Navigating the skincare world is a minefield.
From simple moisturisers to period blood face masks, it can be confusing to figure out what's 'wrong' and 'right' to use - let alone in what order. But one expert has unveiled her secret guide to getting your routine right - and it's a game-changer.
Dr Sophie Shotter, at Absolute Collagen, claims that so many people make the same rookie errors when it comes to their skin, with a recent study showing that less than half of Brits are confident in their routines.
"To get the most out of your skincare products, and for them to have the desired effects, it's important to apply them in the right order," she stressed. "Layering too many products on top of each other can prevent them from penetrating your skin and working their magic.
"What's more, it's important to apply your products at the right time of day too, which is why your morning and evening skincare routines should be distinct."
Dr Shotter first claims that protection products are key to kicking off your morning in the right way. This should start with a cleanser to remove any sweat and excess oils from the skin, followed by an exfoliator.
"Exfoliating toners are great for prepping your skin for hydrating products. Using two to three times a week will help to even skin texture," she shared as part of her step-by-step guide. "You will often first spot the signs of ageing around the eyes because the skin in this area is so delicate. So [following with] a nourishing, powerful eye cream is important to protect and hydrate your under eyes."
Serums, moisturisers and SPF should then always follow, Dr Shotter claims. Serums are particularly ideal for brightening and evening the skin if they contain ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
However, it's important to acknowledge whether you have oily, dry or 'normal' skin first, as products are generally tailored to different needs. "As a rule of thumb, those with oily or clog-prone skin should look for lighter, water-based moisturisers, while thicker more intensive creams are ideal for more mature or dry and dehydrated skin types," she wrote.
Night-time routines however, have a few different steps. This first includes taking any makeup off with remover or cleanser, before cleansing the face for a second time. Dr Shotter explained: "A double cleansing routine is a must for most skin types in the PM to ensure you are not only removing the makeup, dirt, and oil on your skin that has built up throughout the day but deeply cleaning the skin and pores itself."
Once again, eye creams should come after this, with a pea-sized amount advisable for nourishing the area thoroughly. Spot creams and other targeted treatments should then follow, prior to using hydrating serums and moisturising creams to finish off the evening.
When doing this, it's also important to read the ingredients carefully, as layering different chemicals can trigger a whole range of reactions. For instance, it's glycolic acid and vitamin C should never be mixed with retinol because their chemical differences render each other ineffective.
"It's not just a matter of improving the effectiveness of products, but avoiding them causing further damage," Dr Shotter added. "Using too many potent ingredients at once, for example, retinol and exfoliating acids, can damage your skin barrier and worsen existing skin issues, such as dryness and sensitivity."
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