#SKINSHELFIE
The award-winning skin expert shares the eco-conscious and science-backed beauty heroes that form the building blocks of her routine
The bathroom shelf of skin expert Debbie Thomas
A typical day: Every morning, I wake up at 6.15am to let my two dogs out into the garden. Next, I’ll make coffee and take a cocktail of supplements, which include vitamins C and D, fermented turmeric, zinc and vegan omega-3 from algae. I arrive at my clinic at 8.30am and will check emails and social media while eating an acai bowl for breakfast. My first client arrives at 9am, and then I’ll be back to back carrying out laser-based skin treatments until 8pm. I try to have a 30-minute lunch break, where I’ll eat a plant-based Buddha bowl. On non-clinic days, I write press articles, liaise with my PR or work on my own skincare range.
I’m taking my time with it because I want it to be perfect. When I’m organised,
I’ll squeeze in a yoga and meditation class two to three times a week. I’ve also discovered the benefits of skipping – it’s an effective workout, and easy to fit in around a busy schedule. Plus, I walk the dogs, which I find relaxing. I’m usually in bed by 10.30pm.
Skincare philosophy: Keep it simple and opt for hard-working products. I love multi-taskers that contain two to three active ingredients, target concerns and boost overall skin health. Being vegan, I choose cruelty-free, sustainable products, which doesn’t always mean natural or organic. I like science-led brands that are ethical. I find natural brands rarely have impactful results on the skin.
Skincare non-negotiable: SPF. I wish
I’d used it more growing up, then I’d have far less sun damage. As well as protecting skin from cancer, a good
SPF can slow the ageing process by preventing dark spots, redness, broken blood vessels and the breakdown of collagen. Not many people realise 80% of the visible signs of ageing are due to excessive and unprotected sun exposure.
Main skincare concern: Battling adult acne, which has been with me for 20 years. Most of the time, my skin behaves, but there are times when it flares up and can take weeks or months to calm down. I deal with my temperamental skin by researching what ingredients work best, as well as by trial and error.
DAY MEDIK8 ILLUMINATING EYE BALM, £32
This is packed with de-puffing ingredients, such as cucumber and red algae, plus lightreflective particles that brighten dark circles. It has a blurring effect, instantly concealing imperfections. I love that I can use it alone or layer it under my foundation. Medik8 is a favourite of mine as its products are effective, cruelty-free and eco-conscious, so it hits my ethical sweet spot. It’s British, too.
MEDIK8 C-TETRA INTENSE SERUM, £59
This is a daily dose of goodness for the skin. It’s packed with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that protects your skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution, as well as internal stress, like lack of sleep. It keeps your skin’s defences strong, which ultimately helps to delay the signs of ageing. The serum also sits nicely underneath my other daily products.
PCA WEIGHTLESS PROTECTION SPF45, £40
Most SPFS I’ve tried trigger an acne flare-up or allergic rash, however, this has been a godsend for my blemish-prone skin. The formula glides on seamlessly and, unlike some mineral-based formulas that sit on the skin, it doesn’t leave a white tint or a greasy residue.
NIGHT JO MALONE LIME BASIL & MANDARIN BATH OIL, £48
I love a bath oil, and this has notes that are energising and evoke happiness. It’s packed with sweet almond, jojoba seed and avocado oils, which are natural conditioners that help soften and nourish the skin.
NEOSTRATA SKIN ACTIVE EXFOLIATING WASH, £32
This cleanser contains gluconolactone, which is thought of as a newgeneration glycolic acid as it’s highly effective but less likely to cause irritation. Neostrata is the godfather of glycolic acid; it was one of the original brands to use it and, in the years since, has developed some of the most well-balanced glycolic products to date. The botanicals in this cleanser also help to soothe and hydrate my skin.
BYONIK SEAL, £54
This gel/serum hybrid helps to strengthen the stratum corneum – the outer layer of the skin that’s responsible for keeping out bad bacteria. I’m a big fan of this product because it doesn’t leave a greasy residue, nor does it aggravate my sensitive skin.
MAKE-UP TARTE LIGHTS CAMERA LASHES MASCARA, £21
This is a new product for me as I normally get lash extensions. Also, a lot of mascaras irritate my eyes or aren’t cruelty-free, so I was happy to find a vegan mascara that adds a bit of oomph to my lashes without causing redness.
OXYGENETIX OXYGENATING FOUNDATION, £45
This is so much more than just a foundation. It was developed specifically to camouflage skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, scarring and psoriasis, but it also helps to heal and soothe skin thanks to an ingredient called Ceravitae. It doesn’t clog pores, is waterproof, contains SPF25 and it can be applied in a light layer or be built up for more coverage.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY FILMSTAR BRONZE & GLOW, £49
This lightweight powder helps to achieve a naturallooking radiance, so I’m never tempted to sit in the sun.
SIGNATURE SCENT EDEN PERFUMES NO 479, £18
I came across this brand in my search for a cruelty-free scent. It’s brilliant because it does its own versions of bestselling perfumes, but you know they’ve been created consciously and with respect for the planet.