The three essential skincare products for amazing skin!

Welcome to my latest blog, your ultimate guide to mastering the skincare universe! Over the years, I’ve spent far too much time researching skincare products. I’ve read numerous dermatology reports and even achieved a diploma in skincare and makeup, so this 3-minute read could save you hours!

Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, I’ll cut through the noise and explain the only skincare products that will make a difference. Let’s face it: skincare should be fun, not frustrating! And, for all you men, lines and wrinkles aren’t gender specific. Wouldn’t you like a pass to the fountain of youth, too? It’s less work than perfecting your fantasy football lineup, and your mates will be jealous of your glowing skin 😊

I won’t state the obvious about proper cleansing and sufficient sunscreen; I’ll get straight to the point with my No. 1 favourite product that has made the most difference to my skin: Retinol.

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, provides significant benefits for the skin, such as enhancing skin cell turnover, boosting collagen production, exfoliating, and unclogging pores. It has massively improved my skin texture issues, including my “not so” fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation. After all those years of slapping on cooking oil and baking in the sun, yes, I was an 80s suntan specialist.

This miracle product speeds up the natural process of shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin.  Retinol also helps the skin produce more collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity that we lose as we age. I don’t suffer from spot breakouts much these days, but if you do, Retinol will also help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. 

But! A quick heads-up if you’re diving into retinol for the first time — it’s super important to take it slow. I use it twice a week, and my skin loves it, but it takes time. I’d suggest starting with a concentration of 0.3% or lower; it’s gentle enough for most people. When I first read about Retinol, I went straight out, bought 1% concentrate, and my face virtually peeled off after two days. Going overboard will lead to some annoying redness and dryness. Take time to let your skin adjust to it and gradually increase the frequency of use. Your skin will thank you later!

Beyond retinol, my other two go-to products are Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and whilst there is an overlap with Retinol, they do address different concerns. Vitamin C brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage. Retinol is primarily known for its anti-ageing properties, stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture.

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, plumping and hydrating it. It attracts and retains water, keeping my skin hydrated. It can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water, effectively plumping and softening the skin, making a significant difference.  I use all these products at night, alternating between the three.

So, how long will it take to notice a difference? By incorporating these three ingredients, you will see a visible improvement in your skin. Within 2 to 6 weeks, subtle improvements will become evident, and significant enhancements will be noticeable after 2 to 4 months of consistent use.

I should probably mention the cost before I sign off. Being a relatively low-budget person, I tend to opt for products from The Ordinary and No 7, which are just as effective as the pricier brands and have the same ingredients without the need to take out a mortgage to buy them.

As you embark on your skincare journey, products like retinol can be game changers. By understanding your skin’s needs and incorporating these potent ingredients with care, you are not merely investing in a routine but embracing a path to radiant, healthy skin. Your skin deserves this moment to shine, just like you.

Before I leave, I want to say a word about my AS, as I write my blog to raise awareness of autoimmune disease. Those who follow me on social media will know that I was at Wembley last week, as my football team was vying for promotion. We won, and I had a brilliant day that started early, finished late, and included lots of alcohol. My reason for sharing this was my recovery! My body has only just begun to improve. Living with an autoimmune disease requires careful management, and a blowout often causes a flare-up. I don’t regret it, but it served as a gentle reminder not to party too hard this summer 😊

“I regret investing in my skincare products”, said no one ever!

Until next time xxxxxxxx