Looking good in your own skin

LOOKING after your skin will bring benefits at any age, but there are certain things we would do well to start using young, for age prevention and the overall well-being and condition of our skin.

First, cleanser: Ideally this should be detergent (SLS) free (a known irritant which leads to irritation and dehydration, leaving a tight feeling after washing. Avoid any with granules as these cause micro scratches. Don’t think that a wipe will suffice, as we spend most of our day in make-up or out and about with our faces picking up any daily grime and pollution. Use morning and evening.

Exfoliator: Chemical or manual, this is important for removing dead surface cells so fresh ones can appear. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are best for breaking the bonds between these cells on dull and dry skin, so they fall away. Salicylic Acid works by clearing out the inside of pores, ideal for breakouts. Manual exfoliating with a muslin cloth can be done morning and evening. Keep chemicals for evening as they make you more sun sensitive.

Antioxidants: These neutralise free radicals which damage and age. Among the most effective is Vitamin C, which has been shown to decrease wrinkles and lighten dark spots. Use in the evening to avoid it breaking down in sunlight.

Sunscreen: A broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen will protect against premature ageing, hyper-pigmentation, burning and skin cancer. With the cosmetically elegant formulas available these days we can all be wearing a good SPF of 30+, even more essential when using chemical exfoliants.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is a gentle, SLS-free cleanser, and personal favourite. This will dissolve even waterproof make-up and grime quickly and effectively. When used with accompanying muslin cloth to buff away any flakes or residue, skin is left unbelievably smooth. Liz Earle is the living proof. £13.25, uk.lizearle.com

Institut Esthederm Vitamine C Concentrated Formula Powder Serum is stable and effective high concentration in a liquid powder, formulated to instantly penetrate the skin. With continued use, dark spots are reduced and wrinkle depth lessened. Great skin preventative care. It costs £27, from stockists on esthederm.com/en.

Paula’s Choice Exfoliating 8% AHA Gel with glycolic acid will leave your skin glowing as it dissolves away dry and damaged skin to reveal the healthy layers underneath. Suitable for daily use, see a smoother and brighter complexion when paired with sunscreen – and that is a must. It costs £19.95, from stockists on www.paulaschoice.co.uk.

Origins A Perfect World UV Protector is a lightweight, daily protective base ideal for layering over your own moisturiser when skin feels dehydrated, and sheer enough for use alone on a more oily skin. It contains mineral pigments to immediately give the appearance of a smoother more even-toned complexion. It costs £19, from stockists on origins.co.uk.