Do I Need To Double Cleanse?
Double cleansing (washing your face twice) is always necessary in the evenings. Your skin has been out in the elements where its subjected to pollution and UV rays. We also don't realise just how much we touch our face throughout the day- often with not very clean items like our phone. Pair that with sunscreen, makeup and other products you have on your face; means its ALWAYS necessary to double cleanse in the evening.
The first wash is to remove your makeup and sunscreen etc, and the second wash is to really cleanse your skin.
There isn't a need to double cleanse in the morning, but its important to wash your face each morning after sleeping. Oil and dead skin cells will have built up on your skin over night so its important to clean the skin before applying your skincare/makeup products for the day.
When Should I Start Using Anti-Ageing Products?
Our collagen and elastin production begins to decline in our early twenties. Collagen is the the building blocks for young and bouncy skin. Furthermore, our cells do not replenish at the same rate as they used to. Our cell turnover rate when were are in our twenties is around 20-30 days, compared to around 30-40 days once we hit our 40's!
I would advise integrating anti-ageing products and supplements into your skincare routine in your twenties if you want to keep your skin looking tight and bright. Your future self will love you for it!
How Do I Know My Skin Type?
The 3 most common skin types are “dry,” “combination,” and “oily".
Dry skin commonly produces tightness around the eyes and mouth, as well as flaky skin patches. Combination skin has an oily appearance around the T-zone but also has dry areas. Oily skin tends to be soft and greasy to the touch, giving the face an overly gleaming appearance.
Think about how your skin feels after you have washed it, before applying any products. If it’s generally tight and flaky, it’s likely to be dry. Oily skin usually has larger pores and looks shiny all over. Combination skin will usually have a mixture oily T-zone with large pores, while the rest of the face is dry and the pores are smaller. Lastly, normal skin feels overall even and balanced.
Understanding your skin type or any existing conditions is such a critical part of achieving balanced skin through supplementation and skincare.
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
This totally depends on your skin type and if your skin can tolerate it.
For dry and sensitive skin once a week is sufficient, normal/combination skin 1-2 a week and oily skin around 2-3 times a week. Everyones skin is so different, so only take this as a guide. I would advise starting slow and adding in as its needed and your skin can tolerate it.
More aggressive exfoliation such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, should be performed around every 4-6 weeks.
If I Have Sensitive Skin, Can I Still Use A Retinol Product?
Retinol (or Vitamin A) is a well-loved ingredient in the skincare world, due to its ability to speed up skin cell turnover. While sensitive skin can use a retinol product, it can lead to redness and the feeling of dryness in the skin. To counteract this, you could incorporate a hyaluronic acid and moisturiser with ceramides into your routine.
The percentage of retinol in your products as well as the frequency of application should be adjusted to suit your skin type. Start slow and low!
How Long Does It Take To Notice A Change In My Skin From Topical Products?
An important thing to always remember when it comes to skincare is to be consistent and patient. You have to remember that your cell turnover (how quickly your dead skin cells shed and new skin cells surface) is at an average rate of 28 days- this rate slows down as we age.
As a general rule, expect to begin to see changes from new skincare at a minimum of 4 weeks from starting use but for full results up to 12 weeks. This of course also applies to supplementation and vitamins too.
Can My Diet Really Affect My Skin?
Yes! Your skins health and condition can be attributed to many factors such as stress, environment, diet and hormones. The food we eat has a huge impact on every single part of our body, and given skin is our largest organ, your skin health is a great indicator of your overall health.
There are a number of foods linked to causing hormonal changes in your body. For example; foods with a high GI index, can cause inflammation in the skin and worsen conditions such as acne and eczema.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also show up throughout your skin, so its super important to eat a well balanced and healthy diet. If you suspect your diet may be worsening a skin condition, keep a food diary and start an elimination process to work out your triggers.
What Does Vitamin C Do?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and is great for brightening your skin and giving it a more even tone. It can be taken orally as a supplement to help stimulate your natural production of collagen and elastin.
It delivers wonderful antioxidant benefits too, a daily does of vitamin C reduces UV damage within your skin cell tissue, meaning it helps you body prevent burning in the sun! (Of course always wear sunscreen too- but taking Vitamin C orally will help your sunscreen work more effectively!)
Vitamin C is also great for reducing the appearance of dark spots in the skin and it even helps stimulates new skin cells for a fresher-looking complexion.
Can You Explain What AHA's Are?
AHAs are 'Alpha Hydroxy Acids'. They are great for brightening, tightening and smoothing your skin. They all vary, but my favourite is lactic acid. As an acne prone girl who also has dry/sensitive skin, it’s the safest for all skin types. It gives a lovely glow without causing any sensitivity.
Don't start mixing and overusing AHAs – find the right one for your individual needs.
If I am On A Budget, Where Should I Start?
OK, I am going to say it...no one needs a 15 step skincare routine!
Its always best to start with products your skin wants and needs. For example if you have dry skin, look for products that contain great hydrators, such as Hyaluronic acid.
Everyone needs a good daily cleanser, an exfoliator, targeted serum (if needed) a moisturiser and finally an SPF. These are the foundations of any good skincare routine- you honesty don't need more than this.
My advice would be, ensure the formulas are working for you and your skin, avoid added fragrance in your products where you can, and remember to add in supplements to compliment your current skincare routine and skins needs.