Save for dermatologists, there aren’t many individuals who are as knowledgeable about the inner workings of the skin as aestheticians. They, like doctors, have seen it all: acne, dark spots, scarring, the works. But how do these skin whisperers take care of their own complexions?

Tuesday Style Dryer (TSD) decided to ask Naru Essentials principal and aesthetician Ruth-Oretta Smith. Here are her skincare secrets.

For Smith — who describes her skin as combination/oily — her nighttime routine is the most important because she says the skin is at rest and able to absorb products better, which increases their efficacy. “So the night-time routine is always to cleanse, treat and restore the skin. It starts with a double cleanse. I start with Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, then follow up with the Panoxyl Acne Creamy Wash cleanser which contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, and is gentle enough for everyday use but strong enough to combat the peskiest pimples,” she says. She then tones with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which, she says, is a must.

For her PM serums, she uses The INKEY List Retinol, and alternates between hyaluronic and lactic acid, depending on what her skin is craving that day. Once she’s applied her serums, Smith moisturises with Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturizer, which is rich in antioxidants, to weightlessly hydrate and smooth skin texture for a healthy-looking complexion. The occasional pimple is treated with a dab of AcneFree Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment.

For eyes, she uses GlyMed Plus Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. And for lips, she adds a healthy dose of her favourite Carmex Lip Balm then she’s off to bed.

Smith says while an at-home regimen is important for healthy skin, a spa facial is recommended every four to eight weeks.

Pro Tips:

• Sleeping on silk pillowcases really makes a difference. Rather than soaking up all the hydration in my skin, a silk pillowcase helps me retain it. This, in turn, will make my night-time skincare products all the more effective.

• If I notice my skin is extra dry I’ll add my fulvic acid serum as it is a powerful antioxidant that restores, regenerates and delivers key nutrients to my skin, leaving it hydrated and silky to the touch.

• Whenever I’m travelling, I carry additional SPF. My go-to right now is GlyMed Photo-Age Sunscreen 30+.