Daily Skin Routine: An Expert Answers Your Top 5 Questions
It seems we’re sick of the hard, multi-step sell – some women now want to simplify their daily skin routine steps, says Adam de Cruz.
Q1) Is it important to have a separate day and night moisturiser?
Though they’re often marketed as different products, people are becoming clued up and cutting back on what they’re using – for their skin, the environment and because it’s just not necessary. According to Adam, “If a cream has amazing ingredients, you can use the same one day and night.”
Q2) At what age should I start an anti-ageing product?
A start age is hotly debated, but more experts are recommending simply protecting skin. “There is no such a thing as an anti-ageing product, as you can’t turn back time,” says Adam. “The good news is that you can make your skin feel and look better by finding ones with fantastic natural ingredients to slow down the process.”
Q3) Should I exfoliate every day, as part of my daily skin routine?
“Only exfoliate when you feel your skin looks a little dull,” says Adam. Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) formulations, which are derived from fruit acids, keep the complexion looking fresh and glowy without causing damage or dryness. “Just swipe your face with apple cider vinegar on a cotton pad once or twice a week, avoiding the eye area,” he advises.
Q4) Would you recommend a separate SPF?
A University of Liverpool study found the coverage of SPF moisturisers to be inferior to their sole SPF counterparts. “I would always recommend a separate sunscreen as I haven’t yet found an SPF moisturiser that really works. In fact, too many ingredients in one cream can cancel out each others’ efficacy,” says Adam.
Q5) Is it okay to shave the fuzz on my face?
Men aren’t the only ones who shave their faces: many women do, too. Make sure you wash your face first and exfoliate to remove dead skin. Shave in steady strokes, in the direction of hair growth, pressing down gently. After you’ve finished, apply some moisturising alcohol-free lotion or oil and wait a few minutes before applying make-up.
Adam de Cruz is founder of new plant-based line A.D.C. Beauty.