In a world flooded with skincare products, how on earth do you know what’s right for your skin? Every supermodel, actress, and Insta-famous face seems to have a skincare line these days. So, should you buy Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics because she has great skin? (Let’s be honest—most of that is genetics!) Or maybe choose a local Australian-made brand like Skinstitut because “it sounds medical”? Or how about Dermalogica because it’s been around for decades and hits the right price point?
And my personal favourite: “It must be good... it’s organic.” (Spoiler alert: not always true!)
So, what’s the answer?
The real secret? Choosing skincare with the right ingredients for your individual skin. And the best way to find out what your skin actually needs is by booking a professional skin consultation—ideally with a dermatologist.
To make life a little easier, I’ve handpicked a few ‘hero’ products that work well for most skin types. These are products packed with active ingredients that actually deliver results.
1. BB Creams – The Multitasking Must-Have
BB (Blemish Balm) creams are perfect for just about everyone. New lightweight formulations help skin breathe, offer sun protection, and provide a hint of coverage. The best ones offer UVA + UVB protection and should have an SPF 50+—because daily sun protection is the #1 anti-ageing tool you can use.
Our favourites at Skindepth Dermatology in St Kilda East:
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La Roche-Posay BB Cream – Lightweight with high SPF, suitable even for breakout-prone skin.
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Rationale Beautiful Skin SPF50 – For sheer, luminous skin with powerful solar protection.
2. Serums – Active Ingredients That Get Deep
Serums are packed with high-potency actives and smaller molecules, so they penetrate deeper and target specific concerns like ageing, acne, dehydration, and pigmentation.
For acne-prone skin:
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Look for Salicylic Acid – clears out congestion and helps reduce breakouts.
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Favourite: Rationale Catalyst Serum
For general skin support and glow:
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – anti-inflammatory, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, boosts collagen, and helps with pigmentation.
Top picks from our skin clinic in Melbourne:
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Medik8 B5 Serum – Combines Vitamin B5 + Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and soothe.
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Rationale Immunologist Serum – Combines Niacinamide with peptides and amino acids to support immunity, pigmentation, and barrier repair.
3. Vitamin A – The Gold Standard for Anti-Ageing
Retinol (Vitamin A) is a powerful skin transformer. It promotes collagen, improves elasticity, reduces fine lines, and evens out your skin tone.
Best options:
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Biopelle Retriderm Serum – Comes in multiple strengths. Start with 0.5% if you have sensitive skin.
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Rationale DNA Serum – Combines Retinol, DNA Repair Enzymes, and Vitamin K to reverse sun damage, repair skin overnight, and visibly improve skin texture.
Why DNA Repair Enzymes Matter
Excessive UV exposure damages our skin’s DNA, leading to wrinkles, laxity, and pigmentation. But now we can target that damage with DNA Repair Enzymes and plant-based Epidermal Growth Factors—ingredients that stimulate repair, increase moisture, and regenerate youthful skin.
With regular use, improvements in texture and hydration appear within weeks, with best results visible by three months.
Book Your Cosmetic Consultation at Skindepth Dermatology
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare. At Skindepth Dermatology, led by Dr Alice Rudd, we take the guesswork out of the equation. Whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, ageing, or pigmentation, we’ll recommend medical-grade products that are tailored to your skin and backed by science.
📍 Visit us in St Kilda East, Melbourne. Let our team of expert dermatologists and dermal clinicians help you build a skincare plan that actually works.
