7 Basic Skincare Products That *Really* Work According To A Dermal Clinician
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Honestly, there’s skincare that’s designed to be flatlayed, and then, there’s unsexy skincare that will quietly earn its permanent place in your beauty stash… because it actually works.
You know the kind you reach for when your skin is having a moment and you know it is the only thing that will calm it down? Or those products that no matter what other things you’ve tried, continue to last the test of time??
Well, as a dermal clinician I am a HUGE fan of many of these unsexy beauty products that deserve space in your beauty lineup (depending on your skin concerns of course). Or a great option when you maybe need to pause on spending $300 on a product and need to knuckle down.
So if you’re tightening the purse strings or just want some of the best affordable beauty products that work, I’ve got you covered.
Below I’ve rounded up a bunch of favourites I recommend again and again, backed by science, loved by clinicians and again, just do what they say they’ll do.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, $39.99
A timeless moisturising staple for irritated skin that can actually be used morning and night.
Doesn’t feel heavy, soothes sensitive skin and looks after your skin’s barrier when it’s weakened.
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm Original, $6.49
This is Australia’s number one selling lip balm and for good reason. Clinically proven to treat dry/cracked lips and most likely costs less than your cup of coffee if you buy it out.
Proof that good skincare doesn’t have to cost the earth but also genuinely super effective for anyone struggling with dry lips.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm Cream, $42.95
A forever staple for a reason. This is a barrier cream designed to repair impaired barriers, calm inflammation and protect the skin barrier whenever it is having a moment.
As a clinician, I always say this is a great skincare staple to have at home for all skincare emergencies… just in case.
And while yes, it’s great for dry/irritated skin, you have to remember it is still a barrier cream, so if you’re oily/acne prone be careful with overuse as it may be too much for your skin.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mask B5 Sheet Masks 5 Pack, $55.95
An instantly hydrating and calming sheet mask that I love to recommend post-procedure or when your skin needs a little extra TLC.
It’s technically designed for dry/dehydrated skin however all skin types can benefit and again, the Cicaplast range is so perfect to have on hand at home.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Huile Lavante AP+ Cleansing Oil, $39.95
This is a fragrance-free, deeply nourishing and hydrating body wash that cleans so well and is safe to use on the whole family.
Even on skins that are a little more sensitive including younger skins prone to eczema concerns.
It’s like the perfect one and done cleansing and hydrating body option for your shower.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm, $27.99
This balm is perfect for really dry skin, or any patches on your body that might be dealing with flakiness or irritation.
It basically forms a protective barrier over that area of skin to help lock everything in and repair/heal the skin, and it can even be used on your lips.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser, $25.99
This is such a grab and go staple cleanser I love for normal/combination skins that doesn’t cost the world and just gets the job done.
Packed full of ceramides it won’t strip the skin, but effectively cleans while hydrating. It’s a nice basic cleanser and one I love to recommend all the time.
Check out some more "unsexy", affordable skincare in this video:
Catch up on more of Yad's recent articles and skin advice below:
