I’ve been around the proverbial beauty block and, in my 35 years of writing about skincare, I've worked on national newspapers, ITV’s This Morning, glossy magazines and weekend supplements, as well as covering all things beauty on my Youtube and Instagram channels.
Over the years, I’ve seen the world of ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ turn into a crazy 12-step routine of A-level Chemistry actives, and I've tested the majority of products, treatments and gadgets out there.
The result? I always stick to scientifically proven, dermatology-approved active ingredients and skincare products that actually work – yes, even on my historically sun-damaged and rapidly ageing face.
Save money on cleansing
In the morning, I use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser in the shower, and not only on my face – it works for your entire body. And for your entire family. Formulated with the help of leading US dermatologists, it cleanses without stripping and is a bestseller for good reason.
At night, I go for No7 Derm Solutions Comforting Cream Cleanser because you need a cream cleanser to properly remove makeup and SPF, as well as the daily grime. This does what it says on the tube – massage in, emulsify with water and use a cloth to wipe away. The result: clean, hydrated soft skin without breaking the bank.
No7 Derm Solutions Comforting Cream Cleanser
Use the best face cloth
It’s not as easy to find a great face cloth as you think! I love Jordan Samuel Skin Cleansing Cloth. It’s white, so very satisfying to see the makeup come off, is supersized for using on your neck and chest, too, and is microfibre, which means the superfine fibres create a larger surface area – so they supercharge any cleanser you use and make light work of long-lasting eye makeup. Buy now, thank me later – you’ll never use a muslin cloth or flannel ever again.
Jordan Samuel The Skincare Cloth
Trust in great serums
Protect with: Geek & Gorgeous 101 C-Glow. Vitamin C every morning, first thing, will not only help protect your skin from pollution and, to a degree, sunlight, it will also help boost collagen production and keep clumps of pigment at bay (yes, the dreaded age spots). Until recently, you’d have to pay a lot of money for a decent vitamin C, but not any more. This little gem hits all the right formulation points and delivers.
Hydrate with: Hada Labo Tokyo Premium Lotion Intense. A favourite in Japan, this stuff is like a long, tall drink of water for your skin. Use it from your hairline to your nipples and your skin will drink it in and instantly plump. Hyaluronic acid essentially binds water on to and into your skin to keep it soft, looking glowy and hydrated.
Hada Labo Tokyo Premium Lotion Intense
Repair with: No7 Future Renew Serum. Two unique peptides trick your skin into repairing sun damage, it feels great under makeup and it triples as an eye, neck and chest serum. The clinical trials behind this are second to none in the beauty world, but remember: peptides are a ‘slow and steady wins the race’ ingredient.
Always use SPF
A good sun protection lotion used to be hard to find, but there are now many lighter, less greasy formulations available. Avène Ultra Fluid SPF50 for Sensitive Skin never causes eyes to sting, doubles as a moisturiser and SPF, and feels premium, yet is still affordable enough for you not to feel you have to scrimp on how much you use.
Lock in moisture
I highly recommend Naturium Multi-Peptide Rich Cream. It feels rich but has a water break, which makes it feel like a serum (try it in store before you buy, if you don’t believe me). It also does a lot more than just moisturise, with added peptides and humectants to lock water into your skin. Use it morning or night with impunity.
Believe in vitamin A
Vitamin A is your skin’s best friend as it improves most healthy skin functions – it speeds up skin cell turnover and regulates melanin pigment production, sebum production and the creation of new hyaluronic acid in the skin. Trust me, it does it all.
Retinol is the most common form found in skincare, but retinal is better tolerated. The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1-24 range, will take you from level 1 to level 24 with ease, with 24 being the strongest you can get before using prescription-strength creams from a dermatologist. Use at night only.
Boost with a DIY face peel
Occasionally, your skin can look grey and feel rough to the touch – possible post-illness, at the change of the seasons or even just because you’ve neglected your skincare routine (we all do it). I get it and The Ordinary 30% AHA 2% HA Peeling Solution works in under five minutes to clear away dead skin cells and revive a dull-looking complexion. Apply a thin layer, wait three to five minutes and wash away.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
P.S. You’ll notice no eye products or neck creams here – that’s because, in my opinion, they’re not needed. The introduction of serums 20 years ago made 99% of eye products redundant, and skin is skin, so just take your face products down on to your neck and chest. Same with sheet masks; they’re a lovely add-on but not essential.
