Glowing skin doesn’t begin with a trip to the treatment chair. Instead, it starts with consistency, according to Dr. Macrene Alexiades.

The MD, PhD and derm-scientist, whose celebrity clientele includes Chloe Fineman, Sienna Miller, Nicky Hilton, Brooke Shields, and Gwyneth Paltrow, tells ET that the best skincare secrets come from a science-backed approach.

“You need three things: a strong skin barrier, controlled inflammation, and consistent DNA and collagen support,” she explains.

“As a scientist, I’ve spent my career studying the biology behind this, and none of it requires a syringe.”

While good genes can certainly give you a head start, it’s the regimen you stick to that makes the biggest difference.

“Skin is always changing, so your routine has to cover your bases. … I’m consistent rather than dramatic. Smart habits everyday beats one big gesture a month.”

The Harvard University graduate also quick to debunk one of beauty’s biggest myths: that one magic fix is all you need. 

“Skin ages in multiple independent ways at once through laxity, texture, pigmentation, and redness, so no single ingredient is ever the whole answer. … If a product claims transformation by tomorrow, it’’ either too harsh to be sustainable or doing nothing at all. … You need a well-rounded formula.”

That philosophy is exactly what inspired her to launch Macrene Actives.

“I built my line around a complex of active ingredients rather than one trendy ingredient. It visibly improves tone, texture and firmness on its own.”

And before booking your next med-spa appointment, make sure the basics are already in place.

“Patients often want a laser or filler before they’ve even tried topical peptides, barrier repair and daily SPF.”

While Fineman has openly shared her past cometic procedures on Instagram, Alexiades believes what you put on your face is what helps deliver longer-lasting effects.

“I’ve spent much of my career researching energy-based devices, and used correctly, they’re incredible tools,” the author says.

“The issue is when they’re compensating for skin that’s never had proper daily support, which means more frequent, more aggressive treatment. … I treat clients’ skin as biology, and their face as a canvas. Good skincare is the foundation and potentiates those results, so you need the laser less often, not more.”

Her final tip has less to do with what’s in your beauty cabinet and more to do with what happens after lights out.

“Sleep and stress management are underrated because cortisol is not gentle on skin.”

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