Time for a spring skincare reboot

Most of us can be hesitant about trying out new skincare, preferring to stick to tried-and-trusted favourites. But, so long as you do your research, experimenting can be key to finding game-changing new products that could solve your skin woes.

Here’s our skincare hotlist for you to look out for.

Best... all-rounder

Niacinamide is one of the most effective skincare ingredients to incorporate into your skincare regime. From boosting hydration to fading hyperpigmentation, there’s not much this wonder ingredient can’t do.

Thanks to potent antioxidants, this single ingredient possesses a remarkable ability to multi-task. It works to protect skin from environmental damage, boosts collagen synthesis, improves hydration, reduces signs of ageing, diminishes enlarged pores and fades skin discolouration.

On top of all that, it is also antibacterial, which means it helps regulate sebum production and gets blemishes under control.

Suitable for every skin type, it’s one of the few ingredients that interacts well with other skincare ingredients including retinol.

Use it once or twice a day, morning or evening.

■■Try: First Aid Facial Radiance Niacinamide

Dark Spot Serum, £38 (lookfantastic.com), a powerful yet gentle formulation that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, discolouration and post-acne marks without causing irritation.

Best for… blemishes

Forget glycolic, there’s a new acid in town. Succinic acid is found in amber or sugar cane, as well as in the human body.

Biotech companies have now been able to produce a synthetic version, making it more readily available, more cost effective and more sustainable.

A gentle exfoliator, it’s ideal if you’re suffering from breakouts as it helps remove dead skin cells from pores while also preventing them from clogging again.

Expect skin to appear less oily, with existing breakouts drying up and fewer new blemishes forming.

New studies have shown it’s also excellent at defending the skin against external aggressors like pollution and UV exposure.

Look for a serum that contains succinic acid or a targeted treatment for blemishes. Apply to freshly cleansed, dry skin and make sure you work into skin for at least one minute to reap the full benefits. ■■Try: The Inkey List’s Succinic Acid Blemish, £6.99■(cultbeauty.co.uk), a targeted, on-the-spot treatment that also includes renowned blemish-busting salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. They work together to reduce active acne and prevent future breakouts.

Best for… mature skin

We all know calcium is important for healthy teeth and strong bones,

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice

but it has other benefits that make it a key ingredient in skincare.

It’s a must-have for mature skins as used topically it can help strengthen thinning skin, improve smoothness and help reduce the signs of ageing.

It may also help soften wrinkles and tackle density loss, a prime cause of sagging.

And by adding calcium to the top layer of the skin, it can help support optimal cellular renewal while strengthening.

■■Try: L’Oreal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Calcium Day Cream, £6.66 (boots.com), will replump, rehydrate and restore a mature complexion.

Best for… dry skin

Research shows using essential fatty acids (EFAs) in skincare can help bolster the skin’s barrier, improve smoothness, lock in hydration and protect from environmental stressors.

EFAs will also help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and fine lines and soften wrinkles and rough, dry skin. It will also have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.

Look out for formulas with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids along with botanical formulas like plant, nut, and seed oils including sunflower, safflower, evening primrose, rosehip and flaxseed oils. They all have high concentrations of linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids. ■■Try: Q+A SuperFood Facial Oil, £6 (Holland & Barrett), is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids to reduce redness and pigmentation.

Best for… sensitive skin

Probiotic skincare is set for a huge boom as research has found that when applied topically, probiotics can soothe and repair skin conditions including acne, rosacea and eczema.

Ideal for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone, and it’s a good choice for city dwellers.

Look for kombucha infiltrating skincare products due to its unique blend of antioxidants and probiotics.

■■Try: SVR Biotic Regenerating Radiance Cream, £40 (uk.labo-svr.com), part of SVR’s new probiotic skincare range. Enriched

with probiotics along with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this dream cream packs a serious skincare punch, delivering 24-hour radiance.

Best for… ultra-hydration

Electrolytes, usually found in sports drinks, are minerals like magnesium, potassium and sodium. When applied topically they are able to deliver a deeper level of hydration that can really benefit dry and dehydrated skin.

Look out for moisturisers and serums and use in the morning and evening on cleansed skin.

■■Try: Algenist Splash Absolute Hydration Replenishing

Emulsion, £39 (lookfantastic.com).

It’s suitable for all skin types and is infused with an array of energising electrolytes, helping skin look brighter, plumper and healthier.

For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com