Dr Ahmed’s Skincare Must-Haves: The Morning Routine for Glowy, Healthy Skin
Skincare is something we take VERY seriously - and if you’ve landed here, chances are, you do too. Whether you’re navigating the early signs of ageing, post-treatment skin maintenance, or just want that dewy, fresh-faced glow, building a solid skincare regimen is non-negotiable for maintaining healthy-looking skin. And who better to guide us through the glow-up than the ever-brilliant Dr Ahmed? Known for his expert aesthetic eye and no-nonsense skincare advice, Dr Ahmed recently shared an updated Morning Skin Care Routine “based on popular demand” - and we’re taking notes.
Here’s what’s currently on his skincare regime shelf, and why these products have earned a permanent place in his daily skincare routine.
Start Fresh: Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash
When Dr Ahmed wakes up feeling “a little bit more on the oilier side,” the first product he reaches for is the Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash.
This gentle cleanser is ideal for normal skin, oily or combination skin types. It helps gently exfoliate the skin while giving it a bright, refreshed appearance. Thanks to ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, it clears away impurities and helps to balance oil production without leaving the skin dry or stripped.
Why it works:
• Exfoliates dead skin cells gently using a gentle formula
• Helps even out uneven skin tone and reduce dark spots
• Preps the layer of skin for active ingredients to follow
Whether you wear makeup or not, starting with a clean base is key. A good cleanser not only refreshes the skin but ensures that every facial serum and moisturiser for combination skin you apply after works that little bit harder - especially for sensitive skin types.
The Power Player: Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Next up in Dr Ahmed’s morning routine? “The first active step in my skincare steps is a good quality antioxidant,” he explains. “A good quality vitamin C.”
Vitamin C is one of those ingredients everyone in the beauty industry talks about - and for good reason. It protects the skin from sun damage, helps fade pigmentation and dark spots, and adds that lit-from-within glow we all crave.
Dr Ahmed’s go-to is Dr Barbara Sturm’s Vitamin C Serum, followed by her Face Cream for Men. He’s quick to add: “It actually says face cream for men, but I mean, it’s a skincare product. It doesn’t matter. Male, female, or anything in between.”
What makes Vitamin C a must-have?
• Neutralises free radicals (think pollution, UV, and stress)
• Boosts collagen production for healthy skin
• Brightens dull skin and reduces the appearance of pores
• Helps reduce dark circles and pigmentation
Vitamin C serums can vary in strength and stability, so it’s worth investing in a well-formulated one. As always, apply it to dry skin after double cleansing - preferably on slightly wet skin - and before moisturising.
Moisturise and Seal: Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream
Let’s talk moisturiser. It’s the unsung hero of any effective skincare routines - locking in hydration, softening skin texture, and creating a smooth canvas for your SPF.
Dr Ahmed uses Dr Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream for Men, but as he points out, the label is irrelevant when the formulation works. What matters is the lightweight texture, absorption, and how your skin with moisture feels afterwards.
This moisturiser delivers just the right amount of hydration without clogged pores. Ideal for dry skin types, it’s formulated with fatty acids to support the protective barrier and works harmoniously with other actives like Vitamin C.
Why you need a morning moisturiser:
• Keeps skin hydrated throughout the day
• Reinforces the protective barrier
• Helps serums and SPFs absorb evenly
• Maintains balanced skin, even for acne-prone skin and blemish-prone skin
Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive skin, or somewhere in between, never skip this step.
The Golden Rule: Daily SPF - Without Fail
We all know sun damage is a leading cause of premature skin ageing. But not all SPFs are created equal - and finding one that offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast or greasy finish is the skincare jackpot.
Dr Ahmed’s current favourite is the Intradermology SPF 50 Broad Spectrum.
“This is actually my current favourite one,” he says. “It protects from UVA and UVB.”
And because SPF needs reapplying throughout the day, he pairs it with the ZO Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 for easy top-ups.
“I will use my Intradermology SPF in the morning, and then a couple of hours later, or say three hours later, I’ll apply this on top.”
Why broad-spectrum SPF is essential
• UVA protection guards against mature skin concerns
• UVB protection prevents sunburn and long-term skin conditions
• Reduces the risk of skin cancer
• Maintains the results of aesthetic treatments (like peels, lasers, and injectables)
• Helps protect delicate skin from moisture loss
For all-day protection, simple steps like reapplication are key - especially if you’re outdoors, using screens, or on the go. Powder SPFs are great for clearer skin without the greasy residue.
Dr Ahmed’s Skincare Philosophy: It’s About Consistency
If there’s one thing that stands out from Dr Ahmed’s routine, it’s this - skincare isn’t about using dozens of products. It’s about using the right ones, consistently.
From a gentle cleanser to a potent antioxidant, a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid serums, and a reliable SPF - this routine supports all skin concerns and skin types without overcomplication.
Each product plays its part in keeping hydrated skin, radiant skin, and healthy skin achievable day after day.
Build Your Own Routine
Not sure where to start? Dr Ahmed’s morning line-up is a great blueprint. Here’s a quick breakdown to guide your own routine:
• Double cleanse - Use a cotton pad if needed to remove impurities before washing.
• Antioxidant or hydrating serum - Choose one with hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C for glow and protection.
• Moisturiser - Lock in hydration based on your skin type (e.g., moisturiser for combination skin).
• SPF - Broad-spectrum, and SPF 30 or higher for daily wear.
• Top-up SPF - Powder or spray formulas for reapplying on skin at night or during the day.
Bonus: Add spot treatments or Eye Creams to address any specific skin concerns like dark circles or blemish-prone skin.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Skincare Essential?
As Dr Ahmed shows us, skincare isn’t about perfection - it’s about protection, prevention, and a little bit of glow. His current favourites are high-quality, hard-working, and backed by ingredients proven in clinical trials.
Skincare tip from us to you: whatever your go-to product is right now, stick with it if it’s working - and don’t be afraid to invest in a few key pieces that will keep your skin sensitive but glowing in the long run.
So now we’ve shared Dr Ahmed’s favourites, we want to know - what’s your current can’t-live-without skincare product?
Tag us @theaestheticsdoctor on Instagram and share your glow-up essentials.
