.com

Price at time of publish: $65

"Bea Skin Care’s award-winning Brightening Serum is a huge hit amongst all skin tones, but particularly those with darker skin, which is susceptible to issues like hyperpigmentation. Containing a mix of AHA’s including Kojic, Mandelic, and Lactic Acid, this powerful Brightening Serum will revive dull-looking skin, addressing discoloration and scarring and speeding up cell turnover. The addition of Retinol also aids in tightening pores whilst Vitamin C brightens the skin and provides antibacterial properties. For optimum results, use twice daily to keep skin radiant and hydrated."

Courtesy of Amazon

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Price at time of publish: $11

"Again, staying hydrated is important, but so is using ultra-hydrating skincare. Eucerin has some good, affordable options, ranging from daily hydrating formulas to those that fall into more of a treatment category—depending on the severity of your dry skin concerns."

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum

Sephora

View On Drsturm.com View On Goop.com View On Sephora

Price at time of publish: $145

"Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is great for oily skin, as it helps to refine pores (which, along with breakouts, are a common problem amongst oily skin types). Dr. Barbara Sturm's lovely formula is costly, but is worth the splurge if breaking out is one of your main concerns."

Courtesy of DECIEM

View On Deciem.com

Price at time of publish: $17

"Retinol (Vitamin A) is the number one active ingredient used to target the signs of aging and The Ordinary has a great serum featuring this hero ingredient. In addition, it features a whole blend of additional ingredients that complement the resurfacing abilities."

Courtesy of Bea

View On Bea-skincare.com

Price at time of publish: $33

"Bea Skin Care’s SPF 30 is a mineral sunscreen containing Zinc and Titanium Oxide which protects again UV rays, but in addition, the formula contains treatment ingredients like Alpha Arbutin, a pigment suppressant. This means that future sun damage is not only prevented but existing sun damage is treated with each application. It’s light enough to wear under makeup and gentle enough for sensitive skin, so much so that it can also be applied around the eyes after aesthetic procedures. The formula is suitable for everyone but is loved by those with darker skin tones as it leaves no white cast on the skin."

Meet the Expert

Bianca Estelle is a skin specialist, medical aesthetician, and the founder of Bea Skin Care and VIL Wellness. She has 20 years of experience in the skincare industry.

FAQ

What are the most important skincare products to use daily?

"If there’s one skincare product I strongly advise my clients to use daily, it’s sun protection," Estelle recommends. "Regardless of whether you’re in tropical climates or the midst of a local winter, harmful UV rays are still hard at work and without adequate protection (I suggest a minimum of factor 30) you’re at risk of sun damage, increased signs of aging and most severely, skin cancer. This goes for ALL skin tones too–it doesn’t matter how dark your skin is, you still need sun protection."
"Then, a good cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities, and a Vitamin C serum," she continues. "Vitamin C is one of my favorite ingredients within skincare; it’s a powerful antioxidant that's said to encourages collagen production, often synonymous with youthful skin. In addition, Vitamin C has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help ease acne and inflamed skin. Antioxidants, like Vitamin C, are great for the prevention of free radical damage and for skin brightening so prove an ideal option for those seeking anti-aging formulas."
How can someone who is new to skincare find products that work for them?

"To avoid wasting your hard-earned money, and your time, I would strongly advise visiting a skin specialist or dermatologist," says Estelle. "This will ensure a qualified and experienced professional assesses your skin first-hand and creates a regime that is tailor-made to you. This will ensure your money is being well-spent, and you’ll get results faster because you can skip the trial and error that so many consumers become–understandably exasperated with."
How long does it take most skincare products to make a noticeable difference?

"As a general rule, with any new skincare regime, you should commit to 90 days of use—this is around three skin cycles. But it’s worth keeping in mind that as we age, our skin cycles lengthen in time due to cell renewal slowing down, so if you have more mature skin, allow for a little extra time to cast your verdict," Estelle recommends. "I should also mention that adopting certain products–such as products targeting acne–will offer results sooner."

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than five years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.

These Three Kylie Lip Kit Colors Are Perfect for Fall Weddings in 2022

Best for Redness

Rosalique 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50

Best for Under-Eye Circles

Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool

Best for Nourished Lips

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Swivel Stick with Vitamin E

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Bea Skin Brightening Serum

Best for Dry Skin

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

Best for Oily Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum

Best for Fine Lines

DECIEM SkinSubQ Skin

Best SPF Product

Bea Solar Defence SPF 30

Related Stories

The 8 Best Skincare Products of 2023, According to a Skin Specialist

Best for Redness

Rosalique 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50

Best for Under-Eye Circles

Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool

Best for Nourished Lips

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Swivel Stick with Vitamin E

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Bea Skin Brightening Serum

Best for Dry Skin

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

Best for Oily Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum

Best for Fine Lines

DECIEM SkinSubQ Skin

Best SPF Product

Bea Solar Defence SPF 30

Why Trust Brides

Related Stories