I’m a dermatologist – here’s 5 simple steps to glowing skin (and the cheap product swaps)
EVER get overwhelmed with the amount of skincare advice out there?
Though it can be fun to learn how celebs take care of their skin, watching their sixteen-step night time routines can leave us thinking we have to shell out on dozens of products to get our skin glowing.
In, a dermatologist sought to cut through all the conflicting skincare advice shared on social media.
Dr Christopher Tomassian, founder of in California, took to TikTok to share five products we should all be using to say bye-bye to bumpy skin.
1. Vitamin C
The first thing you can do to improve your skin texture apply vitamin C serum every morning, Dr Tomassian suggested.
that incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine can make your skin less rough, as well as boost collagen production and diminish dark spots.
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If you want to reap the benefits of vitamin C breaking the bank, the Bondi Sands Gold'n Hour Vitamin C Serum 30ml might be one to try - it retails just £9.99.
Another option is the INKEY List's vitamin C, also £9.99.
2. Niacinamide
As for your nightly skincare, Dr Tomassian said you should use niacinamide before going to bed.
This might be a less familiar ingredient - it's a form of vitamin B3 which can brighten and clear your skin and also reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The Ordinary's Niacinamide will set you back just £5.
3. Retinol
Another product to incorporate into your nightly routine in retinol.
Dr Tomassian suggested using this three times per week.
You can layer niacinamide with retinol, he explained in the comments - use the former first.
If you're looking for an affordable product to get you started, the Ordinary has a few retinols to choose from, within different concentrations and all under £10.
You can also give the brand's granactive retinoid 2% emulsion a whirl - it's less potent it only costs £10.50.
4. Chemical exfoliant
Next, Dr Tomassian said he uses a chemical exfoliant - containing lactic, mandelic or glycolic acid - once a week to improve his skin texture.
While facial scrubs that use little particles to buff off dead skin cells can be abrasive and harsh on your skin, dermatologists say chemical exfoliants are a better option.
You can nab Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant for just £10 or the Ordinary's Salicylic or Lactic Acid for £5.80 and £6.90.
5. Sun cream
Finally, Dr Tomassian said we should all be applying sun cream daily for prevention.
Aside from protecting our faces from the sun's harmful UV rays - even on cloudy days - the product can also act as a barrier against the blue light on our screens.
Usually retailing for £10, the you can nab the REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral Mattifying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 for just £7.99 on Amazon.
It could take 'weeks to months' to see improvement to your skin's texture, Dr Tomassian commented under his video.
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"Stay patient and consistent," he wrote.
One TikTok user commented she's implemented the dermatologist's steps for a week and already seen improvement to her skin texture.