Forget ten-step regimes, streamline your skincare with a beauty product detox
How many skincare products do you own?
Micellar water, cleanser, toner, moisturiser, serum, an acid exfoliator, a scrub, an SPF, not to mention the face masks, mists and targeted treatments reserved for occasional use?
If that list sounds familiar, you may be among the one-fifth of Brits who are engaging in a four-step cleansing routine.*
And that’s just the cleansing part! It’s no wonder the average British woman spends a whopping £570 on skincare each year.**
According to Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, we’re not doing our skin any favours.
“We’re adding new products to skincare regimes without letting one go. This makes our routines complex and counter-productive in the long-term, which can lead to a host of skin conditions,” she says.
Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin55, believes we’re hoarding products because we’re spoilt for choice, which is leaving consumers confused about what products really make a difference.
“Some of my patients have 10-step routines in the morning and evening, which take up to 30 minutes, thanks to the misconception that applying more products is better for skin, which isn’t always the case,” she explains.
If you think you could be suffering from a beauty overdose, it’s time for a skintervention.
How does it happen?
We’ve all been there – you get a breakout and you want it gone ASAP. So you pack on a detoxing mask, exfoliate with an acid and follow up with a targeted spot treatment, only to end up with angry, dry and peeling skin the next day.
Your solution? Slathering on a rich cream to hydrate, which might clog up your pores, leading you to start all over again.
This is a situation Dr Alexis Granite, Kiehl’s Since 1851 consultant dermatologist, knows all too well.
“Using too many products may cause irritation, leading us to layer on more product to try to resolve these secondary issues,” she says.
“Trying to combat these skin concerns with more products may exacerbate the issue, as using multiple products can result in disruption of the delicate skin barrier.”
The warning signs
So how do you know if you’re overloading your skin?
According to Alexis, irritation, contact dermatitis and acne are the main skin issues caused by product overload, as applying too many products can clog up pores, leading to breakouts.
She says: “Using incompatible products at the same time may strip your skin – or worse, they can interact with each other, causing irritation and dermatitis.”
There are several symptoms that indicate your skin is irritated. Tightness can be a tell-tale sign that something isn’t right, while inflammation can present itself as redness, peeling, excessive dryness, soreness, stinging or flaking skin.
So if you’re experiencing breakouts, shine, sensitivity and dryness, it’s time to go on a skincare diet.
The skin diet plan
If the description of overload symptoms is ringing alarm bells for you, it’s time to streamline your beauty booty.
Welcome to the world of skip-care, which is all about identifying essential skin-loving ingredients for a simplified regime.
But where to start? “Stop using multiple active ingredients, such as acids and retinols, immediately. Do not apply any scrubs or harsh exfoliators to the skin and use simple, unfragranced products,” suggests Anjali.
“Skincare routines do not need to be complicated or overly time-consuming,” she adds. “Although the basic products you need will vary depending on your skin type, cleansing and moisturising skin, plus a good sunscreen are the basics.”
You can then add in specific products to target your needs, but be patient as it can take several months to see visible improvements from a single product.
Alexis advises a “less is more” approach works best when it comes to choosing the skincare items you’ll incorporate into your daily routine. “Start out gradually with new ingredients and introduce one at a time to reduce the risk of irritation,” she says. Skinspired!
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Press reset
This high-performance kit recommended by experts will take you back to basics and keep your skin looking healthy.
- Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, £10.80 from Boots.com – buy now
- Kiehl’s Since 1851 Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser, £28 from Kiehls.co.uk – buy now
- Avène Eau Thermale Skin Recovery Cream, £16.50 from Avene.co.uk – buy now
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Tinted Dry Touch Gel-Cream SPF50+, £17.50 from Laroche-posay.co.uk – buy now
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