Facial Skincare

Cleansers, serums and moisturisers with real actives: La Roche-Posay retinol, vitamin C and Mela B3, Vichy Minéral 89 and LiftActiv, Bioderma micellar water and Korean favourites from Beauty of Joseon. Pharmacist advice on building a routine that suits your skin.

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Serums and actives explained

Facial skincare is where the marketing gets loudest. Here is what each ingredient does and who it suits.

IngredientBest forHow to use
Hyaluronic acid (Vichy Minéral 89, CeraVe serum)Dehydrated, tight or dull skin, any ageMorning and night on damp skin, under moisturiser
Vitamin C (La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12)Dullness, uneven tone, early linesMornings, under SPF. Can tingle at first
Retinol (La Roche-Posay Retinol B3)Fine lines, texture, adult acneNights only, start twice a week, always with daily SPF. Not in pregnancy
Niacinamide (Mela B3)Dark marks, redness, large poresMorning or night, well tolerated by most skin
Panthenol (Cicaplast B5 serum)Irritated, over-exfoliated or post-procedure skinAny time, as often as needed

Cleansing

Micellar water (Bioderma Hydrabio, La Roche-Posay) removes make-up and SPF without rubbing and suits sensitive skin. Follow with a gentle cleanser at night if you wear heavy make-up or sunscreen. Oil-infused micellar waters handle waterproof mascara.

Anti-ageing

In order of evidence: daily SPF, then retinol, then vitamin C. Vichy LiftActiv combines these with peptides and collagen-supporting ingredients in day and night creams for anyone who wants a complete routine in two products. Eye creams are optional; your face moisturiser can usually do the job.

A simple routine

Morning: cleanse or rinse, vitamin C or hyaluronic serum, moisturiser, SPF. Night: micellar water then cleanser, retinol (two to three nights a week) or hyaluronic serum, moisturiser. Give any new active four to six weeks.

Pharmacist tip: never start retinol and vitamin C in the same week, and never use retinol without daily SPF. Most "sensitivity" to retinol is simply using too much too soon.

Common questions about facial skincare

Which serum should I start with?

If your skin feels dry or dull, a hyaluronic acid serum such as Vichy Minu00e9ral 89 is the gentlest, most universal option. If you want to tackle lines or texture, start a retinol two nights a week. For dark marks, Mela B3 niacinamide. Pick one goal at a time.

Can I use retinol if I have sensitive skin?

Usually, if you start slowly. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 is formulated for sensitive skin. Apply a pea-sized amount two nights a week over moisturiser at first, and build up over two months. Stop and ask us if you get persistent redness or peeling.

Is Korean skincare good?

The brands we stock, Beauty of Joseon and COSRX, are well formulated, gentle and good value. They are strong on hydration and sun protection and sit comfortably in a routine alongside pharmacy brands.

Do I need an eye cream?

Not usually. Your regular moisturiser works around the eyes unless it contains strong acids or retinol. Eye creams are worth it mainly for puffiness or if you want a lighter texture; Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Eye Cream and Elave Eye Rescue Serum are the ones we stock.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.