In recent years, multi-step skincare regimens have become synonymous with self-care. From tweens to A-list celebrities, it seems like everyone is doing the most and calling upon a plethora of products and highly active ingredients that promise to hydrate, brighten, and smooth – which is fine, so long as you have a resilient complexion and plenty of time to capture your #GRWM routine.
However, a new era of efficiency is dawning as ‘skin streaming,’ a viral trend where fewer products are used to address various needs, strengthens its grip on social media and a fresh wave of fast, reliable, do-it-all super creams and serums enters the chat.
When concocting multipurpose marvels in the lab, Robinson regularly reaches for hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides and shea butter – all excellent moisturisers that benefit most complexions. Peptides – which can be used to hydrate, support the skin’s barrier, soothe angry skin and help relax facial muscles – are another favourite ingredient that “plays well with others,” says Robinson.
While it’s tempting to curate your own ‘skincare cocktail’ or flood your complexion with a flurry of actives that are trending on TikTok, this delicate balancing act is best left to the pros.
Some actives, such as retinol or exfoliating acids, can be used solo to prevent potential irritation, notes Dr Shokeen, while Robinson adds, “Formulations and percentages [of ingredients] matter.”
Powered by an innovative Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8®) – a supercharged blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides inspired by 30 years of research – this ultra-luxe formula addresses fine lines, redness and discolouration in one pump.
Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado, evening primrose and argan oils to soothe, hydrate and protect. Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine, an LA facialist and Augustinus Bader ambassador, used it to prep everyone from Naomi Campbell to Kelsea Ballerini for the Met Gala. (Give yourself the superstar treatment using his signature massage technique, too!)
This silky cosmeceutical-grade serum is clinically proven to inhibit the muscle contractions responsible for fine lines by 96% after 48 hours.* It’s infused with active ingredients – including a proprietary neuropeptide complex and a ground-breaking new form of hyaluronic acid – that work together to smooth and plump skin while rebuilding and enhancing its underlying structure.
*Independent 3D in vitro testing (2024)
The concentrated power of a face mask meets the ease and speed of moisturiser in this fast-absorbing treatment that hydrates, firms, protects, brightens and refines skin’s texture. It’s spiked with seven brighteners, eight antioxidants (including an oil-soluble form of vitamin C), seven peptides, and 3 percent teprenone to minimise the visible signs of premature skin ageing.
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is the gold-standard ingredient for reducing signs of skin ageing, but it has a reputation for leaving it dry, red and flaky. This creamy serum contains a unique high-dose form of the potent active, Retinol 8, which it claims is eight times more effective than standard retinol but half as irritating. Coupled with moisturising hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich turmeric and skin-strengthening peptides, this formula addresses tone, texture, clarity and luminosity while remaining gentle to skin.