Since Following These 6 Simple Rules, My Skin Has Never Been Better
As a beauty editor, I'm lucky enough to try hundreds of products so I like to think I've nailed how to sort the good from the not so good. But when it comes to achieving skin I'm personally happy with, it isn't solely about the cleansers, moisturisers and serums that line my #shelfie.
I have combination skin, which is prone to oiliness (and subsequently the odd acne cluster), as well as drier patches exacerbated by winter weather. Over the years, I've discovered that it's the little tricks I've incorporated into my AM to PM routine which tend to keep my skin in check, and mostly they're quick, easy and affordable.
From avoiding cleansing in the shower to getting rid of my eye cream stash, click through to discover six tweaks that helped me uncover my best skin ever.
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So I decided to ditch eye cream from my skincare routine to see if it would make a difference, and I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of completely overloading my skin and layering an eye cream under my face cream, I now simply apply my trusty moisturiser (currently the Humanrace Humidifying Cream) all over my lids, paying special attention to my under-eyes. Since doing so, I've had no trouble with puffiness or blocked pores and the skin around my eyes is still supple and soft. In other words, a good moisturiser is just as effective as eye cream. Look out for ingredients like ceramides (which repair dry, damaged skin) and hyaluronic acid for a hydrating boost. Of course, skincare is all about personal preference. For me, less is more, and that's definitely true for eye cream.
Since laying off AHAs and swapping them for beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid, which is a lot more gentle), my skin is a lot less red and reactive. BHAs are also better suited to nixing breakouts, specifically blackheads, as they exfoliate deep inside the pore to dislodge the oil and dirt that form them. I use Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28, in the evening followed by moisturiser.
If you don't want to give up AHAs just yet, your best bet is to incorporate them into your routine via a cleanser, rather than a leave-on toner or serum. As you'll be rinsing the product off, it'll be a lot less harsh on skin. Try Neighbourhood Botanicals Acid Washed Foaming Cleanser, £17, or Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser, £38.
Up until now, I had experienced all of the above. Experts I've spoken to advise washing your face with slightly warm water, and it's a little easier to control the temperature of a bathroom sink tap. If you find that to be a bit of a faff, just remember to regulate your water in the shower when you go to cleanse your face. Honestly, your skin will thank you for it.
The solution? Concentrate thick hair products to your mid-lengths to ends, and if you're using conditioner in the shower, wash your face last to remove any residue.
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