SKINCARE

Start a great Autumn skincare regimen that promises to get you prepped for winter.

After record heat, it is time to prepare frazzled skin for cooler temperatures and repair any damage inflicted by the sun.

Keeping the skin moisturised now will ensure it is ready to endure the chill of colder months.

Concentrating on deep hydration and pigmentation issues will give you the best chance of achieving glowing skin in less humidity and poorer light.

Cleansing

Put away those light gel washes and switch to something more nourishing. Choose a creamy wash with built-in moisturisation. Feeling a bit frazzled after summer? Here's how to turn things around

We recommend Cerave's Hydrating Cleanser and Paula's Choice Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser. Use a cleansing tool for regular exfoliation but be careful not to apply too much pressure to the skin.

By using a hydrating moisturiser, you will give your routine a head start.

Toning

Use a toner that rehydrates the skin and delivers glow-boosting properties.

Why not try Neal's Yard Remedies' Rehydrating Rose Toner or PIXI's Glow Tonic?

Choose a product that will gently remove dead skin cells and impurities without stripping your face of moisture.

Serums

Look for a serum that will even your skin tone but also deliver deep hydration. We recommend an ACE serum, which includes retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E. Take a look at Satin Naturel's aloe vera based Vitamin C Serum with Vitamins A and E.

Moisturisers

Even in winter, it is important to use a day cream with a good SPF. That is because the sun can damage the skin at any time of the year. The early part of autumn can often seem like an extension of summer so choose a deeply hydrating moisturiser with an SPF above 20.

Why not try NIVEA's Cellular Luminous 630 Anti-Dark Spot Triple Protection Day Fluid? It has an SPF of 50.

Ensure your night cream is rich enough to replenish the skin. We recommend the ELEMIS Superfood Midnight Facial. It is a prebiotic overnight cream that nourishes, replenishes and revives. If you want to catch this product when it is on offer, subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you in the loop.

In A Nutshell

Autumn skincare can be summed up in two words - repair, prepare. Keep those in mind and you won't go far wrong.

A dark spot corrector can erase patches of over-pigmentation to give sun damaged and mature skin a clearer, even tone.

But before you splash out on an expensive product, it's worth knowing that you can achieve a similar - and often quicker - result with much cheaper skincare products.

Brightening products, especially serums, can cost less than half the price of a 'corrector' .

So, what's the difference? If you are tired of putting up with dark spots or fed up with the hassle of having to layer up concealer, keep reading because you can get rid of them.

Medical News Today has an excellent article on hyperpigmentation, explaining everything you need to know about melanin levels in the skin. Visit our website for the link.

What Are Dark Spots?

Darks spots are simply areas of hyperpigmentation on the face. They can be caused by hormones, over-exposure to the sun and common skin conditions such as acne. Women tend to notice them as they age, although scarring from teenage skin issues can also cause uneven skin tone.

Bespoke products versus Vitamin C

Correcting Products

Correcting creams and fluids are typically priced from around £16 upwards., so not dirt cheap.

Active ingredients can include: Licorice Root Extract, α-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Damask Rose, Alcohol, Rosemary Extract, and Poly Hydroxy Acid. Many correctors also include vitamins, natural emollients and exfoliators.

The drawback is... They can take up to three months to work. Many products in this category end up attracting poor reviews because people simply get fed up of waiting to see a difference.

Skin Brightening Products

Skin brightening serums can

be incorporated into your usual skincare regimen and cost as little as under £5 for a high-strength Vitamin C product.

Not

only beneficial that, they often include other

ingredients such as Retinol,

Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.

Using a strength in excess of 12 per cent will likely yield visible results in as little as a week or two - if used morning and night. This ingredient will also give your skin a healthy glow.

In addition, you can boost the performance of a Vitamin C serum by using a clarifying toner that includes Niacinamide. Moisturising creams that include Vitamin C are also now widely available - so, if you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you can tackle the concern at every stage of your skincare routine.

Generally speaking, you can buy a serum and a moisturising cream for the same or less outlay as a market-leading dark spot corrector.

Unfortunately, once you

stop product, dark spots can come back. using a

So, if you want to keep your skin super clear all-year round, it's best to incorporate a Vitamin C product into your evening skincare regimen and use a brightening moisturiser in the day for extra effectiveness. If you want to find effective brightening products at the best price, Regime Skin Care offers a completely free product finder service. Simply use the Contact form at www.regimeskincare.co.uk and let us know what your requirements are and your budget.

We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. Having any kind of a routine can leave us feeling bogged down and chained to a set pattern of actions. Skincare is no different.

If you are tired of using the same old products, at the same time, day-in and day-out, it is time to take stock.

Ditching your current skincare routine could be the best thing you have done this year.

Why? For a myriad of reasons!

Here, we explain the top 10 reasons for saying goodbye to certain products or even an entire regimen.

1 - Skincare Routine Isn't Working

When is it time to call it a day and start again?

It could be that you have been using the same products for years and not noticed that your skin concerns or needs have changed.

For example, just by ageing the skin requires more hydration. You may have developed hyperpigmentation or fine lines that your existing products are not designed to tackle.

Take a long, hard look in the mirror and decide what concerns you want to eliminate from your face - then swap products in your routine with ones designed to work on your skin.

Many major beauty retailers now list products by skin type or concern, so it shouldn't be too difficult to make the change.

2 - Products Cost Too Much

We have all been tempted to splash the cash on premium skincare brands at one time or another. But sticking to a particular make of product can be a real challenge when our financial situation changes.

As the cost of living rises, many of us will have to make sacrifices. Skincare 'downgrades' are likely to be high on the list for those faced with rising energy and food costs.

The good thing is, cheaper doesn't always mean poor-performing. There are lots of inexpensive skincare brands really making a name for themselves at the moment. And they don't just sell run-of-the-mill moisturisers. Revolution Skincare, Barry M and even some own brand products are cutting it when put to the test. In fact, consumers can now get their hands on everything from retinol serums to clarifying pink clay for real bargain basement prices. Check out Boots own 'glow' range - it includes a pineapple gel moisturiser that currently costs just £4!

Take a look at what's out there - you may be surprised. And, remember, a lot of expensive products use ingredients designed to make them feel luxurious on the skin but don't actually have any skincare benefits.

3 - Products Hard To Find

Searching for a product online can be timeconsuming, not to mention infuriating, if it is constantly going out of stock.

Having to rely on lesser-known outlets or being kept waiting days, if not weeks, for a skincare essential to arrive is literally a waste of time. Having the convenience of both options will serve you well.

Some up-and-coming skincare brands that started online now have a presence on the high street. Revolution is just one.

When choosing new products, make sure they are going to be around for a while. Some medium to large brands release limited edition or seasonal products. Ideally, to address a concern, you need to have enough product to last three months to reap the full benefits. Stay away from products that are in limited supply the very day you 'discover' them.

If you are not sure, contact a brand directly or seek assistance in-store.

4 - New Skin Concern 6 - Products Are Not Vegan

This is a no-brainer. Stop using your current products and find ones suitable for your skin. If what you are using now isn't tackling the problem, it never will. If your ethics have changed and you want to ensure the skincare products you use are either vegan or cruelty-free - or both - don't fret. You will be surprised at how many now fit your criteria.

Ditch what you have got and start again.

If cash is an issue, replace items gradually - as they run out. Always check that products are certified vegan or cruelty free. PETA certifies some beauty products and so does Leaping Bunny and Vegan Org.

5 - Regimen Is Too Time Consuming

Nobody has got all day or half the night to complete a long-winded skincare routine. Seven to 15-step Korean regimens are so yesterday.

Get back to basics - cleanse, tone and moisturise. Pop in a serum before moisturising if you have mature or dry skin. 7 - Worried About Use Of Plastic

Aim for a

skincare minutes to complete. routine that takes five Packaging has been a real issue in the beauty sector for decades. But things are changing. New and innovative packaging is being developed all the time. Look for products in either glass or fully recyclable plastic.

8 - No Longer Makes You Feel Good

Our skin can get used to products, if they are used all the time. A change is as good as a rest - especially if you feel 'stuck' or down about your routine.

Why not swap a moisturising cream for a gel or use a light Vitamin C serum instead of a facial oil?

Some brands now offer 'shakes' which include several premium ingredients and also make your skin feel fresh and revived.

Make skincare fun again - organise a girls' night in and try out some new face masks.

9 - You Need To Be Doing More

If you aren't convinced the steps you are taking to look after your skin are doing you any favours, it's time to move on. Skincare is about more than taking care of your looks, it is about the ritual, the daily unwinding or prep for the day.

Invest in products that will ensure you feel you are doing your best. If you want to try something new, a skincare set is a good idea. As well as introducing you to new products, a kit will enable you to establish a new regimen quickly and easily.

If you just want to add a product, consider using a skin tonic or hydrating serum mist.

10 - Skincare Is A Hassle

If you are finding it tough to stick to a routine, it's not the right regimen for you. Look at how many steps are in your routine and cut it down to three or four. Keep it simple. The longer you stick to a routine, the more benefits you will get out of it.

It is not worth losing sleep over a skincare routine. We all get down days, the odd pimple or patch of dry skin. Take a deep breath, consign your current skincare routine to the bin and try something new.

What have you got to lose?

Part of the pleasure of wearing makeup, for me, is the ritual of cleansing to get it all off.

I am talking about removing a full face of cosmetics - from concealer and foundation to eyeliner and mascara. I also wear eyeshadow every day as well as lipstick, blusher, contour powders and highlighter. Yep, even at 56!

Fifteen years ago, I could not have fathomed ever liking the process - let alone relishing it.

Those were the days when my 'routine' comprised a bit of cream cleanser on a ball of cotton wool and, occasionally, a toner. Nine times out of 10, though, I would fall into bed still wearing a ton of war paint - always assuming a quick wash in the morning would suffice. Or, some nights, just not even thinking ahead at all. In fact, I am certain I must have applied fresh makeup on top of the previous day's numerous times.

Belinda Bennett shares her passion for cleansing

Disgusting, I know. It gives me the heebiejeebies to even be reminded.

And I wondered why I still had blackheads when I was well into my 30s!

Everything changed when it dawned on me that properly removing cosmetics and being thorough when it came to actually cleaning the face is the very foundation of good skincare.

A lightbulb moment, for sure!

How Many Steps To Clean Skin?

I only discovered the true benefits of cleansing when I quit a career that had worn me down and tried something new. Suddenly, I had all this energy that I didn't have before - and some extra cash.

I probably chucked a couple of cleansing products in a shopping basket one day, finally realising their relevance about two weeks after I started using them.

That light bulb moment - and I genuinely can't recall exactly when it was, because it was literally years ago now - changed so much.

Of course, it changed the condition of my skin. For the better. But, it did more. It gave me a purpose at the end of the day; something to look forward to. It also gave me a proper 'unwinding' process.

When I cleanse my face, I never think of it in a set number of steps. It takes as many as it... well, takes.

Usually, I start my routine with micellar water. I use it to remove eye makeup and occasionally sweep it over my face as well.

I use two eco friendly, washable cleansing pads - so there is a pad for each eye to limit the chance of spreading bacteria from one to the other. If I am using micellar water on my face, I use a third pad.

Next up is the wash. I alternate between using a cleansing balm and a gentle wash.

Generally, I will go for the balm if I've worn particularly heavy makeup or if the weather has been humid. I love massaging the products into my face and seeing what comes off when I rinse.

Because someone once told me that it takes over 20 splashes of water to remove soap from the face, I rinse at least five or six times.

Twice a week, I combine the wash with an electronic cleansing tool. I find it exfoliates the skin and delivers a really deep-down clean. Next up, I use a calming toner (I save the glycolic and caffeine toners for mornings). This is the moment of truth, for me. If there is any hint of makeup on the pad, I go back and wash my face again. Very gently.

That may be the end of the cleansing ritual for some people, but I like to immediately continue with skincare products.

I always use a serum after toning my skin. Sometimes, it will be a simple Argan oil or hyaluronic acid. Other times, I may use a few drops of rose oil in a moisturising gel or go heavy on the retinol and vitamin C. Again, I massage my skin to ensure no area is overlooked.

While the serum is still slightly damp, I apply pure aloe vera gel to the under-eye areas, my eyebrows, the bridge of my nose and upper lip.

Finally, I apply either a rich night cream or lots of moisturising gel. Recently, I've been using Revolution's watermelon gel or Boots' cheapas-chips pineapple Glow gel.

Mintel estimated that British women would spend £1.18 billion on skincare products in 2018. Since then, of course, we have had a pandemic with many more women finding the time - and a desire - to invest in their face. The market intelligence agency further reported that 92 per cent of women were using facial cleansers.

Of those, 55 per cent buying a face wash and 45 per cent cleansing wipes. Micellar water, back then, was attracting just 27 per cent of skincare devotees - a trend that has undoubtedly increased.

This intelligence was gathered at a time when Korean skincare was in vogue and necessitated up to 10 steps. It was reported before wipes were considered ineffective as a cleanser as well as a hazard to the environment.

Quite rightly, Mintel said that more women were experimenting with skincare and developing their own, bespoke cleansing rituals. Many were alternating products and were not afraid to try something new.

For example, I sometimes like to give my skin a boost with a gentle overnight peel. Envisage your pores being clogged with sticky eye makeup and foundation. Imagine that those blackheads on your nose and chin have been made a zillion times worse by stray mascara and that any blemishes you have are caused by poor personal hygiene. Remind yourself that dirt, sweat and pollutants are also in the mix. Finally, think of the time and effort potentially over months or even years - that will need to go into reversing all that damage?

Then consider how you unwind at night. What is your routine? If you have one, does it relax you? Does it improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem?

You see, the biggest gains with a cleansing ritual aren't always obvious. Yes, my skin is clear and smooth, but other benefits include having a relaxing end to the day that aids sleep. I am addicted to the ritual of cleansing.

Aloe vera based skincare products are not only on-trend they are great for Autumn. Cool and refreshing, they provide great hydration as well as anti-ageing benefits.

If you haven't deliberately set out to buy a moisturiser with this plant base, you may be surprised to know that it is found in bestselling face gels, creams and serums.

A staple for organic skincare brands, it can be used to tackle a range of skin concerns. Cold pressed, almost pure aloe vera is so gentle and hydrating it is often used to moisturise skin after radiotherapy treatments.

It can also be used on wrinkles and fine lines because of its skin plumping benefits. A favourite base for vegan cosmetics, it is often paired with nourishing ingredients such as Shea butter in hand creams and treatments for very dry skin.

Trending in skincare for all the right reasons

The Brands Using Aloe Vera

Clinique uses aloe vera bio-ferment technology in its Moisture Surge products. You will also find the plant extract in serums produced by Satin Naturel as well as in hydrating creams and gels from Garnier, Kiehl's, Skinfood, Herbivore, Juice Beauty and many more.

Many anti-ageing serums use aloe vera gel as a base. These gels can also include a range of vitamins, hyaluronic acid and other powerful properties known to benefit mature skin.

I have used 99 per cent pure aloe vera gel around my eyes for the past 12 months. Initially, it was to use up tubes I had left over following radiotherapy. However, I found it so cooling and hydrating that I continue to use it every evening.

I gently tap it into the skin under the eyes, at the sides and on the lids before using a facial oil or serum and a night cream.

Boots' Glow range includes a pineapple gel moisturiser that is infused with aloe leaf juice. It's brilliantly priced at £4 and I recommend it. However, it doesn't have much of a fragrance despite its name. If you like fragrance-free products, you may find this gel an excellent buy. I have swapped a more expensive gel for this one and it is just as good.

The Brands Using Aloe Vera

In ancient Egypt aloe vera extract was considered a medicine. It can be used as a disinfectant and has great antibacterial properties. It is still used today in acne treatments and many other over-the-counter medicines. But its biggest growth area is in

facial products. That is because aloe vera can penetrate layers of the skin more effectively than many other ingredients and delivers visible results in as little as two weeks.

If you haven't tried aloe vera based skincare, I thoroughly recommend it.