When it comes to skincare, it seems there are two rules to live by. The first is suncream. Everyone from beauty editors to your vape-puffing mate bangs on about wearing SPF50 to avoid sun damage. And then you’ve got the celebs who put their line-free complexions down to chugging three pints of water a day (and nothing at all to do with vials of Botox…).

But if you’re already using suncream and feel adequately hydrated, then what else can you do to protect your skin from environmental nasties and the ravages of modern life?

According to Dr Hiba Injibar, consultant dermatologist at 121 Harley Street Dermasurge Clinic, there are no creams or serums that can reverse wrinkles or naturally ageing skin. And there’s no way of miraculously plumping skin via your diet, either. Instead, this is a guide to looking after your skin rather than ‘correcting’ anything – which has the added advantage of boosting your overall health (and potentially may help to foster a better relationship with the way your face looks).  

So, beyond slapping on the daily SPF (and please note that the suggestions that follow are in addition to using SPF, not instead of), what’s the best way to look after our skin? 

Although Dr Injibar is keen to stress that no routine or product is going to change how your skin looks over night, having a system in place is still worthwhile.

She advises the following steps:

1. Cleanse twice a day with a gentle formula that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils while still removing the dirt and impurities.
2. Avoid harsh surfactants like sulfates and ensure your cleansers are fragrance-free to avoid dryness and irritation.
3. For acne-prone or sensitive skin, using products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be effective, but it’s important to consult with a dermatologist first to avoid irritation and find the right strength for your skin.
4. Avoid over-exfoliating. Before incorporating exfoliants into your skincare routine, it’s important to speak to a dermatologist who can recommend the right one for your skin type – especially if you have acne.
5. Moisturise every day with lightweight, fragrance-free products that are formulated with gentle ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.

She also recommends vitamin C as a brightening serum. “It’s an antioxidant that helps defend against environmental triggers, free radicals and can normalise pigmentation. Not all creams containing vitamin C are effective though, so the formulation and concentrations are extremely important.

“Medical-grade creams found in pharmacies and doctors’ offices are typically better than those you buy in cosmetic stores.” 

Skin is our largest organ, so it makes total sense that focusing on your overall health is going to impact the state of your skin. If you’re not eating a balanced diet that ticks all the different vitamin boxes, you’ll notice it – whether that’s feeling low energy, struggling with digestion or having dull skin.

“Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens and dark chocolate, can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote a youthful appearance,” says Dr Jinah Yoo, dermatologist and founder of Maylin by Dr Jinah Yoo clinic.

“Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds can reduce inflammation and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Vitamins, such as vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) and vitamin E (found in nuts and seeds) can support collagen production and protect the skin from environmental damage. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats may promote inflammation and contribute to skin issues like acne or premature ageing.” 

“Drinking water is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and supporting its natural functions, but drinking water alone is not adequate skincare,” Dr Injibar says.

And Dr Yoo agrees: “While proper hydration is important for overall health, the idea that drinking an excessive amount of water will directly improve skin health is somewhat of a misconception. Drinking an adequate amount of water is important to maintain proper bodily functions, including the skin’s moisture balance. 

“However, there isn’t strong scientific evidence to suggest that drinking excessive water beyond your body’s needs will dramatically improve your skin.” She suggests simply drinking according to thirst and focusing on maintaining a balanced approach to diet and fluid intake.

It’s not true that dry skin is linked to dehydration, either. Dr Injibar explains that dry skin can cause flakes and premature ageing and is often “deprived of essential collagen and elastin proteins – the naturally occurring substances in the body that help repair damage to the skin”. And if you are struggling with problematic dry skin, then your best bet is to see a dermatologist for treatment.  

If you do everything ‘right’ but still struggle with skin issues, then you might be wondering whether there’s something genetic going on. Dr Yoo says: “While genetics do play a role in determining your skin type and certain aspects of skin health, it is not entirely beyond our control. Some people may be genetically predisposed to certain skin conditions or characteristics, such as dryness, oiliness or susceptibility to acne; however, even with genetic factors at play, there are still various lifestyle choices and skincare practices that can positively impact your skin’s health and appearance.”

Those include having a consistent and appropriate skincare routine, practising good nutrition, protecting your skin from environmental factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle overall. Tick all those boxes and you don’t have to be a victim of skin misfortune. 

This article is part of Skin Freedom, a Stylist Love Women series that aims to champion the reality of women’s skin in all its glory.

Images: Getty