I'm a Beauty Editor, and These Are the 4 Skincare Ingredients I Won't Be Without

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As a part of my job as a beauty editor and journalist, I spend a big chunk of my day talking to skin experts, from aestheticians to consultant dermatologists. As a result, it’s safe to say that I have absorbed a whole lot of skincare know-how. And with that being said, I don’t believe in extensive skincare routines—partly because I’m lazy, but mostly because I have yet to find a medical expert who believes that applying more than four or five products to your face at any one time is better for your skin. In fact, over the years I have settled on just four ingredients that I know my skincare routine can’t be without.

As long as I have vitamins A (retinol), B (niacinamide) and C in my routine (topped off with a healthy layer of SPF in the morning), I’m good to go. And I know I’m on the right track because experts have taught me all that I know. Dr. Andrew Markey, world-renowned dermatologist and Beauty Pie’s consultant dermatologist in residence, says, "There are three skincare ingredients that work beautifully together to help slow down the ageing process, and conveniently, they just so happen to be called A, B and C. Once you add suncare to the ABC, you have the core of what you should be looking for in a great skincare routine.” (Dr Markey has a six-week ABC challenge that he swears by for great skin.)

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(Image credit: @SHANNONLAWLOR)

You see, retinol promotes cell turnover, which helps keep my skin looking fresh and alive so that new, fresh skin comes to the surface more quickly. Niacinamide, on the other hand, keeps my pores in check and soothes any irritation, while vitamin C boosts glow and helps my skin fend off damage caused by environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. Top that off with my number-one skincare must-have, SPF, which protects my skin against ageing and sun damage, and I have the perfect recipe for healthy skin.

The downside is that these powerful actives can be expensive. While single-ingredient serums might seem more affordable at first, quite often they aren’t formulated with all the hydrating ingredients that your skin also needs to maintain optimum health. Personally, I prefer my skincare products to be formulated to contain superstar ingredients that work in unison—and that’s why Beauty Pie is my go-to. 

Beauty Pie offers high-end skincare for a fraction of its typical price (you can sign up for a membership starting at £5 a month to access serious discounts), which means I can give my skin everything it needs without breaking the bank. Keep scrolling to discover the dermatologist-approved Beauty Pie skincare buys I swear by.

All prices shown are members’ prices.

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, includingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.