Golden rules to keep your skin in great shape
Katie Wright asks Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe for her expert tips to help you protect and treat your skin
Looking to change up your skincare routine? Here are some tips to keep your epidermis in tip-top condition from Superdrug skincare ambassador, Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe.
Always wear sunscreen
The ultimate non-negotiable when it comes to your morning beauty routine, SPF30 (or higher) is a must.
“The sun is the top factor in ageing of the skin, so regular sunscreen use is key in limiting the negative effects,” says Dr Ukeleghe. “My current favourite is the Me+ SPF Booster that I drop into my daily moisturiser.
Me+ Anti- Oxidant SPF Booster, £8.99, Superdrug; Caudalie Vinosun Ocean Protect Lightweight Cream SPF50+, £19
Don’t follow skincare trends
Just because you see someone on Instagram slathering their face in Vaseline before bed – known as ‘slugging’ – or completing a 12-step Korean skincare routine, doesn’t mean you have to do the same. It’s more important to understand your skin’s individual needs, than simply follow the latest fad.
“This is a common skincare sin committed by consumers,” says Dr Ukeleghe. “This can manifest as skin sensitivity, dermatitis and breakouts. Be led by what your skin needs.”
Keep it simple
“There is a trend in skincare of trying to use as many actives as possible in one sitting,” says Dr Ukeleghe, which she says could “cause more harm than good to the skin” in some cases.
Serums formulated around one key ingredient by brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List can help you effectively tailor your routine.
Use a retinoid
The vitamin A derivatives are “clinically proven to treat and prevent fine lines/wrinkles and it improves the health of the skin in various ways,” says Dr Ukeleghe.
However, even if you don’t usually have sensitive skin, retinoid or retinol serums can cause redness or dryness. So start by mixing a small amount with your moisturiser then work your way up to direct application, and only ever use it at night. Follow up the next morning with golden rule number one.
Selfless by Hyram Retinol and Rainbow Algae Repair Serum, £28,
Cult Beauty; Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6, £62
Try a treatment
If you want to target issues like acne scarring, pigmentation or wrinkles, it’s important to know your limits in terms of at-home skincare and seek professional guidance before trying any harsh treatments.
Dr Ukeleghe says: “Treatments such as microneedling and radiofrequency are great options to consider to take your skin to another level.”