Big beauty questions
From skincare routines to sensitivity, Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic shares her advice on how to look younger for longer
Q Do I really need to change my skincare at night or will my daytime skincare work just as well? Phoebe, Bridgend
AYes, because you need to address different concerns. The big difference between creams is ingredients. Day creams are usually lighter, contain hydrating ingredients and some contain SPF to protect from UV rays. Night creams have a thicker consistency, and often include a larger concentration of ‘active’ ingredients to encourage skin to repair itself. While we sleep, our skin rejuvenates itself with collagen and cell regeneration. A night cream will support your skin during this process. Your skin loses around 25 per cent more water at night, so look for hyaluronic acid or urea, like Too Faced Hangover Pillow Cream, £32 (toofaced.com). On a budget? I love Nivea Q10 Power 60+ anti-wrinkle night cream, £6.99. Don’t overdo it with excess layers as this can interfere with the regeneration process. Always cleanse thoroughly first to remove dirt and make-up. Ingredients will
then be better absorbed. QI keep getting tiny bobbles all over my skin after I apply my skincare and make-up – what’s causing this? Julien, Bakewell A Called pilling, it can be caused by layering too many products, a clash of textures, or if some products don’t agree with each other.
Another cause is not waiting long enough between each product application to allow effective absorption.
The ingredient silicone can also trigger pilling, as it tends to sit on the surface of the skin. Layer your skincare from thinnest to thickest – e.g. cleanse, serum, moisturiser and SPF. Wait for each layer to sink in properly. Avoid silicone (the higher it is on the ingredients list, the more silicone in the product). Facial oils should always be last. Exfoliating once a week can help. A mild glycolic or lactic acid is kinder to skin in colder weather. Try Pixi Glow Peel Pads, £24 (for 60), gentle enough to use daily. Q I’m thinking of using retinol but I’m nervous of my sensitive skin. Would it suit me? Lucy, Bacup
ARetinol can be tricky for some to use. It’s available in many derivatives, in varying strengths. Some experience dry, flaking skin and redness. It can also make skin sun sensitive, which is why a high SPF is essential. But retinol’s results depends on the dose and formulation. More high street brands are using ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to act like a buffer, preventing some negative side effects. As a result, people with sensitive skin can now reap the benefits. Because everyone’s skin reacts differently, build up your tolerance gradually. Use a low concentration (around 0.3 to 1.5 per cent) and combine with a moisturiser first then top with your retinol product. Use twice a week at night, then slowly increase usage until you’re using it every other night. After a few weeks, try retinol first, then moisturiser. Try La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum, £38 (escentual.com).