Beauty guru shares simple steps for effective skincare

Some of us are two- or four-step beauty fans but if you are getting to six and eight stages maybe it’s time to think about getting a simple skincare regime that does the job. Google searches for something simpler but still effective are up 120%, so it’s clear people are getting a little lost with what they should be using. To find out exactly what we should be doing, Magazine spoke to Cecilia Ross, founder of Cecilia London, a top facialist and skincare expert.

Cecilia believes in quality and not quantity when it comes to having a great skincare regime. ‘The solution should be simple — have a quick, foolproof skincare routine that you can stick to every day,’ she advises. ‘I believe consistency is key — and simplicity is the easiest way to remain consistent, just like when you start a new fitness goal,’ she adds.

We are surrounded by fads, but we should approach them with care, Cecilia says. ‘Fads and trends come and go and it’s easy to get swept up in them — but remember: what works for your friend’s skin won’t necessarily work for yours. By keeping your routine simple, it is much easier to work out which products are working for you and which are not.’

To help people get the simplest skincare regime and still have glowing skin, Cecilia has given us tips to simplify your regime.

‘Cleansing your skin is so important, particularly in the evening,’ she says. ‘Cleaning off makeup, debris and dirt at the end of the day means your skin can breathe through the night and regulate oil production.

Always cleanse in the evening; this can be a double cleanse if you are wearing makeup. In the morning, you don’t have to cleanse unless you have extremely oily skin. Don’t wait for bedtime to cleanse your skin — why not do it as soon as you get home? It will feel like much less of a chore.’

Cecilia explains how hydration is for everyone and all skin types. ‘Hyaluronic acid is perfect for deep hydration for all skin types, particularly if you find moisturiser too heavy for your skin,’ she says.

For getting rid of dull dead skin cells, she says: ‘Using an exfoliating acid or retinol is perfect for brightening and smoothing whilst also increasing cellular turnover. Which exfoliator you use depends on what your skin can tolerate. If retinol is too strong for your skin, a salicylic acid will usually work well. Be sure to not use more than one exfoliator in your routine as you don’t want to break down your skin’s barrier.’

Cecilia says wearing SPF is non-negotiable. ‘UVA/UVB protection is essential all Skincare expert Cecilia Ross recommends using SPF protection all year round year round. It will protect your skin against harmful UV rays that penetrate through your skin even on a cloudy/ rainy day.

‘To have good skin all year round, you must protect it all year round,’ she says.