As a beauty journalist, I’ve spent my career meeting experts, brand founders and dermatologists; I’ve learned about the products they’ve created and the ones they love, use and recommend daily. I’m also lucky enough to be in a position where I can ask for their best and most genuinely useful tips.

Over the years, those tips, nuggets and knowledge have become habits. Habits that deliver real benefits. 

So, here I am, doing the right thing and sharing the most useful pieces of knowledge that can be universally applied to almost any existing skincare routine, no matter what your skin type or main concerns…

1. SPF is a non-negotiable

OK, I know this is one you likely hear from every angle all the time, but that’s because the majority of people still don’t wear sunscreen every single day. UVA rays are always there and can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning that even if you’re staying inside and the sun hasn’t made an appearance for days, your skin can still be impacted. Plus, there’s a reason why countless dermatologists say daily use is more effective than using retinoids: SPF really is the best product to protect your skin and ensure it’s as healthy as it can be.

2. Basic isn’t boring

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of wanting to use skincare from expensive brands with fancy packaging and impressive promises, but I’ve found, more often than not, that it’s the no-frills products that do the best work. The same applies to having a basic routine: there’s no need to be layering on multiple products morning and night when cleansing and keeping skin hydrated are two of the most important steps.

3. Consistency is key

One of the things I learned early in my career was that swapping and changing products every night was not good for my skin. It just causes irritation and sensitivity, but sticking with the same routine will make the biggest difference. Skincare can take around a month to work, so if you don’t see results immediately, don’t be disheartened, and remember that staying consistent will give products the best chance of working effectively.

4. Expensive doesn’t always mean better

This was a tough pill for me to swallow as well, and it’s not to say that some expensive products aren’t worth investing in, but it’s always worth doing your research. Does the brand cost more because of its name or because of its formulas? What exactly are you paying for? It’s also important not to disregard products because they seem too cheap to be good – skincare technology has evolved so much and I am continually impressed by products available on the high street that don’t break the bank.

5. Invest wisely

Carrying on from the above, of course some products or ingredients are always going to be more expensive than others, and while skincare varies wildly in price, it’s good to be aware of what is worth spending more on. If I’ve learned anything it’s that you’re better investing in active ingredients (like retinoids, antioxidants and targeted treatments) rather than in cleansers that get washed away or fuss-free moisturisers that only serve to hydrate.

6. You can double cleanse with the same product

While double cleansing in the evening isn’t imperative for everybody, it’s something you should do if you wear heavy make-up if you want to make sure it’s properly removed. However, while some people will recommend using two different products, that’s not necessary. Instead, you can just use the same product twice. The most important thing to remember is that the first cleanse is for removing foundation, dirt, oil and SPF from the day, and then the second is to clean your skin in readiness for the moisturisers and serums you’ll apply afterwards.

7. Only focus on one concern at a time

If you have a few issues that you want to try to get under control, try not to get carried away by treating them all at once. Instead, choose what you want to work on first and tackle that, and then move on to the next. That’ll remove the need for lots of different products and it’ll mean you’re more likely to see better results more quickly. 

Images: Getty