Known in Hollywood as the go-to ‘skin whisperer’, Keren Bartov has prepped everyone from Beyonce and Kim Kardashian to Sienna Miller and Julia Roberts for their close-ups.

Victoria Beckham goes so far as to credit the British skin pioneer and aesthetician with transforming her complexion in midlife with signature treatments costing as much as £1,000 a session.

Now, Keren reveals how to get the red-carpet look – without the matching price tag. ‘You can never underestimate the power of good skin,’ says the 47-year-old mother of three. ‘In my own 20s, I struggled with acne and would hide behind my hair. It made me realise skin can impact your emotional, mental and overall wellbeing.’

With over two decades of experience and two skin clinics, Keren works alongside some of the best dermatologists and laboratories in the world to create her own products. But, she says, forget complicated 15-step rituals and empty promises. Instead, the secret to perfect dewy skin, whatever your age, is the right daily routine for you, right now.

Here, she shares her dos and don’ts to achieving that enviable A-list glow...

Known in Hollywood as the go-to ‘skin whisperer’, Keren Bartov has prepped everyone from Beyonce and Kim Kardashian to Sienna Miller and Julia Roberts for their close-ups

Victoria Beckham credits the British skin pioneer and aesthetician with transforming her complexion in midlife through 'incredible' signature treatments

Do: Change your routine, but don’t overcomplicate it

‘One of the biggest mistakes women make from their 40s onwards is sticking to the same products their skin loved ten or 20 years ago,’ Keren says.

‘Your skin changes with age, so your skincare routine should change too. That said, too

many assume ageing skin needs aggressive ingredients, such as excessively strong retinoids. But they weaken the skin’s natural ability to function properly.

‘Once you reach your 40s, the goal is not just targeting wrinkles. It’s maintaining healthy, resilient skin that functions at its best.

‘So I don’t believe in complicated daily skincare routines – sometimes, less really is more.

‘Limit yours to four to six products maximum. Begin with these essentials: a gentle cleanser, a quality moisturiser, a broad-spectrum sunscreen and one targeted serum addressing your primary concern. This could be vitamin C for brightness or hyaluronic acid for hydration. Stop overwhelming your skin and you’ll see the biggest transformations.’

Don't: Think you need injectables to make a difference

‘Sadly, so many women rush for the Botox once they pass 40. But you can make far more of a difference to ageing skin without injectables. I don’t offer these in my clinics. I like expression lines. To me, they’re part of who we are.

‘When your skin is firm, even-toned and radiant, those lines will appear completely different anyway.

‘Often healthy, glowing skin creates a more youthful appearance than skin that looks overdone or overly tight. My goal has never been to erase the years or change the face. My goal is simply to help skin look its absolute best.

‘In my own treatments, I combine technologies that stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, improve tissue oxygenation and boost collagen production, while restoring hydration and helping the skin function properly again. When skin functions better, it looks better, too.’

Do: Master skin layering

Keren Bartov has provided her skincare services to a variety of Hollywood royalty. She is seen with Kim Kardashian

‘Did you know the sequence of applying your skincare matters as much as the products themselves?’ Keren asks.

‘We follow precise layering protocols in my London treatment room as your skin responds to method as much as it does to ingredients. Even with quality products, improper application can significantly reduce their effectiveness. But done correctly, it dramatically improves efficacy.

‘Applying products in the right order ensures any active ingredients are absorbed at maximum potential. The layering principle follows a simple rule. Apply your skincare products in order from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing each one to fully absorb before applying the next.

‘The sequence for optimal results is cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream (if used), moisturiser, SPF. This way you start with the lightest, water-based formulas and build up to the heaviest creams without diluting or disturbing the layer below.

‘Allow a minimum of 30 seconds between applications, depending on consistency and your skin’s absorption rate.

‘Be patient. I will wait for three to five minutes to ensure a product has absorbed.’

Don't: Skip daily SPF

‘Always finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher,’ she says. ‘This step is non-negotiable at any age. Even when I’m in my clinic and it’s raining, I apply SPF. In warm weather, I’ll reapply it hourly.

‘The most important thing isn’t the brand, it’s wearing sunscreen every day. Any lightweight, high-quality SPF that feels comfortable is good if it encourages you to use it consistently.

‘For affordable options, I often recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+ (£15.75, boots.com) or Avene Very High Protection SPF50+ (£21.50, tesco.com). Don’t forget to apply it to every exposed area; include your neck, ears, decolletage and the backs of your hands.’

Do: Cleanse twice a day

Keren Bartov's Advanced Skincare is prestigious in celebrity circles, enough to list the likes of Jennifer Lopez among its clientele

‘I always recommend cleansing twice a day,’ she says. ‘It should be the foundation of everyone’s skincare routine.

‘Start with a pH-balanced cleanser appropriate for your skin type – creamier for drier, mature complexions. If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser is wrong.

‘In the evening, it’s essential to remove make-up, SPF and everything that has accumulated on the skin throughout the day.

‘This can be done using a good micellar water alone, such as my Hyaluronic Micellar H2O (£80, kerenbartov.co.uk), or as part of a double cleanse, following on with a second rinse-off cleanser.

‘You don’t need face cloths, flannels or cleansing devices, just fingertips. Wash your hands then gently massage any product in gentle circular motions. The goal is to cleanse your skin thoroughly without compromising the delicate skin barrier.

‘An important tip is also to opt for lukewarm or cold instead of hot water, as this can dry out the skin and weaken your skin barrier.’

Do: Invest in the products that stay on your skin longest

‘I always recommend investing in products that remain on your skin for the longest.

‘The best serums, moisturisers and sunscreens continue to work for hours after application, and can genuinely improve your skin long term. But you don’t need to break the bank.

‘Alongside my own skincare, there are a few essentials you’ll always find in my bathroom.

‘Good-quality cotton pads, petroleum jelly for dry lips or dry patches, and a nourishing hand cream.

‘We often focus so much on our face that we forget our hands also tell our story. I enjoy using L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (£10, uk.loccitane.com) and Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash (£34, aesop.co.uk), which don’t leave my hands feeling dry.

‘In terms of light cosmetics, I like using Chanel Baume Essentiel Glow Stick (£38, johnlewis.com) for a natural, healthy glow, especially before an event or photoshoot.

‘Finally, healthy, shiny hair always complements beautiful skin. I use Kerastase Nutritive Shampoo & Hair Mask (£74 for the duo, lookfantastic.com) for their nourishing formulation.’

Don't: Hone in on ‘hero ingredients’

Keren recommends seeking formulations where the ingredients work together, instead of focusing on one miracle solution. Products from Keren Bartov's skincare range are pictured

‘I don’t believe in one single “hero ingredient”. Instead seek intelligent formulations where the ingredients work together.

‘I’m very proud of the clinical evidence to back the effectiveness of products such as my own Booster Peel & Glow Serum (£170), pictured left. It’s a precise combination of gentle acids including lactic, citric, salicylic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid and ferulic acid to gently exfoliate, smooth and brighten without irritation.

‘This is particularly helpful post-summer for addressing dullness, visible pores, deeper lines and dark spots. Ultimately, it’s not the price that matters though, it’s the quality of the formulation and whether it’s right for your skin, right now.

‘As we age, there is a natural decline in elastin, collagen and hydration levels, alongside slower renewal processes. So I regularly use vitamin C, ceramides, next-generation peptides, essential fatty acids and gentle exfoliating acids.

‘Vitamin C is most effective when applied to clean skin in the morning, as it provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage throughout the day. Peptides are amino acid chains that signal skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Ceramides are lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

‘Look for products with clinical studies backing claims and read reviews from others with similar skin types.’

Do: Prioritise your skin barrier

Keren Bartov's advanced skin serum. She advises one targeted serum as part of a simple 'six product maximum' skincare regime

‘The skin barrier is like velvet armour, it should be strong yet supple. A damaged skin barrier manifests itself through several telltale signs. The most common include persistent dryness, reactions to products that previously caused no issues and tightness.

‘Environmental factors such as harsh weather, over-cleansing, excessive exfoliation and stress all contribute.

‘When I treat clients, their barrier health is always my first priority. A red-carpet glow isn’t created overnight. It begins months in advance. If someone has pigmentation, acne, redness or uneven texture, you have to treat the underlying concern.

‘Sometimes it’s dehydration, sometimes it’s poor circulation. Hormones do impact skin as we age too, but if you have inflammation, the priority is to reduce it quickly while avoiding anything that will further irritate.

‘At home, you can cool the area with a cold spoon that has been in the refrigerator for a few minutes, or use a cold compress wrapped in a clean cloth. To cover a blemish or reactive skin, I like NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer (£29.50, spacenk.com).

‘Consistency is key. Keep your routine simple, focus on restoring the skin barrier and avoid overloading the skin with unnecessary ingredients.’

Don't: Be swayed by algorithms

‘It has never been easier to damage your skin. Recently, I’m seeing more and more women of all age ranges building skincare routines based on social media.

‘But often, your skin doesn’t need what the algorithm recommends. Don’t buy products because they’ve gone viral, mix ingredients that shouldn’t

be used together or use high-strength actives like acids or strong retinoids simply because someone online said they’re “better”.

‘Certain ingredients might also cause irritation when used together, such as combining vitamin C with retinol in the same application.

‘Most women don’t need stronger skincare, they need smarter skincare. That’s why your routine shouldn’t ever be built around trends.’