Skincare Index: A to Z of Skin + Me

Fancy becoming a skincare expert in five minutes? Well, we can’t promise that, but you can brush up on your knowledge with the A to Z of Skin + Me.

We’ve compiled a list of common terms and ingredients that make a difference – whether you’re dedicated to your Daily Doser or just getting started on your skincare journey, we think you’ll learn something new. And remember, our Dermatology Team is always on hand to answer your burning questions on all things Skin + Me. Let’s go!

A is for… Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is an antioxidant and great all-rounder ingredient. It works to gently exfoliate, reduce inflammation, fight acne-causing, and tackle unwanted redness or pigmentation. This superstar will likely feature in your Skin + Me Daily Doser if you want clear, healthy skin, and you can also use it as a morning treatment step – our Brighten + Boost Calming Azelaic Acid Serum is an elite way to start your day.

B is for… Barrier

Your skin barrier is made up of skin cells and lipids (the natural oils that keep your skin lubricated and healthy).  A well-functioning skin barrier is essential to the health and appearance of our skin. You can nurture it by ensuring skin is gently cleansed, hydrated and protected from external pollutants and aggressors.

C is for… Clindamycin

Clindamycin is a prescription antibiotic used by dermatologists to help fight acne by targeting acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and angry spots. Clindamycin also helps to soothe the skin, reducing visible redness and swelling – your Dermatology Clinician might include it in your prescription Daily Doser if you’ve been struggling with spots.

D is for… Daily Doser

Your Skin + Me Daily Doser is a bespoke formulation tailored to perfectly fit your skin’s needs. Your Dermatology Clinician will decide which ingredients to include – the cream could include tretinoin, clindamycin, azelaic acid, niacinamide or metronidazole depending on your skin concerns.

If you prefer to shop in-person, then you can find your perfect Daily Doser in John Lewis or Boots, where we’ve launched a collection of personalised night serums tailored to your skin type and goal, with no consultation necessary.

Every Daily Doser has a unique ‘twist + click’ function that dispenses the perfect amount of treatment cream each evening. This takes any guesswork out of your skincare routine, for the most effective results. Every Daily Doser is also made from infinitely-recyclable aluminium, and all our formulations are vegan and cruelty-free.

E is for… Eye cream

The skin around your eyes requires regular attention and care, but not necessarily a specific eye cream. Unless you have a particularly sensitive eye area, then you can just use your moisturiser and your usual sunscreen. 

When it comes to potent active ingredient, such as retinoids, you do need to be a little more careful. For example, the immediate eye area may not tolerate strong prescription tretinoin. You could try using a more gentle over-the-counter retinol in that area if you are targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

F is for… Free radicals

Free radicals are an inescapable part of life, but they are also responsible for damaging cell membranes, proteins and DNA in a process known as oxidative stress. This can lead to the early signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, dull, tired skin and dark spots. 

A diet rich in antioxidants could help to protect your skin, but using a broad spectrum sunscreen (like Skin + Me Daily Defence SPF 50) should be your number one priority. Antioxidant skincare ingredients such as vitamin C may also improve the early signs of ageing.

G is for… GP

While we’re here to support you on anything skincare-related, it’s super important that you talk to your GP if you have any medical conditions that may affect your treatment progress. You also should let your GP know you’re using Skin + Me if you are starting any new medication.

H is for… Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is an ingredient used to treat cases of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and other conditions that result in darker patches of skin. Hydroquinone works by reducing the skin’s production of melanin, and it is a gold standard ingredient prescribed by dermatology experts, including those at Skin + Me.

I is for… In-store

Everyone deserves access to effective skincare that drives the results they want – that’s why our derms designed a brand new personalised skincare range, available in Boots and John Lewis. Head to your nearest store and meet a three-step routine that supports your skin type and targets your skin goal. Get to know the all-star lineup here.

J is for… Journeys

Your skin is dynamic and its needs change over time. At Skin + Me, you can check in with your Dermatology Clinician at any time during your skin journey and let them know if you have any questions or concerns.

New to Skin + Me? Get your first month of personalised skincare for £4.99 with promo code DOSE – complete our quick consultation here

K is for… Keep it up

Staying on track and sticking to a simple but effective routine will allow you to see the best results. Keep up the good work with your Daily Doser and you’ll notice visible changes to your skin – remember, it takes around 90 days of consistent use to see results.

L is for… Less is more

Less is more – we’re all about making your skincare routine work smarter, instead of piling on the products. Twenty-step skincare routines are a thing of the past, now that clever, multi-tasking products like your Daily Doser offer an approach that saves time, money, and actually works.

M is for… Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine which is not only used to treat all sorts of bacterial infections, but is also extremely effective at treating rosacea. It’s actually considered to be a gold standard treatment for the spots and redness caused by the condition, so if your skin goal is rosacea your Dermatology Clinician might include it in your Daily Doser.

N is for… Niacinamide

Niacinamide is an antioxidant that tackles a myriad of skin concerns from oil regulation to barrier repair. This multitasker is a form of Vitamin B that also improves the early signs of ageing, and also reduces hyperpigmentation by working on skin barrier function. We prescribe it for many of our customers, and you’ll also find it in our Daily Defence Sunscreen.

O is for… Overnight skincare

From your Daily Doser ritual, to the quality of your sleep, it’s important to establish an overnight routine that allows your skincare to get to work. Cleanse your face, apply your Daily Doser, then moisturise after ten minutes – this will help your skin cells to replenish while you sleep, for smoother, brighter skin. Get comfy, ensure your bedroom isn’t too warm and minimise screen time an hour before bed if you can to ensure you snooze soundly.

P is for… Pigmentation

Our skin’s natural tone is determined by a pigment called melanin that’s produced by cells in the top layer of our skin. Hyperpigmentation most commonly occurs when that melanin is overproduced, which can lead to uneven tone patches and darker spots on the skin’s surface. Melasma and dark spots are types of hyperpigmentation, and can be treated with a targeted skincare routine.

Q is for… Questions?

If you need help while using Skin + Me products, you can check our FAQs online or log into your account to get in touch with our Dermatology Support Team – we’re always here to support you through your unique journey towards healthier skin.

R is for… Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mostly tends to affect the centre of the face – across the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. The visible symptoms include transient or persistent redness, flushing, broken small blood vessels, and spots and swollen or thickened skin. Our Skin + Me clinicians are experienced at treating rosacea, so get in touch if you think you might have the condition.

S is for… Sunscreen

It’s super important to always wear sunscreen every day – especially when using powerful ingredients in your Skin + Me Daily Doser. You need a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays in your daily regime.

That’s why we created the Daily Defence Oil-free Sunscreen SPF 50 – the ultra-nourishing formula is packed with niacinamide and vitamin E. Log into your Skin + Me account to add a free mini tube of Daily Defence to your next box!

T is for… Tretinoin

Tretinoin is derived from vitamin A and is part of the retinoid family. Twenty times stronger than retinol, it’s prescribed by Dermatologists, including the Clinicians at Skin + Me, to fight acne, make pores less visible, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also used to treat unwanted pigmentation such as melasma and sunlight-induced dark spots – no wonder it’s known as an all-rounder in the skincare world.

U is for… Under-eye bags

Under-eye bags can have many causes, and they are often hard to manage. As we age, the skin, tissues, and muscles around the eyes, can weaken and cause a small pocket of fat below the eye to move to the lower eyelids. The effects of gravity and reduced skin elasticity over time can make this more visible. You can minimise under-eye bags up to a point, through living a healthy lifestyle and getting plenty of rest, but remember that they are just a natural part of ageing.

V is for… Vitamin C

Vitamin C already occurs naturally in your skin, but you’ll also find it in skincare products and certain foods. Vitamin C and its derivatives are antioxidants, meaning they can protect the skin from environmental stressors and potentially skin-damaging free radicals. If you want to add it to your routine, we’d recommend starting your day with one of our Brighten + Boost Vitamin C Serums. The Regulating Serum reduces the appearance of dark spots, while the Firming Serum smooths fine lines and boosts collagen.

W is for… Wisdom

At Skin + Me, we love sharing the wisdom of our in-house Dermatology Team as much as we love being a platform to connect with our community – that’s you! Supporting others, inspiring commitment and sharing your positive personal progress inspires us everyday – why not follow us on Instagram or join The Collective on Facebook and get involved!

X is for… Exfoliate

Gentle exfoliation can help to brighten your skin by sweeping away dull, dead skin cells. Don’t overdo it though! There’s no need to exfoliate with AHAs or BHAs every day, especially when you’re just starting out using powerful actives such as tretinoin. A soft muslin cloth to wipe away a cream cleanser may be all you need.

Y is for… You

As you start a new phase in your skincare journey, it’s important that you remember it is all about you! From our bespoke formulations to your lifestyle, you have the power to build new routines and positive-habits that give you more confidence and healthier skin, starting today.

Z is for… Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA is an active ingredient that’s great at controlling excess oil and minimising the appearance of pores. Catch it in our new Light Moisturiser, available exclusively in stores.