Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme Reveals Her Ultimate Beauty Secrets
Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, renowned skin expert and founder of ZKIN, shares her go-to beauty routine and must-have skincare essentials. From expert-approved staples to her game-changing ZKIN LED Face Mask, discover the products she swears by for radiant, healthy skin.
What are the top 3 skincare steps everyone should follow, no matter their skin type?
- Cleanse
A gentle and effective cleanser which removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin – a non-foaming cleanser for dry skin works best. - Hydrate
A good moisturiser strengthens the skin barrier and locks in hydration. Look out for ingredients which help to support the barrier function of the skin (such as humectants which pull moisture to the skin). This includes ingredients such as panthenol, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. In the winter months, also look for ingredients that help lock in that moisture, such as ceramides and shea butter (particularly if you have dry or irritated skin). I recommend moisturising twice a day in the winter months. - Protect
The final stage in your routine is sunscreen with a factor of 30 or above. I recommend using sunscreen all year round too though, swapping to a factor 50 in the summer months.
Look out for ingredients which help to support the barrier function of the skin
What’s the most common mistake people make with their skincare routine?
Adding too many steps to the routine is one way I often see issues. Often, there are multiple exfoliators used, which can be too harsh on the skin, leading to irritation. If you do have skin acids in the routine such as AHAs or BHA start these slowly 1-3 times a week and only increase if needed.
How should someone choose the right products for their skin type?
In order to pick the best products for your skin type you first need to know if you have naturally dry or oily skin. To figure this out. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser dry and then leave it for about 20mins. If your skin feels balanced it is likely more oily than dry and if it feels tight and parched it is likely more dry than oily.
Now you know your skin type, if you have dry skin, opt for gentle cleansers and thicker moisturisers. Alternatively, if you’ve got oily skin, try foaming cleansers and water or gel-based moisturisers.
If you are struggling to understand your skintype the best next step would be to see a professional for help. At Adonia medical clinic the team and I can help cut thorough the sea of products with a streamlined skincare routine.
How can people build an effective skincare routine without overcomplicating it?
Start simple: cleanse, hydrate (moisturise), protect (with SPF). The additional steps would be an antioxidant such as vitamin C or CE ferulic acid to neutralise free radicals. After this the only additional products would be products that target specific concerns such as:
- Dark marks – consider an arbutin serum
- Fine lines – retinoids can be helpful
- Redness – zzelaic acid can help calm the skin.
Outside the routine at home, skincare masks can be helpful. An at-home LED mask like my ZKIN LED Light Therapy Mask (£499.00) can enhance results without complicating the routine – ZKIN has red light which can boost the skin by helping to strength the skin and aid glowing skin.
What’s your best advice for skincare newbies?
Remember two things; less is more and start with the basics.
Are there certain skincare products you tell people to avoid?
There are no real bad products, a product could be very good but just not the right one for you. The best advice is to listen to your skin. If a product is burning, stinging or irritating the skin then stop using it.
If someone is in their 20s or 30s, what should they do now to maintain great skin long-term?
In 20s and 30s protection is key use an SPF at least 30 every day and add in an antioxidant to neutralise free radicals. If free radicals are left unchecked, they can lead to hyperpigmentation, redness, dullness, dry skin and even premature fine lines to doing this can be helpful long term.
From late 30s you could consider a retinoid to increase the skin turn over, but this is a nice to have at this stage not a need to have.
Are there any underrated skincare habits that can make a big difference over time?
Consistency – slow and steady with skincare get the best results over time. Don’t product hop. Instead give products three skin cycles which is usually 12 weeks to get the full benefits.
What’s the biggest misconception about skincare?
That expensive always means better. The right formulation for your skin matters more than the price tag.
What skincare trends are you excited about right now?
There are more studies coming out about the skin microbiome. I look forward to seeing more evidence in this space and new products incorporating this. Skin minimalism and embracing bare skin.
What are your top 5 favourite products and why?
What’s 1 skincare myth you wish people would stop believing?
That pores can “open and close.”
With so much skincare advice on social media, how can people tell what’s real and what’s just hype?
I’d say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for evidence-based recommendations.
If someone only has 5 minutes for skincare, what should they focus on?
Cleanser – a gentle, non-foaming cleanser in the winter is best, and it doesn’t need to break the bank.
Moisturiser – a good moisturiser, look out for ingredients which help to support the barrier function of the skin (such as Humectants which pull moisture to the skin).
Sunscreen.
If there’s time for one extra step, an antioxidant serum like vitamin C is a great addition.
What’s the one skincare tip you think everyone should know?
SPF is non-negotiable. No matter the weather, wearing SPF daily is the best thing you can do for your skin long-term.
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