Why You Don’t Need All the Actives!

(Just the Right Ones for You)

Let’s be honest—skincare can feel a bit like a full-time job these days. You open Instagram and suddenly you’re convinced you need retinol, vitamin C, peptides, AHAs, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, an essence, a mist, a skin spatula and possibly a degree in dermatology.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to use every trending active on the internet. You just need to use what’s right for your skin. And spoiler: that’s rarely twelve serums in one go (or whatever your favourite influencer is currently hawking on her channel)

More Ingredients Does Not Equal Better Skin

When clients come to me overwhelmed, it’s often because they’ve built a routine based on influencers, friends, and TikTok tutorials—rather than their actual skin. The result? Redness, breakouts, irritation, and a skin barrier that’s starting to play up.

The truth is, most people only need one or two carefully chosen actives in their routine. And if you're not working with a professional, that number should probably be closer to one. Why? Because when you're guessing, you’re gambling with your barrier—and once that’s compromised, nothing will sit right on your skin.

What Actives Are Actually Worth Using?

Great question—and one I answer daily in my free skin check-ins. But if you’re just starting out and want to know where to begin, here are a few of my clinic favourites that are gentle, effective and suitable for most skin types:

Forlle’d Refining Lotion

This isn’t your average toner. It’s a deep hydrating, antioxidant-rich lotion that works across all layers of the skin to plump, firm, calm and soften. Perfect if your skin feels dry, tight, or a little bit dull and dehydrated. It helps to provide long-lasting hydration, gives anti-ageing and antioxidant support and is ideal for dehydrated, sensitive, dull or mature skin

Forlle'd Hyalogy P-effect Refining Lotion

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Calecim Multi-Action Cream

This cream is all about structure, lift and resilience. With a blend of peptides, collagen-boosting proteins and hyaluronic acid, it targets loss of firmness, deep lines, and tired-looking skin. It's especially good if your skin is showing signs of ageing or feeling a bit deflated.

I've seen great results with clients and myself. I love how it's helped to smooth my forehead and help with skin volume. It is great for more mature skin types or anyone post procedure too.

MULTI ACTION CREAM

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Emmaline Tsui Skincare Vitamin C Serum

A clinic favourite and all-round radiance booster. My vitamin C is stabilised, high-performance and suitable for most skin types—including those who’ve been a little reactive in the past. A great place to start if you're trying to brighten, protect and support collagen production.

A lot of clients notice that their skin tends to look brighter and not so dull. It's a great antioxidant and so helps fight those pesky free radicals too

The Vitamin C Serum

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But How Do You Know What You Need?

That’s where I come in.

I offer a free skin check-in service—with no Zoom calls! Just a quick form where you tell me what’s going on, and I come back to you with a personalised product plan that actually works.

No fluff. No pushing things you don’t need. Just honest, tailored advice from someone who understands skin and actually uses the products I recommend.

And if you want to go deeper into your routine, I also offer online consultations where we can fine-tune every step for long-term results. That does involve a lovely Zoom call though, but it's worth it!

Remember you just need the right actives, at the right time, in the right combination.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, your skin’s feeling confused, or your bathroom shelf looks like a Boots clearance sale, let’s sort it out—together.

Click here for your free skin check-in, or book an online consultation here

Thank you so much for reading,

Emmaline