How to keep your skin youthful (according to a facialist)

The solution should be simple—have a quick, fool-proof skincare routine that you can stick to everyday. Many believe that in order to get results, you need to be doing an 8-step skincare routine and spend thousands on monthly treatments.

However, I believe consistency is key and simplicity is the easiest way to remain consistent, just like when you start a new fitness goal. Fads and trends come and go and it's easy to get swept up in them—but remember, what works for your friend's skin won't necessarily work for yours. By keeping your routine simple, it is much easier to work out which products are working for you and which are not.

Cleansing your skin is so important, particularly in the evening. Cleaning off makeup, debris and dirt at the end of a day means your skin can breathe through the night and regulate oil production.

There has been much debate about whether you should cleanse once, double cleanse, or even not cleanse at all. The answer is simple: always cleanse in the evening. This can be a double cleanse if you are wearing makeup or if for your second cleanse you’re using a different product to treat a specific concern, such as acne. In the morning, you don’t have to cleanse, unless you have extremely oily skin and therefore would benefit from a morning cleanse.

Top tip: don’t wait for bedtime to cleanse your skin. Why not do it as soon as you get home? It will feel like much less of a chore.

Hyaluronic acid is perfect for deep hydration for all skin types, particularly if you find moisturizer too heavy for your skin. Remember, slugging (applying a petroleum-based product as the last step in your routine to "lock in" your skincare products) isn’t hydrating, it's breakout inducing.

Using an exfoliating acid or retinol is perfect for brightening and smoothing whilst also increasing cellular turnover. Which exfoliator you use depends on what your skin can tolerate. If retinol is too strong for your skin, then a salicylic acid will usually work well.

Be sure to not use more than one exfoliator in your routine as you don’t want to break down your skin's barrier. (Using an exfoliating scrub can also do this!)

UVA/UVB protection is essential all year round. It will protect your skin against harmful UV rays that penetrate through your skin even on a cloudy or rainy day. It also acts as extra protection against various weather extremes such as harsh winds.

Most people find their skin is better in the summer, however it is a short term fix with long term consequences such as pigmentation, rosacea, extreme sensitivity and dryness. To have good skin all year round, you must protect it all year round—good skin is made in the summer.

A monthly facial is ideal for a deeper exfoliation, a chance to de-clog the pores and for intense hydration. My Glow Facial will treat all skin concerns and leave you with long-lasting results.

Having a deeper treatment such as micro-needling or laser resurfacing gives your skin the boost it needs to look its best. As we age, our skin cell turnover slows down and we slowly lose collagen each year. A deeper treatment will keep that collagen boosted, slowing down the aging process and keeping the skin looking healthy. It will also keep any skin concerns such as acne scarring or pigmentation at bay.

Cecilia Ross, founder of Cecilia London, is a top London facialist and skincare expert. 

Read more: How many makeup products do you really need

Read more: How your skin changes during menopause

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