For many, skincare routines are a non-negotiable ritual – but according to one doctor, they should never be complicated.
Dr Joseph Hkeik, a renowned aesthetic physician whose famous clients include Elle McPherson, Rita Ora, Eva Mendes and Mel B, said you only need three products in your beauty cabinet: cleanser, serum and moisturiser.
‘For most people, it’s all you need to maintain healthy, balanced skin,’ the Sydney celebrity doctor told Daily Mail.
‘The key is using the right products consistently, rather than adding more – healthy skin comes from supporting the barrier, not overwhelming it.’
His ‘less-is-more’ philosophy led to the founding of a skincare brand, aptly named Lana Banana, after his niece Lana Sayah approached him with a business idea.
‘We don’t believe people need shelves of 20 products or to constantly rotate through the latest trends which often leads to wasted money and compromised skin. Instead, we encourage investing in a small number of well-formulated products that are used consistently. A little truly goes a long way,’ Dr Hkeik said.
Just one year after launch, the Aussie brand won Prevention’s 2025 Best in Beauty Award for Cleanser, earning the number one spot for its exfoliating cleanser.
‘It honestly meant so much,’ Lana told Daily Mail, explaining that the team had quietly nominated the cleanser for the award without telling her.
Renowned aesthetic Dr Joseph Hkeik and his niece Lana Sayah founded Lana Banana
The renowned aesthetic physician has a lengthy list of famous clients include Mel B
‘I’d always known deep down that the formula was something unique, but having it recognised by industry professionals was incredibly validating. It felt like a real milestone for the brand and a reminder that our approach truly resonates.
‘Our Exfoliating Cleanser is award-winning for a reason. It provides gentle exfoliation while keeping the skin barrier intact, leaving the skin smooth, fresh, and balanced rather than tight or compromised. The scent is also divine.’
The $35 cleanser is one of the brand’s best-sellers, with fans giving it five-star reviews and some even saying they are ‘honestly obsessed’.
‘Hands down the best cleanser I’ve used – feels fresh after a long day at work,’ one shopper raved.
Just one year after launch, the Aussie brand won Prevention’s 2025 Best in Beauty Award for Cleanser, earning the number one spot for its exfoliating cleanser
‘The Exfoliating Cleanser I now reach for above all else. My favourite step of my skincare routine, leaves my skin smooth without irritation. The scent is also so luxurious reflecting its worth. My new go to skincare brand,’ another shared.
‘I love this cleanser, definitely a high-end product but it’s obviously worth it. Leaves me feeling cleansed especially because I wear SPF and love to remove that before bed. The scent is 10/10, makes me feel like I’m at a spa,’ one added.
‘I have been nervous to try exfoliators for the first time, but the Lana Banana one has been so wonderful. It smells luxurious and feels even nice. My skin glows the day after using this,’ another revealed.
Having worked with her uncle at his All Saint Clinic for over a decade, Lana was inspired to launch the brand after observing younger skin growing increasingly ‘reactive and damaged’ due to overuse, conflicting advice, and trend-driven routines that weaken the skin barrier.
‘I came to my uncle with the idea of creating skincare that cut through that noise,’ she said.
Dr Hkeik’s ‘less-is-more’ philosophy led to the founding of a skincare brand, aptly named Lana Banana, after his niece Lana Sayah approached him with a business idea
On a mission to demystify skincare, Lana Banana streamlines the process with a three-step routine for morning and night – everything you need to support skin health and strengthen the barrier
On a mission to demystify skincare, Lana Banana streamlines the process with a three-step routine for morning and night – everything you need to support skin health and strengthen the barrier.
‘The sets are so popular because they remove all guesswork,’ Lana said.
‘They’re designed to be simple and intuitive, with a quick three-step routine that’s clearly numbered, so you never have to worry about using products in the wrong order or overcomplicating your skincare routine.’
Dr Hkeik, the founder of All Saint Clinic in Sydney and Le Petit Saint in London, said their products are ideal for anyone who feels ‘overwhelmed’ by skincare and wants simplicity in their routine.
‘The range is doctor-backed, barrier-focused, and built around supporting long-term skin health rather than quick fixes,’ he explained.
‘It’s designed to simplify routines without compromising on quality, using well-formulated, effective products that work with the skin, not against it.
‘Whether you’re new to skincare or looking to reset your routine, Lana Banana offers a trusted, uncomplicated approach that delivers results.’
Dr Hkeik said some of the biggest mistakes he sees people make include using too many skincare products, choosing the wrong ingredients for their skin types or constantly switching between brands (pictured with Miranda Kerr)
Lana and her uncle Dr Hkeik are hoping to expand their range, particularly in the space where ‘skincare meets makeup’
Before creating the range, Dr Hkeik said some of the biggest mistakes he sees people make include using too many skincare products, choosing the wrong ingredients for their skin types or constantly switching between brands.
‘Using too many actives at once, or the wrong actives often creates more problems than it solves, such as irritation, sensitivity, breakouts, and a compromised skin barrier,’ he said.
‘A lot of this comes from trend-led skincare and conflicting advice online. People are constantly switching products, layering strong ingredients, and chasing quick fixes rather than supporting long-term skin health.
‘In clinic, we see far better results when routines are simplified and consistent.’
He said Lana Banana’s range has been ‘intentionally edited’ so people ‘know exactly what to use, when, and why’.
‘It’s especially important for maintaining healthy, resilient skin long-term,’ he said.
The brand’s Day and Night Sets start at $200, with each pack containing just three products: a cleanser, a serum, and a moisturiser.
The brand’s best seller is the night and morning sets (left). Lana Banana’s newest addition is the Liquid Filter (right), a three-in-one foundation, makeup base and primer, created to be your ‘everyday, real-life filter’
From a consumer perspective, Lana Banana’s price point may seem premium – but Dr Hkeik noted that it reflects the care, quality, and intention behind each product.
‘Lana Banana is formulated using high-quality ingredients, manufactured in Australia to very high standards, and designed to deliver results without unnecessary complexity,’ he said.
‘When you look at cost per use, longevity, and the fact that the range replaces multiple products, the value becomes very clear. You’re paying for formulas that are effective, considered, and designed to support skin health long term.’
Lana Banana’s newest addition is the Liquid Filter, a three-in-one foundation, makeup base and primer, created to be your ‘everyday, real-life filter’.
‘I wear it every day on its own, and I’m constantly getting asked what I’m using because my skin looks so healthy and glowy,’ Lana said.
‘I’m not a fan of foundation for everyday so this is the perfect alternative – it enhances my skin without covering it.
‘I stopped wearing foundation completely while testing it, and I was constantly being complimented on how good my skin looked. That’s what makes Liquid Filter different – it refines, protects, and enhances skin so it still looks like skin.’
Lana and her uncle Dr Hkeik are hoping to expand their range, particularly in the space where ‘skincare meets makeup’ (Dr Hkeik pictured with Elle Macpherson)
Among the range, Dr Hkeik said his all-time favourite product is the Night Serum.
‘I love how it gently refines the skin through controlled exfoliation while still supporting hydration and the skin barrier,’ he explained.
Lana and her uncle Dr Hkeik are hoping to expand their range, particularly in the space where ‘skincare meets makeup’.
‘The Liquid Filter was the beginning of that conversation, and it’s opened the door for us to develop products that enhance skin while still supporting skin health,’ she said.
‘We’ll always stay true to our less-is-more philosophy, meaning every new product has to earn its place.
‘The focus is on formulas that refine, protect, and simplify, so skincare feels intuitive and part of everyday life.’
