Get the most from your skincare routine

It may be tempting to slather all these youthboosting ingredients on your face at once, but it’s probably not a good idea. Dr Koh has the lowdown on how to use your products most effectively.

DON’T OVERDO THE LAYERING. Combining a more irritant retinoid like tretinoin (only available on prescription in Australia) with an

AHA is very likely to cause stinging, redness or peeling. Start slowly, with one product at a time. Initially applying your product twice a week and gradually increasing it may help let your skin get used to it more effectively. START SMALL. The main problem with active ingredients is irritancy. AHA and BHA products are sold in varying concentrations. Starting with a high percentage is most likely going to sting and make the skin red or peel. This problem might be even worse if you exfoliate or scrub too much or too frequently, as well.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Use a soap-free cleanser, a moisturiser (which might contain your antioxidants) and sunscreen for daytime. Add in your retinoid at night. Tretinoin, especially, increases sensitivity to sun and can make you burn if you apply it in the daytime.