Esteemed UK Plastic Surgeon Shares His Science-Backed Skin Non-Negotiables

with Mr Nigel Mercer MB ChB, ChM, FRCS (Eng), FRCPCH, FFFMLM, LLM, FRCS (Ed) ad hominem

If you’ve ever wondered what a veteran consultant plastic surgeon actually does for his own skin (and what he tells patients who want results, not rituals), Mr Nigel Mercer’s “non-negotiables” are blissfully simple: defend your collagen, drench your barrier and worship the sun… from the shade.

Below is his playbook, ingestible + topical, with the science that earns each spot on the team.

The Inside List: Ingestibles He Actually Rates

1) Hydrolysed Type I & III Collagen

Why he backs it: Multiple randomised trials and recent meta-analyses show oral hydrolysed collagen improves elasticity, hydration and fine lines, measurably. Peptides are absorbed and may signal fibroblasts to make more collagen.

How to use: 8g daily, taken consistently for 8–12+ weeks. (No, one scoop before a wedding won’t cut it.)

2) Hyaluronic Acid

Why he backs it: Double-blind RCTs report improved skin hydration in 2–8 weeks (and even epidermal thickening by 12 weeks) with oral Hyaluronic Acid. Think of it as moisture insurance from the inside out.

How to use: Common study range is ~100–200 mg/day of Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate).

3) Astaxanthin

Why he backs it: RCTs suggest astaxanthin can improve texture, moisture and add a layer of photoprotection by scavenging UV-induced free radicals. It is not a sunscreen but a clever co-pilot.

How to use: Typical study doses range ~4–12 mg/day.

Mercer mantra: “Supplements can support; they don’t replace sunscreen, hats, and shade. The sun writes in ink, always wear 50+ SPF to really support your ageing skin and reduce wrinkles.”

The Outside List: Topicals He Pairs With NÆRE's Nectar 01.

1) Daily Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (non-negotiable of non-negotiables)

Heliocare 360 (UK): Broad-spectrum filters + Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) for added antioxidant photoprotection; backed by clinical literature on reducing UV-induced damage.
Also excellent in the UK: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 (great UVA₁ coverage), Altruist Dermatologist SPF 50/50+ (elegant, affordable).

2) Vitamin C + E + Ferulic (AM)

Why: A well-studied antioxidant trio that helps defend collagen (types I & III), reduce oxidative stress and improve tone, ideal under SPF. SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic remains the benchmark with clinical data (and yes, it’s splurgy for a reason).

3) Prescription Retinoid or Retinal (PM)

Why: Retinoids are the most proven topical for photoaging, supporting collagen, smoothing texture and evening tone. If prescription tretinoin isn’t for you, retinaldehyde (e.g., Medik8 Crystal Retinal range) is a high-performing alternative.

4) Niacinamide (AM/PM)

Why: Barrier-supporting, redness-reducing, pigment-modulating and plays well with others. An unsung hero for almost every skin type.

The 'Mercer Method' Skincare Routine

Morning

Drink NÆRE's Nectar 01.
Gentle cleanse
Vitamin C/E/Ferulic serum
Niacinamide serum (if you’re prone to redness/oiliness)
Sunscreen - generous, every day (e.g., Heliocare 360, hats and shade always encouraged)

Evening

Cleanse (double cleanse if SPF/makeup)
Retinoid
Barrier-loving moisturiser (ceramides, glycerin, HA)

Mercer’s Guardrails (Because Science > Hype)

Sunscreen Is Foundational.

Antioxidants and astaxanthin assist; they don’t block UV.

Consistency Is Key.

Collagen and Hyaluronic trials generally show 8–12 week horizons for visible change. You need to be consistent and habitual with your skincare to see fab results.