I’m a dermatologist – here’s 5 cheap skincare swaps that will keep ageing at bay
IF you’re protecting your skin from the sun, cleansing every night, even applying a retinoid, you probably think you’ve got your skincare routine down.
But a dermatologist has warned that small things in your routine might not be quite right and could actually be causing your skin damage.
Consultant dermatologist at the Dermasurge Clinic in London, Dr Hiba Injibar, suggested how you can tweak it to achieve the best results and advised which products you can switch out.
The alternatives are just as affordable, if not cheaper: it’s a win-win!
If you want a smooth, ageless complexion, read on for Dr Injibar’s five skincare swaps.
1. Swap tinted SPF for sun cream
There’s a reason we’re always told to protect our skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
“The sun emits UVA and UVB rays, both of which can damage the skin,” Dr Injibar explained.
“UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging,” she went on.
But it’s UVB rays that are typically responsible for sunburn, as they primarily affect the outer layers of the skin.
“Overexposure to UV radiation can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, which are essential for maintaining its firmness and elasticity,” Dr Injibar said.
But many people make a fundamental mistake when applying sun protection to their face, as they opt for a foundation or skin tint with SPF in it, the dermatologist warned.
“But this doesn’t provide the most effective level of protection.
“Make-up isn’t always evenly applied, and it wears off easily throughout the day.
“As well as this, SPF foundations and skin tints tend to apply less sunscreen than required,” Dr Injibar continued.
Instead, she advised you swap out these for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+.
And it doesn’t have to be expensive to work.
The dermatologist said: “One of my favourites for daily wear is Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control Fluid SPF50 50ml which is less than £20.”
When you’re slathering your sun cream on, make sure you don’t forget your lips, she noted. Choose a lip balm with SPF in it.
“Don’t be fooled by fruity scents or gimmicky marketing, instead opt for hydrating ingredients in your lip balms and SPF to protect your lips from sun damage too.”
If you’re not looking to break the bank on a decent SPF, try the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hypoallergenic Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+, which retails for £6.49 at Boots.
2. Swap hyaluronic acid for urea
Skin experts have long sung the praise of hyaluronic acid serums for their anti-aging and skin plumping effects.
But Dr Injibar said you might actually want to swap that out for moisturisers that contain an ingredient called urea.
She explained: “Whilst hyaluronic acid is hydrating, if you’re dealing with flaky patches or your face feels uncomfortably tight after cleansing, look for urea as an ingredient instead.”
Urea is a humectant, she continued, which means it draws moisture into the skin like a magnet.
“It is also an active part of the natural moisturising factor (NMF), a group of moisturising elements found inside our skin naturally.
“Often, our natural reserves run low and need to be replaced using skincare.
“Lotions and creams that contain urea can help hydrate the skin further and ease flaking, dryness, or itchy skin.”
And it’s not just for your face – you can use it on dry skin patches on your elbows and knees too.
Dr Injibar recommended The Inkey List – £15.99 at Boots – and Eucerin’s 10% Urea Lotions, which you can buy for £9.99 on Amazon.
You could also opt for the Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors & HA 100ml – it contains urea and will cost you £9.90 at Boots.
3. Swap make-up wipes for micellar water
We’ve all been told that sleeping in our make-up in one of the biggest skin sins you could commit.
As diligently as you might be in reaching for those make-up wipes on your bedside table when you come home from a night out, Dr Injibar warned you might not be doing your face any favours.
“Make-up wipes can be incredibly harsh and drying on the skin,” she said.
And not only that: “The daily pulling and rubbing on the skin can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles.
“Not to mention they don’t remove the make-up properly, leading to further breakouts, if you have acne prone skin.”
Opt for micellar water instead, the dermatologist recommended.
“Micellar water is a much more gentle and effective option, which will remove any dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
“The Bioderma Sensibio H20 Cleanser is a great option, which can be found in your local drugstore or online.”
You can find the Sensibio Micellar Water at Boots for £11, but a more affordable option would be the Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin 200ml – nab it for £3.95 from Superdrug.
4. Swap tretinoin for retinol
If you’ve done your own research on the best anti-ageing products to keep your skin smooth and lifted, you’ll know retinoids are a buzzy word right now.
Dermatologists will sometimes recommend tretinoin, which is a prescription strength tretinoin, “generally considered more potent and effective for treating ageing, acne and fine lines”.
But Dr Injibar said you might want to opt for retinol instead, which is a milder form of vitamin A that is available over the counter in skincare products.
“Retinol can still provide noticeable benefits for many people,” she said.
“It can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote collagen production.”
“One advantage of retinol is that it tends to be better tolerated by those with sensitive skin, as it typically causes fewer side effects compared to tretinoin, which can cause dryness, redness, and irritation.”
The dermatologist said the Neostrata Comprehensive Retinol 0.3% Night Serum and Eye Cream were great retinol options.
But she recommended you consult a dermatologist before incorporating retinol or tretinoin in your skincare routine, as it’s imperative to use the right percentages for your skin type.
From a cheaper alternative, try The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane 30ml for £7.90 at Boots.
5. Swap facial scrubs for chemical exfoliants
Dr Injibar’s final piece of advise is to say bye-bye to your harsh facial scrub.
“Instead of abrasive and harsh physical scrubs found at the drugstore, you can choose gentler alternatives, such as chemical exfoliants,” she suggested.
Some examples are AHAs, like glycolic acid or lactic acid or BHAs such as salicylic acid.
These “work by dissolving and removing dead skin cells without the need for physical scrubbing, and can be equally affordable,” the dermatologist said.
They’re also milder and more effective at promoting cell turnover, improving skin texture and unclogging pores.
You can buy them in various forms, from toners to serums, or masks – and they’ll give you a smoother and brighter complexion without the potential irritation caused by physical scrubs.
You can find The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30ml for £5.80 at Boots.