How do we separate the promise from the product, and how do we know that what we’re buying is right for our skin? The truth is, we don’t know, but through trial and error we can certainly make an educated guess. Unfortunately, this means that beautiful new bottle trending on social media might not the right idea. But what is?
The twenty-step routine you may be tempted to implement may do more harm than good.
When social media turns every new product or ingredient into a must-have, loyalty to a tried-and-tested routine might be more valuable than the latest discovery. The secret to better skincare is often buying less, not buying pricier. The twenty-step routine you may be tempted to implement may do more harm than good. The more products you use, the more ingredients you add to your skin, which increases your chance that your skin may disagree with something.
It’s classic: you fill up your shopping cart with a few products to jazz up your skincare routine, only to realize it’s so unaffordable, it’s entered the realm of make-believe! Here’s just a few easy swaps you can make to have your skin and your bank thanking you…
The £32 Rhode Glazing Milk can be swapped out for Elf’s Holy Hydration Milky Toner for only £9.
Clinique’s cleansing balm sits at £44, while the trusty No.7 cleansing balm is £11.95.
Paula’s Choice toner is £35; swap this out for Derma Skin clear toner (£5) or Superdrug BHA toner (£9).
Affordable skincare recommendations that won’t break the bank, and are just as good as any expensive product on the market…
Ceramide repairing serum — £4.45
Boots tea tree & witch hazel foaming face wash — £3.60
Boots overnight wrapping mask — £7.50
Boots Skin Clear with salicylic acid exfoliating face pads — £5
...it’s easy to accept defeat with your skin when it feels like there’s so many things you need to do to look after it...
Sometimes, it’s not your skincare that’s the problem. Spots can appear due to all kinds of reasons: hormones, vitamin deficiencies, stress, or poor diet, to name a few. This may seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to accept defeat with your skin when it feels like there’s so many things you need to do to look after it, but it may not be as complicated as you think!
Good sleep and limiting stress can do more than you think. It could also be helpful to learn if you’re deficient in any vitamins! Vitamin A and E deficiencies have been found to have a strong relationship with acne severity — one meta-analysis found that acne patients had significantly lower vitamin A concentrations to non-acne patients. If you think this could be you, add some extra eggs and avocado to your meals!
The best skincare routine is one that works for you. Personally, I would recommend washing your face with warm water in the morning, and using SPF — arguably the most important part of any skincare routine! In the evening, double cleanse with an oil cleanser or micellar water, and a regular face wash. If it works for you, acelaic acid or a retinoid is a great next step, but if not, skip straight to a hydrating moisturiser to finish off the day!