The world of skincare can be overwhelming. The advice out there can be so conflicting and it’s hard to choose out of the hundreds of products on offer at your local Boots. A great place to start is by watching a few YouTube videos made by Dermatologists such as Dr Dray, or consult a skincare specialist if you have overly problematic skin. And as always, make sure to research, research, research before splashing out on expensive products! In the meantime, we’ve compiled a few bitesize skincare tips and tricks below to get you started!
- Sunscreen is an absolute must for all skin types, wherever you live, and whatever the weather! UVA and UVB rays lead to fine lines, pigmentation, decreased elasticity, and of course and an increased risk of skin cancer. Use an absolute minimum of factor 30 daily (yes, even in the winter).
- Don’t use exfoliants daily! It’s often advised to use them no more than twice a week, or you might risk damaging your skin barrier. Always build up any new products (e.g. once a week, then twice a week). Hyram has a brilliant guide in this video.
- Apply your moisturiser while your skin is still damp, to seal in that hydration goodness!
- Not all ingredients labelled ‘acid’ are exfoliants! Hyaluronic acid for example, is moisturising rather than exfoliating. Check out this guide!
- Avoid face wipes – they often do more damage than good!
- When layering products, wait a couple of minutes in between applying the layers, so that they don’t counteract or dilute the next one you put on.
- Vitamin C is a fantastic skincare ingredient, used for hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone (amongst many other benefits). Start off slow and only once you have developed a basic skincare routine. Check out Lab Muffin Beauty Science’s Q&A on vitamin C!
- Look for ceramides in your skincare – these are skin-loving ingredients to help create a barrier to prevent permeability.
- Foaming face washes can be drying. Opt for a non-lathering cleanser for maximum hydration. Check out the best facial cleansers for your skin type, by skincare guru James Welsh.
- Drying your face with an abrasive towel can cause micro-tears and irritate sensitive skin. Gently cleanse and lightly pat, and wait for your skin to dry on its own.
- Fragrance in skincare products may be nice, but can often cause irritation to very sensitive skin.
- Korean skincare products are often more advanced than UK or USA brands, but beware of Amazon ‘fakes’ – this is more common than you might think!
- Double-cleansing can be beneficial. Start with an oil or balm cleanser, followed by a hydrating creamy cleanser. Check out Hyram’s beginners guide on how to clean your skin.
- Layer your products in order of thinnest texture to the thickest. As a guide, use the order of cleanser, toner/essence, serums, eye cream, moisturiser, followed by SPF.
- Oils can be used in the evenings after your moisturiser for extra hydration. It’s best to research the benefits of different oils so that you can find the right one for your skincare needs.
- Dehydrated skin no matter what you use? Sometimes something as simple as drinking more water, can make the world of difference.
- Niacinamide is a brilliant ingredient. It can regulate oils, treat hyperpigmentation among other benefits. However, always do a patch test as some can be sensitive to it.
- Retinols are one of the only proven skincare ingredients to reverse the signs of aging. They can cause a lot of irritation though so don’t dive into the deep end! Start with a basic routine before introducing this and as always, do plenty of research!
- The 7-skins skincare routine is brilliant for just about any skin type!
- Dark circles? Caffeine serums can help, but be aware that they are often hereditary and sometimes it’s not worth shelling out a fortune for creams that might not do what they claim.
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a cleanser or toner that contains salicylic acid – a brilliant acid to minimise those pesky pimples!
- If you find that white product balls are appearing on the surface of your skin (pilling) you could either be using too many products, or your products don’t layer together well. Strip your routine down to cleanser, moisturiser and SPF and gradually add in your other products, so that you can find the culprit!
- Patting your products into the skin can minimise pilling and maximise absorption.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a fantastic topical ingredient for stubborn acne.
- Avoid touching your face! Germs from your hands can spead bacteria and cause breakouts.
- Puffy eyes? Pop a metal spoon in the fridge before bed and lightly press onto closed eyes in the morning.
- There are two types of sunscreens – mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin’s surface, acting like a physical blocker from UV rays. They are effective as soon as they are applied and are least irritating for the skin. They can however leave a white cast, so you might want to opt for a tinted product. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin and sit in the deeper layers, absorbing UV rays, converting them to heat, and then releasing that heat from the skin. They take about 20 minutes to be effective and can be less irritating than mineral sunscreens. Watch skincare expert Mad About Skin’s guide to sunscreen types.
- Peptides are great for anti-ageing; they can reduce the appearance of lines and crow’s-feet.
- Grab yourself a silk pillowcase to avoid morning-creases and help your skin retain moisture.
- Treat your neck as an extension of your face – making sure to wash and moisturise it daily. However, you’ll want to steer clear from exfoliants and actives, as your neck skin is thinner and can be more sensitive than the skin on your face.
- Never forget to do a patch test on the inside of your wrist when using new products.
- Skincare products do expire! Check the dates on your bottles, as expired products may harbor bacteria leading to infections and irritations.
- Do your research, but don’t be afraid of drugstore products. Cerave and La Roche Posay are good examples of cheaper products that host a whole load of skincare goodies! Check out these great budget skincare products!
- If you find your skin ‘purges’ make sure you’re not over-exfoliating – this is usually the biggest culprit of unexplained breakouts.
- Avoid physical exfoliation (brushing, products with ‘beads’ in them) as this can cause microtears in your skin, resulting in damage and worsening acne. Chemical exfoliators, like AHAs and BHAs do a brilliant job.
- What’s the difference between AHA exfoliators and BHA exfoliators? In a nutshell, AHA’s work on the surface layers of your skin, whereas BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. Research which acids to use for your skin type.
Want to know more? Check out our favourite YouTube skin experts (not affiliated):
Disclaimer: Whilst the below advice is well researched by Suit Your Look, we are by no means Dermatologists or skincare specialists. Always do your own research and consult a specialist before determining which products to use!