What you really want to know about beauty

It’s been one month since the UK went into a second lockdown, and judging by Google searches, we’re experiencing more skin issues than ever before.

Questions about DIY beauty treatments have quadrupled since this time last year.

At our clinic we’ve been inundated with online questions ranging from how to deal with “maskne” – breakouts triggered by face coverings – to how to get rid of wrinkles without Botox.

Here we answer your most common skincare concerns.

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant. It normally comes in a serum format and has topped the list of the most searched- for skincare ingredients this year.

The benefits include reducing signs of sun damage and scarring, boosting collagen production and making skin plumper, brighter and smoother.

It also helps mop up free radicals that trigger skin ageing. For the most effective results, use vitamin C in the morning followed by a broad- spectrum SPF.

Try Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Skin

Brightening Corrector, £ 28 ( superdrug. com).

Look for toners with hydrating and skin- boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and AHAs, and choose the right one for your skin type.

Use after cleansing to remove any remnants of make- up and to help balance the skin’s pH levels so it can absorb serums and creams applied afterwards.

Try Boots Traditional Glycerin and Rosewater,

£ 2.39 ( boots. com), which locks in moisture.

Maskne occurs when sweat, oil and bacteria are trapped on the skin while wearing your mask, causing pimples, redness and irritation. Good cleansing twice a day is key.

Try Simple Kind to Skin Purifying Cleansing

Lotion, £ 3.80 ( boots. com), then apply a gentle moisturiser such as Cerave Moisturising Lotion, £ 4 ( boots. com).

An exfoliating mask once or twice a week will keep pores clear.

Try SVR Laboratoires Microscrub Lift Exfoliating Smoothing Retexturising Mask, £ 24 ( lookfantastic. com), which is infused with retinol and musk rose to clear skin. Skip heavy foundation under masks and opt for mineral make- up.

And to prevent rubbing, try a barrier cream such as Green People’s One Balm, £ 20 ( greenpeople. co. uk), to protect and calm skin.

onset or minimise their appearance. Limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen daily, and use skincare that contain antioxidants, matrixyl or retinoids, as these stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen production.

Try Boots No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate, £ 34 ( boots. com).

How do I find out my skin type?

Typically, skin is classified as normal, oily, dry or sensitive. To discover your skin type, cleanse your face thoroughly and then wait a couple of hours before putting anything else on your skin.

If it feels tight or flaky it won’t reflect light evenly and lacks radiance, your complexion is dry.

If you have oily skin only across your forehead, down your nose, and on your chin, it’s combination skin. If you need to blot your whole face with a tissue, you’re oily.

Repeat the test four times a year as your skin type can change with the seasons and be affected by hormones, medications and diet.

How do you use retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It works best used at night after cleansing. Some find retinol comes with irritating side effects, including dry, flaking skin and redness. It can make some skin sun sensitive, which is why using an SPF50 every day is essential.

If you are new to retinol, build up your skin’s tolerance gradually.

Use a low concentration ( around 0.3 to 1.5 per cent) and apply a moisturiser first before using the retinol product.

Start slowly by applying twice a week, increasing over time until you’re using it every other night. After a few weeks, reverse the regime by using retinol first, then moisturiser.

A good beginner’s retinol is La Roche- Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum, £ 38

( escentual. com).

A homemade face mask can boost radiance and hydration, soften fine lines and minimise pores.

To make a simple mask for all skin types, mix a handful of ground oatmeal with a dollop of yogurt and honey. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates, oatmeal has anti- inflammatory properties, and honey is naturally antibacterial and rich in antioxidants. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off. and frequent changes in temperature. Dry skin produces less sebum and doesn’t retain moisture well, so it can look dull and feel tight.

Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and urea in your moisturiser, as these are humectants that bind moisture to the skin.

Try Indeed Labs Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion, £ 24.99 ( cultbeauty. co. uk). And include serum in your daily skincare regime to give your skin the extra support it needs.

No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, £ 23.95 ( boots. com) contains matrixyl to restore skin’s structure.

Finally, add a couple of drops of facial oil to your day and night cream and even your foundation for a moisture boost. Try Superdrug Vitamin E Facial Oil, £ 2.99 ( superdrug. com).