Experts reveal three-step simple skincare routine that'll save you money and time
With an endless array of skincare products on the market nowadays, we asked the experts how to make sense of it all, and the three essentials you should never skip
Once upon a time, the skincare slogan was 'cleanse, tone and moisturise'. Now, shoppers are faced with all manner of serums, essences, lotions, creams, mists and masks in the beauty aisles, making it confusing to know exactly what you really need to be using, and how.
And more isn't always better. Overload your skin with too many products and you risk aggravating it instead of improving it, or even developing conditions such as perioral dermatitis. Plus, lengthy skincare routines can get expensive, time-consuming and even obsessive.
To help debunk the skincare shelves, we asked the experts for their skincare essentials and how to add in extras. Plus, we share some tried and tested recommendations from our team...
The basics
Experts agree on the key skincare non-negotiables: cleanser, SPF during the day and a retinoid at night if you want to see real skin changes. 'These pillars are essentials for a solid skincare routine,' says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP, cosmetic doctor and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor clinics.
Cleanser
' A good cleanser is a must to remove dirt, oil and impurities, ensuring a clean base for your routine,' says Dr Ahmed. Find one to suit your skin type and budget. Those with dry skin might like a cream or milky cleanser, while oilier complexions may prefer a gel or foaming formula.
Double cleansing isn't always necessary. 'I find it a bit overkill, especially if you have skin issues, as it could potentially upset its microbiome,' says dermatology nurse practitioner Emma Coleman, who founded and runs Emma Coleman Skin clinics.
When to use it: A splash of water may feel enough for your skin in the morning, but don't skip a cleanser in the evening.
We love: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £11.50.
Sunscreen
'SPF is a non-negotiable step during the day to protect against UV damage and premature ageing, regardless of skin type,' says Dr Ahmed. Chemical sunscreens typically look and feel nicer on the skin, while those with sensitive skin should try mineral sunscreens.
When to use it: Every morning, all year round.
We love: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, was £20, now £16.
Retinoids
Often referred to by the umbrella term 'retinol', retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A, and boost cell turnover. They're referred to as 'the gold standard in anti-ageing' – and for good reason. 'Apart from if you're very sensitive, retinol does something beneficial for every skin type, whether that's helping with signs of ageing, breakouts, pigmentation or texture,' says Emma.
When to use it: At night, on clean skin. Start with a low concentration, like 1%, then build up, and introduce it gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust.
We love: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, from £45.
Extras
Eye cream
Add if... You have specific concerns about the eye area, whether that's dark circles, puffiness or fine lines.
'They won't work miracles, but most people can benefit from using an eye cream,' says Emma. 'A retinol-based formula can help to tackle lines and wrinkles, and I also like ones that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or flavonoids.'
When to use it: Morning and night, the next step after cleansing.
We love: REN Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream, was £49, now £39.20.
Essence
Add if... You have dehydrated skin and want an extra lightweight layer of hydration.
'Essences are lightweight fluids, inspired by Korean beauty, that can provide an extra layer of moisture and nourishment,' explains Dr Ahmed. 'However, not everyone needs them.' An essence could potentially replace a serum.
When to use it: After cleansing and before moisturiser, before or in place of serum.
We love: Curél Hydrating Water Essence, £17.50.
Serum or moisturiser
Add if... Your skin needs more hydration than it's getting from the basics.
You may find that your sunscreen and retinol products are moisturising enough, but if not, 'a hydrating and repairing serum, such as one containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, helps to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier,' says Dr Ahmed.
When to use it: After cleansing and after applying active ingredients.
We love: The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, £15.
Exfoliator
Add if... You have congestion, blackheads visible signs of ageing or pigmentation.
'Physical exfoliators (scrubs) slough off dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliators (acids) break down the bonds between skin cells, helping to lift them away,' Dr Ahmed says. 'I believe everyone should exfoliate as we age, since our skin's renewal cycle slows down. It's important to be gentle with exfoliation.'
When to use it: Once or twice a week in the evenings.
We love: Skin Rocks The Gentle Acid, £49.
Face masks
Add this if… You want a quick boost of hydration or glow, or a moment of self-care.
Face masks come in many forms nowadays: cream, charcoal, sheet, peel-off… 'While they can provide temporary results, I'm sceptical about their lasting impact,' says Dr Ahmed. 'That said, if you enjoy using them, there's no harm in incorporating them into your routine. Masks contain exfoliating acids can offer more noticeable results.'
W e love: Garnier Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Anti-Fatigue Sheet Mask, £4.99.
Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news
WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group.
Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in.
All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group.
We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our .
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Powys County Times
6 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Thousands gather for anti-austerity demonstration in London
Thousands of people have gathered to 'send a message' to the Government with a demonstration over spending cuts and welfare reform. Campaign group The People's Assembly said it expected trade unionists, campaigners and activists to attend the event in central London on Saturday. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are among those expected to give speeches at a rally in Whitehall. The organisers accused the Government of making spending cuts that target the poorest in society. Representatives from the National Education Union, Revolutionary Communist Party, Green Party and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union could all be seen at the march's start point in Portland Place. The large crowd then set off towards Whitehall shortly before 1pm. Many of the protesters were holding placards that read 'Tax the rich, stop the cuts – welfare not warfare'. Other signs being held aloft said 'Nurses not nukes' and 'Cut war, not welfare'. A People's Assembly spokesperson said: 'The adherence to 'fiscal rules' traps us in a public service funding crisis, increasing poverty, worsening mental health and freezing public sector pay. 'Scrapping winter fuel payments, keeping the Tory two-child benefit cap, abandoning Waspi women, cutting £5 billion of welfare by limiting Pip and universal credit eligibility, and slashing UK foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, while increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, are presented as 'tough choices'. 'Real tough choices would be for a Labour government to tax the rich and their hidden wealth, to fund public services, fair pay, investment in communities and the NHS.' The People's Assembly said it is bringing together trade unionists, health, disability, housing, and welfare campaigners with community organisations under the slogan: No to Austerity2.0. There will be also be speeches from trade union leaders, disability rights activists, anti-poverty campaigners and groups calling for more investment in the NHS and other public services. The spokesperson added: 'We face a growing threat from the far right, fuelled by racism, division and failed politics. We need to see people's lives improve, we need to see the vulnerable cared for and an end to child poverty. 'On June 7, we march for education, for our NHS, for welfare, for refugees, against hate, and for a society in which our children can flourish.'
The Herald Scotland
29 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Thousands gather for anti-austerity demonstration in London
MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott are among those expected to give speeches at a rally in Whitehall. The organisers accused the Government of making spending cuts that target the poorest in society. Representatives from the National Education Union, Revolutionary Communist Party, Green Party and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union could all be seen at the march's start point in Portland Place. The large crowd then set off towards Whitehall shortly before 1pm. Many of the protesters were holding placards that read 'Tax the rich, stop the cuts – welfare not warfare'. Other signs being held aloft said 'Nurses not nukes' and 'Cut war, not welfare'. A People's Assembly spokesperson said: 'The adherence to 'fiscal rules' traps us in a public service funding crisis, increasing poverty, worsening mental health and freezing public sector pay. Thousands of people were taking part in the march (Lucy North/PA) 'Scrapping winter fuel payments, keeping the Tory two-child benefit cap, abandoning Waspi women, cutting £5 billion of welfare by limiting Pip and universal credit eligibility, and slashing UK foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, while increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, are presented as 'tough choices'. 'Real tough choices would be for a Labour government to tax the rich and their hidden wealth, to fund public services, fair pay, investment in communities and the NHS.' The People's Assembly said it is bringing together trade unionists, health, disability, housing, and welfare campaigners with community organisations under the slogan: No to Austerity2.0. There will be also be speeches from trade union leaders, disability rights activists, anti-poverty campaigners and groups calling for more investment in the NHS and other public services. The spokesperson added: 'We face a growing threat from the far right, fuelled by racism, division and failed politics. We need to see people's lives improve, we need to see the vulnerable cared for and an end to child poverty. 'On June 7, we march for education, for our NHS, for welfare, for refugees, against hate, and for a society in which our children can flourish.'
Wales Online
31 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Warning Wales faces exodus of dentists and patients forced to go private
Warning Wales faces exodus of dentists and patients forced to go private Patients would be seen by any dentist available and check-ups will rise in price and be moved to once every two years if a new NHS dental plan for Wales is approved NHS patients will be seen by any dentist available, rather than their regular practice, and check-ups will be moved to every two years in a planned move the profession warned will cause an "exodus" of staff in Wales. More than six in 10 dentists said they would go fully private rather than take on the Welsh Government's planned shake-up. The changes being proposed are "a leap in the dark that could destroy NHS dentistry in Wales", the British Dental Association (BDA) warned. As a consultation on radical changes to NHS dentistry draws to a close the BDA urged the Welsh Government to heed the warnings of the profession "to avoid a wholesale exodus from the workforce". The Welsh Government has said its proposals will improve patients' access to dental service but the BDA said it would mean more forced to go private. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Under the shake-up adults would no longer have a regular practice NHS dentist but would be seen by whichever one is available on a first come first served basis. They would stay with that dentist until the course of treatment ends and then be returned the central list. Under-18s would keep the same surgery they are first allocated but dentists warn this could cause problems for families having appointments at multiple surgeries. Prices for NHS check-ups will rise from £20 to £24.75 under the plans. Article continues below "Despite worthy-sounding policy goals – to improve oral health, refocus on prevention, enhance the wellbeing of the workforce, and deliver better value for money – the professional body is warning that the plans as they stand risk achieving the exact opposite results," the BDA said. A survey of dentists across Wales by the BDA found "dentists have been left in an invidious position that risks an exodus from the NHS" with 72% saying they would not be willing to work under the proposed reforms as they stand. More than seven in 10 also said they are likely to reduce their NHS commitment in the event the model is imposed next year and more than six in 10 say they are likely to go fully private. Changes are expected to be fast-tracked for rollout next year. Jeremy Miles, the cabinet secretary for health and social care, has described the package as the "biggest change in nearly 20 years". The BDA said despite "headline focus on prevention" reducing healthier patients to check-up appointments up to 24 months apart could mean diseases, including oral cancers, are not picked up early. Dentists would also be unable to offer timely preventative advice and treatment. There will also be big changes to how NHS dentists are paid with rewards for delivering a 'care package' to patients with ongoing or complex needs. But the proposed level of payment "fails to reflect the true cost of care and risks leaving NHS providers delivering care at a loss", the BDA said. Russell Gidney, chair of the BDA's Welsh General Practice, said: 'On improving access and outcomes and refocusing on prevention the Welsh Government set lofty goals but its reforms risk achieving the exact opposite. 'Now dentists are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea between a failed status quo and an unpopular untested alternative. "Ministers must be willing to listen, pilot plans, and avoid a leap in the dark that could destroy this service.' In a statement to the Senedd on March 18 Mr Miles said the new general dental services contract will be implemented from April 2026. He said the reforms would be the biggest in nearly 20 years and the central aim will be to make it easier to access NHS dentistry. He said instead of recalling everyone every six months for a routine check-up the new contract will be based on prevention and needs-based provision of treatment. The online BDA survey answered by 176 dentists across Wales also shows only: 2% of dentists responding feel that changes would support the long-term sustainability of NHS dentistry in Wales; 2% agree that reforms would improve population health with only 5% saying that they would enhance prevention; 2% feel reforms would support continuity of care with the same proportion believing it would enhance early detection of oral health conditions; 8% say that reforms would actually improve access to NHS care, and; 6% think the proposed system would provide good value for money for the taxpayer. Responding to the BDA's comments and findings a Welsh Government spokesman said: 'Under the new contract most people would continue their relationship with their practice and continuity would be strengthened for people with poor oral health. 'We are committed to providing better access to NHS dentistry for those most in need and at risk and to making NHS dentistry more attractive to dentists and their teams. The consultation on the proposed new contract is now live for the public and professional alike to have a say in shaping these once-in-a-generation reforms.' Article continues below Get our daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
