A clean slate

If you’re planning a clear-out, start the year with a simple set of skincare superheroes, says Vicki Bramley.

If you want visibly refreshed skin, include the most impressive multi-taskers: vitamin C, vitamin A and niacinamide.

REMOVER

Refreshers like (7) Mecca Clean Slate Micellar Water, $30, feel lovely, and now there’s the brilliant (2) Face Halo Original, $30 for three. These little washable microfibres make a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to wipes. Simply wet one and swipe it over your face to remove make-up. Or, for a polished feel, use after your usual cleanser.

CLEANSER

Your best cleanser leaves you feeling fresh and light, not tight. And cleansing oils and balms are great at grabbing grime, since like attracts like. They also have a lot of slip for a mini face massage at night, especially if they have fragrant oils that calm the mind. Try (6) Sunday Riley Moon Tranquillity Cleansing Balm, $76.

DAY SERUM, CREAM

Antioxidants, especially vitamin C and niacinamide, are the multi-taskers we need to protect and repair daily damage. Try a potent hero like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, $170, or the plant based (9) Clarins Double Serum, $78. Skipping straight to moisturiser? They can carry antioxidants, too. We love (10) Liberty Belle Rx Superhero Antioxidant Moisturiser with Anti-Pollution & Blue Light Defence, $138.

NIGHT SERUM, CREAM

This is the ideal time to apply vitamin A, the ultimate ingredient that “rewinds” your skin by boosting collagen, elastin and cell turnover. Start with a retinol form like (8) Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturiser, $115, and work up to Medik8 Retinol 3TR+ Intense Advanced 0.3% Vitamin A Serum, $75.

THAT’S IT!

If you can’t tolerate vitamin A, try peptides, which are proteins designed to soften lines, in (11) The Ordinary Multi-Technology Peptide Serum, $24.90, and of course wear sunscreen daily. And if there’s one thing you buy for your hair make it (1) Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $49.95, because it softens, strengthens, glosses and protects up to 230 degrees.