The Halo skincare ingredients guide
- Halo - House of Beauty
- 28 minutes ago
- 5 min read
This guide will help you navigate the various ingredients in skincare. There's so many different products from moisturisers to serums, oils and acids, but what's the right ones to use and when?
Not everyone has the time, desire, or budget to invest heavily in an elaborate skincare routine. Just a handful of evidence-based products can deliver meaningful results, even amongst the overwhelming number of choices available. At the core of any effective anti-ageing routine are two
proven essentials:
Sunscreen (AM) and retinoid. (PM)
Skincare routine
You don’t need to complicate your routine - everyones skin concerns are different and it will vary depending on your age and expectations.
Understanding what each ingredient does, what it’s best for, and when it should be used is a good start.
As a guideline, try to follow the below basic routine:
AM routine (Protect)
Cleanse
Hydrate (Hyaluronic Acid)
Moisturise
Sunscreen - (SPF 30+ - UVA & UVB)
PM routine (Repair)
Cleanse
Hydrating mist (Hyaluronic Acid)
Retinoid
Moisturise
This is a good starting point if you don't currently have one in place. I will do a more in-depth AM/PM skincare routine post separately.
Having a good at-home routine is half the battle won and consistency is key. Treating yourself to a facial once in a while will not be enough. Even if you have regular facials but don't follow a good at-home routine - you may not see the results you're after.
Morning vs evening skincare: Why timing matters
Some ingredients protect your skin during the day, while others work best overnight when your skin is in repair mode. Using the right ingredient at the right time helps prevent irritation and maximises results.
This guide breaks down the most effective skincare ingredients so you can build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
Best for | When | Good to know | |
Vitamin C |
| ☀️ AM | A reliable and powerful antioxidant and the most researched and tested |
CoQ10 |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | Antioxidant, protects against external pollutants & free radicals. |
(SPF 30+) Broad-spectrum protectant (UVA & UVB) |
| ☀️ AM only - even in winter! | UVA protects from ageing whilst UVB only protects from burning. |
Retinol(Vitamin A) |
| 🌚 PM Only | Sun-sensitive. Introduce gradually if you're new to retinoids and start on a lower strength level first. Limit to 1-2 days per week to start, build to 3-4 days as your skin adjusts. increase strength as your skin becomes more tolerant. Speeds up cell turnover for more radiant skin, boosts collagen and elastin, prevents pores from clogging, smoothes out rough patches and fades dark spots. |
Glycolic Acid (AHA) |
| 🌚 PM Only - 1-2 times per week. | The only acid that makes you sun-sensitive. An exfoliating acid that helps increase cell turnover, penetrates deeply to aid in collagen production. |
Salicylic Acid (BHA) |
| 🌚 PM | Derived from Willow bark. An oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into pores. Loosens the 'glue' that causes breakouts and oily, uneven skin. If you're allergic to aspirin, check before you use |
Azelaic Acid |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | . Not an actual acid like the AHA's & BHA's. |
Hyaluronic Acid |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM Or throughout the day with a HA mist. | Comes in Serums and mists. Not an actual acid like the AHA's & BHA's. As we age, your skin finds it harder to retain moisture, HA replaces lost moisture. |
Squalane |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | A lightweight hydrating oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, locking in moisture without clogging pores. Can be applied as the final step in your skincare routine to lock products in. |
Ceramides |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | Essential for repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. |
Peptides |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | Support collagen production and help improve firmness and helps smooth out lines. Usually found in serums. Good under any routine. |
Niacinamide (B3) |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | Helps maintain a strong skin barrier, oil regulation and mild pigmentation. |
Bakuchiol |
| ☀️ AM or 🌚 PM | A plant derived product and a gentler alternative to retinol. Especially good if you are too sensitive to retinols or pregnant and breastfeeding. |
Want to learn more?
If you're unsure about where to start with your skincare routine, why not book in a Discovery Facial with me where we can do a more personalised consultation and help you get on the right skincare journey.
Product recommendations
I have listed some of my personal favourite products from the Halo shop that are available to purchase. You can also find more listed favourites from other brands here.
A gentle and lush eye and lip make-up remover to use pre-cleanse.
A gorgeous cleansing balm that melts away all your worries. Lifts sebum, dirt and pollution whuilst nourishing the skin. Smells divine!
A hydrating and protecting mist that will keep you glowing whilst on the go! Can be used morning, noon and night.
A gentle enzyme exfoliator and a personal favourite. Instantly smooths and brightens the skin.
A light liquid gel exfoliator with glycolic and fruit acids (AHA's) to smooth and brighten the skin.
Excellent for breakouts or congested prone skin. Will help reduce inflammation without drying out the skin.
Infused with astaxanthin and vitamins, this cream will leave your skin luminous, help even skin tone and improve overall skin condition.
Protect your skin with this light, broad spectrum sunscreen. Reef-safe.
Don't forget the eyes! De-puff the eyes and reduce dark circles with the Genosys peptide complex eye cream.
Lock in your night-time routine and wake-up with plump, smooth and revitalized skin with this ceramide overnight mask.
Not on the shop ...
A few other recommendations below of products I personally like. Let me know what your favourites are.
Cleansers
Elemis Pro-collagen cleansing balm - I particularly love the rose scented one.
Skin Rocks - The "queen of skincare" Caroline Hirons - what's not to love!
Skin Cycles - Squalane cream cleanser
Acids
Soho Skins - Liquid exfoliator
Paula's Choice - 2% BHA exfoliating toner
Pixi Glow Tonic - 5 % glycolic acid toner
Retinoids
Skin Rocks - 3 options to choose from. start on 1 if you're new to retinoids.
Medik8 - Crystal retinal. 6 strengths to choose from depending on your tolerance.
Sarah Chapman - A choice of 2 strengths to choose from.
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