The 9 Rules Of Skincare This Beauty Expert Lives By
1. Vitamin C Is A Must
Everyone should be using antioxidants on their skin and vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is a great place to start. A serum is the best and most effective way to deliver nutrients into the skin, look for one with a concentration of L-ascorbic acid from 10% to 15%. L-ascorbic acid is an anti-inflammatory and will help to fight free radicals, which come from sun exposure, stress and pollution and can accelerate the ageing process. Skinceuticals’ CE Ferulic serum is my go-to and I recommend it to pretty much every client.
2. Try Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is another must-have in your skincare routine as it plays a crucial role in retaining moisture; one molecule alone can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. As we age, our body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid slows down, so boosting your levels is the key to a plumped-up complexion.
3. Look Out For CBD
Besides the usual anti-ageing powerhouses – peptides, hyaluronic acid and ascorbic acid – which can help to encourage collagen production, CBD (cannabidiol) is going to make waves in the next few years due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. It isn’t widely available in the UK yet, but is being incorporated into more and more products, so keep an eye out for this soon-to-be hero ingredient.
4. Manage Stress
Stress is a skin saboteur, speeding up the ageing process by breaking down the collagen and elastin, both of which are responsible for a youthful glow. Making an effort to get on top of stress is crucial for optimal ageing – eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, establish a regular sleep pattern and take the time to unplug from work and your phone. If you can, practice meditation as often as you can - it really does make the world of difference when it comes to stress.
5. Double Cleansing Isn't For Everyone
Double cleansing isn’t for everyone so don’t feel as though you should be doing it just becuase others are – if you don’t wear a lot of make-up, there really isn’t any need. When it comes to cleansing, just remember to always wash using tepid water (hot water strips the skin’s natural oils) and use a gentle toner afterwards.
6. It’s All About Prevention
It may sound obvious but great skin is all about prevention – looking after your skin from an early age will pay off in the long run. When it comes to products, you don’t necessarily have to be using the most expensive formulas – Medik8, La Roche Posay and Dermaceutic are great brands that have extensive research and great ingredients that will transform your skin.
7. The Right Supplements Are Worth It
The beauty market is full of skin supplements, but not all are created equal. It pays to do your research, especially when it comes to quality and the dosages involved. If in any doubt, speak to an expert who’ll be able to advise you.
8. Avoid The Sun
You’ve heard this one before, but one of the biggest mistakes I see women make with their skin is sitting in the sun. Countless studies have proven sun exposure destroys collagen – it’s the biggest cause of premature ageing so always, always wear an SPF, even on cloudy days, and protect your face from the sun when on holiday and in the summer months. I love Frezyderm’s Velvet Sunscreen, which is available in an SPF30 and 50.
9. Stick To A Routine
If there’s one thing everyone should do on a daily basis for better skin, it would be to find and stick to an effective skincare routine, and dedicate time to a skincare professional who can advise you on how best to look after your complexion. Preventative skincare really is the best – and remember that healthy, radiant skin isn’t about vanity.
Facials with Jasmina Vico start from £125; for more information or to book an appointment visit JasminaVico.com. Her clinic is based at 57 Wimpole Street, W1G 8YW
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