Developing a consistent skin care routine is the foundation of a beautiful complexion, but with so many products and practices out there, it’s hard to know where to begin.
GB News spoke to GP and skin specialist Dr Nisa Aslam about her go-to steps for an enviable glow.
Unsure what your face needs to look its best? The expert stated: “For glowing, radiant, and youthful skin, it’s important to follow and maintain a routine for the day and night.”
While it “doesn’t have to be expensive or too time-consuming”, slapping on a cleanser and calling it a day simply will not cut it – especially as you get older.
It’s all about investing in the right products that contain the most effective ingredients.
Cleanse
Dr Aslam advised skin care enthusiasts to start with a cleanser to remove dirt, grease, and sweat.
Cleansing should be the most important step in your routine, yet only 63 per cent of women do it daily, according to research by Hada Labo Tokyo.
It’s particularly crucial at the end of the day, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup, as this can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Start your skin care routine with a cleanser to remove dirt, grease, and sweat
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GETTYHydrate
Next, use a hydrator to “infuse clean skin with a hit of hydration”, the expert recommended.
Dr Aslam suggested investing in Hada Labo Tokyo’s Anti-Ageing Super Hydrator Lotion, applying this to the face, neck, and décolletage.
Praising the product’s use of four hyaluronic acids, she explained that this means “multi-layer hydration”.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that naturally occurs in the human body, helping to keep the skin hydrated and bouncy.
It depletes over time, meaning an increased risk of fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness, so it’s important to incorporate it into your skin care routine as you get older.
Hydrators should also contain anti-ageing ingredients like collagen and retinol.
After cleansing, apply a hydrator – not forgetting your neck and décolletage
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GETTYEye cream
After cleansing and hydrating, Dr Aslam told women to apply eye cream, explaining that the skin around the eyes is particularly “delicate”.
She advised opting for a product that contains skin saviours like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and collagen. It should also be suitable for sensitive skin.
SPF
If it’s daytime, SPF is an absolute must; it’s the ultimate anti-ageing hero and not just for summer.
According to the expert, your sunscreen should also contain hyaluronic acid.
Night cream
Around 66 per cent of us have a nighttime skin care routine, meaning over 30 per cent of us are missing out on eight hours of effortless complexion boosting.
Before bed, women should complete their skin care routines with a generous dollop of night cream, known for its moisturising, nourishing qualities.
This pre-sleep step aims to soothe the skin and support its natural regenerative processes. As always, go for something that contains hyaluronic acid for supple, wrinkle-free skin.