Beauty Spot: Dream Routine
In this edition of Beauty Spot, Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer takes a deep dive to discover your dream routine – because the perfect skincare plan all comes down to your unique skin type.
We’re all chasing the dream beauty routine – that magic line-up of products that’ll transform our skin and have us living our most dewy, fresh-faced lives.
In previous editions, we’ve explored the benefits of retinol, AHAs and niacinamide – but is it safe to layer these products? And how do you know if that’s right for your skin? We asked three local experts to find out…
Don’t DIY your skincare routine
Part of what makes skincare overwhelming is the sheer number of products aimed at different skin concerns. Jenny Wilson of Noosa Body & Skincare – who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry – recommends starting with a professional consultation.
“Just like you wouldn’t repair your own car, you shouldn’t self-prescribe treatment for your own skin,” she said. “What works for someone on the internet isn’t necessarily going to work for you – it all depends on your skin type, the climate you live in, and what you’re already using.”
When it comes to actives such as retinol, AHAs and niacinamide, Jenny says expert guidance is the safest way to put your best face forward.
“People can get into trouble mixing actives that don’t play well together – that’s when we see skin barrier damage, redness, flaking and perioral dermatitis,” she said. “Rather than relying on self-diagnosis, Instagram or ChatGPT, book in with someone who’ll create you a safe, powerful cosmeceutical routine that delivers results.
“Skincare is all about what you do every day, for the long haul, and with expert help you’ll be able to get that long-term hydration and glow.”
Understand your actives
Spring is a season of renewal – for nature and your skin. Angie Lamb from About Faces Noosa says that with the right layering, consistency and under an expert eye, key actives such as retinol, AHAs and niacinamide can be used within your routine to revive clarity, glow and resilience.
“Retinol is a true game-changer,” Angie explained. “It boosts cell turnover, refines texture, softens fine lines and fades pigmentation – think of it as your skin’s overnight renewal specialist.
“Introduce it slowly, always follow with a nourishing moisturiser and never skip SPF in the morning.”
Angie says that AHAs, like lactic and glycolic acid, exfoliate the surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
“They unclog pores, reduce dullness, and prep skin to absorb other actives more effectively,” she says.
“Use 2–3 times a week in the evening – less if your skin is sensitive. And finally, niacinamide is a true skin soother. It strengthens the barrier, calms redness, improves hydration and balances oil production.”
The power of three
Deb Porritt from Cosmedic Lab – who has almost three decades as a dermal therapist – agrees that the trio of retinol, AHAs and niacinamide can work together synergistically to give skin a healthy, clear, refreshed glow, while improving skin health.
“For ageing, sun-damage, acne or congestion concerns, these three ingredients are imperative due to their powerful effects of charging sluggish skin,” she said. “Use AHAs in the morning, and pair niacinamide with retinol at night as AHAs gradually break the keratin bonds that hold dead skin cells onto the surface, and speed up cell turnover, so by the time you go to bed the cells have loosened enough to slough off overnight, leaving you with skin that looks and feels smoother, tighter and brighter.”
But Deb advises that retinol should only be used at night, as it can degrade in daylight and increase sun sensitivity; and that you should avoid layering niacinamide and AHAs at the same time.
If you want to start slow with just one product, Deb’s pick is niacinamide.
“It’s my all-time favourite,” she says. “Synergie Niacinamide is the most effective I’ve found in 27 years – it works for almost any skin, even the most sensitive, transforming dullness to glow, irritation to calmness, and dehydration to bounce. It’s the perfect first step before adding other powerful actives without irritation.”
Discover your dream routine
Yes, you can use retinol, AHAs and niacinamide together for incredible results – but don’t DIY your way into a skincare disaster.
With passionate experts right here in Noosa, it’s never been easier to get personalised advice.
Book your consultation, unlock your dream routine, and get ready to say ‘hello’ to complexion perfection.
BEAUTY BUNDLES
About Faces Noosa
Ultraceuticals: Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum, Ultra Brightening Serum, Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum
Angie says the Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum delivers clinical results without overwhelming the skin.
“It’s a product I recommend constantly in-clinic,” she says. “For dull, uneven skin tone, the Brightening Serum works wonders. And the Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum is a staple in my own routine, particularly when I’m travelling or after a laser treatment, as it delivers deep hydration and strengthens the skin
barrier beautifully.”
Noosa Body and Skincare
Dermalogica: Stressed Skin Recovery System
Jenny loves the Stressed Skin Recovery System from Dermalogica.
“Packed with nourishing vitamins and super gentle, it contains a daily cream and an overnight leave-on masque that you can use as often as you like,” she says. “It’s my top recommendation for brides or anyone who wants to look glowing and hydrated for a special occasion!”
Cosmedic Lab
Synergie Skin: Skin Brightening Kit
Bianca says you can get 4-6 weeks of luminous, even-toned skin with Synergie Skin’s Skin Brightening Kit – a carefully curated blend of potent actives and pure, clean science, including a retinol and a
niacinamide.
