3 Luxe Skincare Products This Cosmetic Doctor Says Are Worth Your Money
Dr Yumiko Kadota is an Australian-trained medical doctor with 14 years of clinical experience. She owns a cosmetic skin clinic in Sydney, performing treatments such as injectables, lasers, and chemical peels. She was born in Tokyo and loves using Japanese and Korean skin care in particular. You can find her on @dryumikokadota or @sydneyfacedoctor
As both a long-time skincare enthusiast and cosmetic physician, I’ve been lucky enough to have access to both ends of the price range.
And here’s what I’ve learned: sometimes, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Or, on the contrary, at other times, you get what you paid for and the luxe beauty items you invested in pleasantly surprise you and end up delivering on their promises showing you that sometimes, it's worth the splurge.
If you want to treat yourself to a luxury skincare experience, here's three tried-and-tested luxe beauty products that have been worth the investment it for me...
1. Lancôme Advanced Clarifique Double Treatment Essence.
This one is for those with combo or oily, blemish-prone skin.
The Clarifique Double Treatment Essence is an essence-oil hybrid product with four exfoliating acids: lactic, glycolic, citric, and salicylic.
It also has a botanical beech bud extract, which acts as both an exfoliant and hydrator, as well as an enzymatic exfoliant called papain (papaya enzyme).
You shake the product before use, and there is an inbuilt whisk which helps to mix the essence and oil components.
I personally find that if I don’t exfoliate, my skin gets congested and prone to pimples. I particularly like the Lancôme formulation because it effectively exfoliates without irritating my skin.
It has calming ingredients like bisabolol, as well as nourishing oils which leave my skin feeling super soft!
2. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum.
This serum has become one of my ride-or-die serums. I received a sachet sample with purchase last year and I was totally blown away with the glow the next morning!
After that I committed to full size and am now onto my second bottle. This serum has encapsulated ingredients, which means that they are enclosed within a little bubble to reduce irritation.
As well as encapsulated retinol, it also has a complex of six peptides, including the well-known acetyl hexapeptide-8 which helps to reduce fine lines.
The fermented ginseng extract is also packed with antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental stressors, and I personally really love the fragrance of ginseng flowers.
Both the woody, earthy scent and the smooth texture of the serum give you a luxe experience.
For an extra treat, use the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum followed by the Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum!
3. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Sculptor.
Do you care about body care as much as your facial skincare?
I must admit I have not, and it’s something I’m trying to be more proactive about. I do take my skincare down to my neck and upper chest, but the rest of my body is often neglected.
One of Dermalogica’s latest releases is their Dynamic Skin Sculptor. Its hero ingredient is NAD+ which stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide – a coenzyme involved in our cells’ production of energy.
It has been heavily highlighted as an ingredient with great potential in the longevity and Regenerative Medicine space and has been used in IV drips as well as skincare.
I’ve been using the Dynamic Skin Sculptor on my elbows and knees and have found it to be a very hydrating, medium-weight serum.
Initially it does have a slightly sticky texture, but once it dries down the skin feels incredibly smooth!
Whether you’re a seasoned luxury skincare gal or it’s your first foray into it, these higher end offerings offer you more than just a special experience.
They are innovative and backed by unique and forward-thinking technologies for the longer term.
Catch up on more of Dr Katoda's expert recommendations below:
