skin

Practitioner Spotlight: Desi Valentine answers your skincare questions

Your skin is the largest organ your body has and every aspect of your daily routine affects it - from what you eat and drink to how much you sweat, whether you live in a city or in the countryside, and how much time you spend outdoors versus inside. We wanted a little more expert advice on how to stay on top of our good skin habits during lockdown so turned to highly respected facialist and skincare expert, Desi Valentine for some tips. Founder of the recently launched Skinned app, Desi has over ten years of beauty therapy experience in some of the most prestigious salons in London and applies a holistic approach to her luxury treatments - combining the latest in beauty tech with hands-on facial massage and some incredible products.

What is your daily skincare routine?

I always double cleanse, using Yonka Gel Nettoyant/ Irene Forte Rosemary Foam Cleanser. In the morning I use SkinCeuticles Vitamin C- CE Ferulic serum, Irene Forte HA Vials (only half of vial), and Yonka Daytime Hydrating Cream - Hydra N1. Every evening I apply the Yonka Alpha Peel (it’s very gentle to the skin which means you can use it nightly) followed by Yonka’s Excellence Code collagen cream. One a week I use the Alpha Delta Exfoliating Peel Pads by Dr. Denniss Gross, as well as Yonka’s Hydra N1 Mask and Yonka Excellence Code Collagen Mask (I do mask mapping using both masks).

What are the best ways to keep your skin hydrated?

Double cleanse skin morning and evening, exfoliate weekly, use hydrating products with the following ingredients ( Hyaluronic acid, AHA’s, glycerin, propylene glycol, aloe vera), use hydrating masks weekly.

How often should you exfoliate your skin?

In general you should exfoliate once to twice a week, twice weekly if particularly good if your skin is dull and dry.

Do you think cleansing brushes are worth the expense or can you achieve the same results without them?

Facial brushes are not particularly effective in my opinion. Instead, I would recommend using an ultrasonic spatula if you are looking for a really effective at-home cleanse.

Are there any at-home anti aging solutions you can recommend?

Of course! Dr. Deniss Gross SpectatorLite LED is amazing - you can use it just for the eyes or purchase the FaceWare Pro LED Mask which works across the entire face. LED machines are amazing and produce fantastic results when used consistently. I would also recommend PureLift Face for sculpting and the reduction of lines and wrinkles.

What products do you think everyone should have as part of their skincare routine?

The essentials: Enzymatic peel or AHA/BHA peels, Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Cream, and Vitamin C Serum.

Do you need different products for morning and evening?

Not necessarily, if you want to use your day cream at night that is absolutely fine but having different products for the morning and evening can be beneficial if you want to introduce a variety of ingredients into your routine without overloading the skin all at once.

What are the best foods to support your skin?

Ah where to begin! Here’s a nice list for you:

Fatty Acids- Omga- 3’s ( replenishes and nourishes) - walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds,salmon, sardines, anchovies.

Alpha-linolenic acids - canola, soybeans, flaxseeds, olive oils, walnuts.

Proteins- lamb, chicken breast, lobster, crab, shrimp

Magnesium - spinach, cashews, peanuts, soybeans, brown rice, lentil, avocados, whole grains.

Copper (collagen growth factor) - shellfish, prunes, whole grains, cherries.

Zinc (to support production of elastic tissue) eggs, lentil, kidney beans, shellfish, beef, lamb.

Tomato - Protects skin from UV radiation damage

Vitamin C - broccoli, red peppers, strawberry, oranges, papaya, kiwi, kale

Beta Carotene - orange fruits and leafy greens

What are the best products for treating dark spots?

You can either introduce a course of Chemical Peels which is incredibly effective or else I would go for the Luminate Face Lotion by Jan Marini, or Obagi’s Nu-Derm System which hugely helps to correct hyperpigmentation of the skin and visible signs of skin ageing.

Can you use retinol if you have sensitive or dry skin?

Absolutely! Use lower percentage to start with and start introducing it once to twice a week until skin gets used to it. You don’t have to use strong retinol - stronger is not always better, it will irritate the skin and may sensitise it more.