You’d be forgiven for not knowing where to start when it comes to the wonderful world of skincare. It’s not just you though, the skincare market has become increasingly complex to navigate in recent years, with new ingredients and ‘trends’ appearing on our feeds literally everyday. Well, dw – that’s why experts exist.
Enter Rebecca Walker, celebrity facialist and registered medical grade advanced skin care expert. She has even created her very own skin technique which she’s named after herself, obvi. Cosmo ME asked Rebecca to share her top products that aren’t just trends, so that we can add them to our cart, like, now! Sorry TikTok, we’re so over trends.
1. Medical-grade retinol
Rebecca’s first choice is medical grade retinol and her “hero product” is Wrinkle and Texture Repair by Zo Skin Health. Rebecca applies this to her face, neck, chest and backs of hands 5 times a week in the evening. In case you missed it, retinol is the gold standard in age-defying skincare.
This product is a “deep cellular functioning retinol that improves texture and increases replenishment of hyaluronic acid” (that molecule which is like, obsessed with water). Tbh, there isn’t a price you can put on saying goodbye to wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.
PSA: If you haven’t used retinol before, you need to cautiously begin treatment once or twice a week at night only, before gradually increasing the frequency of use according to how your skin tolerates the powerful ingredient. Always always follow up with SPF 50 the following morning, because retinol can make your skin photo-sensitive. FYI mums-to-be must avoid products containing retinol.
2. Plant-derived exosomes
Another product Rebecca can’t live without? Plant-derived exosomes. They contain plant-based ingredients that mimic the natural function of the skin and regulate the body’s natural processes. This vegan friendly skin saviour helps to achieve the appearance of younger skin, reduces inflammation and creates that glow we all chase after. Ok, how can we say no to that!
“Exosomes are one of my favourite tools to come to the beauty industry, they can be used in clinic or at home and are used for a number of skin concerns.” One of the many benefits is that plant-derived exosomes can be used alongside retinols, which can often be a concern for patients.
Rebecca’s go-to brand for plant-derived exosomes is Exoe Arabia.
3. SPF
Rebecca firmly stands by SPF, telling us that a key product to ANY skincare protocol she puts her clients onto is a powerful and effective SPF. “A vast amount of skin damage is created by the sun. Using effective SPF is essential for preventing damage to the skin” she says.
A couple of Rebecca’s ultimate fave SPF’s are the oil-free Heliocare SPF 50 gel and the Skin Better Science compact, a mineral SPF. The key thing to look out for when selecting your SPF is that it has high protection (the number after SPF) and covers a broad-spectrum, protecting against UVA and UVB radiation, which both of these products come out on top for.
No wonder Rebecca loves Heliocare SPF so much, it’s formulated with DNA repair enzymes, enriched with antioxidants, vitamins C & E, and it’s non-comedogenic meaning the girlies with acne-prone skin can use it without any worries.
Her other go-to SPF, the Skin Better Science compact, provides SPF56 protection (!!), but it also has other benefits including blue light, pollution and infrared radiation.
In case you’re not convinced about looking after your skin, well 2025 is the year of skin.