What a Consultant Dermatologist Really Uses on Her Own Skin
This week, Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist and co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, was featured in an RTÉ lifestyle article by journalist Kate Demolder discussing what skincare experts really use on their own skin - and the answer may surprise you in its simplicity.
When it comes to skincare, there is no shortage of advice. New trends, miracle ingredients, and viral products appear almost weekly, leaving many people unsure what actually works and what is simply marketing. Professor Ralph’s personal skincare routine is not built around trends, but around ingredients and products that are evidence-based and suitable for sensitive, acne-prone and ageing skin.
Morning Routine – Protect
In the morning, after the gym, Professor Ralph starts with a gentle cleanse using either the Clinical+ Skin Creamy Cleanser or the Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanser. She then applies a vitamin C or antioxidant serum to protect the skin from environmental damage and support collagen health.
Next, she uses the Clinical+ Skin Rejuvenating Corrective Eye Balm, followed by a hydrating moisturiser. The final and most important step in her morning routine is sunscreen, which she describes as non-negotiable. Her sunscreen of choice is EltaMD UV Elements Tinted SPF, a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen that is particularly suitable for sensitive skin.
Evening Routine – Repair
In the evening, the focus is on cleansing and skin repair. Professor Ralph double cleanses using the EltaMD Oil-in-Gel Cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and oil from the skin. For eye makeup removal, she uses either Simple Eye Make-Up Remover or Optase Life Eye Make-Up Remover, as these are gentle and do not sting the eyes.
After cleansing, she applies what she considers another non-negotiable step: a topical retinoid. Her go-to product is the Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, a slow-release retinoid that helps improve skin texture, stimulate collagen, and reduce fine lines while also moisturising the skin.
She then reapplies the Clinical+ Skin Rejuvenating Corrective Eye Balm and finishes with the Clinical+ Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum to hydrate and support the skin barrier overnight.
Treatments
Professor Ralph also spoke in the RTÉ article about the treatments she chooses herself. These include anti-wrinkle injections every 3–4 months, IPL for mild pigmentation, Secret PRO for acne scars and skin rejuvenation, Ultherapy for skin tightening of the lower face and neck, and CO2 laser for skin resurfacing, improved texture and the treatment of sun damage and precancerous cells.
The Takeaway
The overall message is an important one: good skin is not about complicated routines or viral trends. It is about consistency, daily sunscreen, vitamin C in the morning, a retinoid at night, and treatments that are medically proven to work.
We are very grateful to Kate Demolder and RTÉ for including Professor Ralph in this piece and for helping to share evidence-based skincare advice with a wider audience.
If you would like help building a skincare routine that is suitable for your skin, our team at the Institute of Dermatologists would be happy to help.
