Top 10 Skincare Secrets And Tips Shared By Experts

When it comes to achieving and maintaining healthy, radiant skin, there’s no shortage of advice out there – but what skincare tips really work? In this article, we’ve gathered insights from skincare expert, Ridah Syed, Senior Medical Aesthetician at Skinfluencer London, to bring you the top 10 skincare tips to help you transform your complexion.  

Skincare tips for healthier skin  

A healthy complexion is not just about looking good; it’s a reflection of your overall well-being, too. To achieve and maintain healthier skin, you don’t need a complex routine – just well-informed choices. Here are the top 10 healthy skin tip to help you on your journey to good health:  

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

“A healthy lifestyle increases the skin’s nutrition and hydration levels,” explains Syed. Lifestyle choices like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and limiting excessive alcohol consumption have a profound impact on your skin’s health. “These factors should also help reduce stress, a lifestyle factor known to have a detrimental effect on skin. Think an increase in lines, wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation,” she adds.

2. Eat your greens and practise a healthy diet 

Syed emphasises the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin. And don’t skip those healthy oils, “a diet rich in Omega 3 packed foods like chia seeds and oily fish, are really beneficial to the skin. This healthy oil helps regulate the skin’s sebum production, boosts hydration, and subdues breakouts,” reveals Syed.

3. Drink lots of water

Dehydration can lead to dryness, flakiness, and premature ageing, meaning staying hydrated plays a pivotal role in skin health. “When skin is well-hydrated, it maintains elasticity and you are less likely to develop sagging, wrinkles, lines or scaring,” says Syed. Getting enough H2O also helps eliminate toxins from the body, which helps halt the premature ageing of your skin.  

4. Avoid smoking 

Smoking is the skin’s worst enemy. “The skin can absorb nicotine, which delays wound healing,” warns Syed. “While smoking as a whole can exacerbate any existing skin conditions, impair collagen formation and increases collagen breakdown. It also narrows the blood vessels so less nutrients reach the skin. Not only that, smoking can give a greyish appearance to the skin and cause changes in the skin colour around the eyes as well as promoting the appearance of lines on the upper lip,” reveals Syed. In a nutshell? Quitting smoking is a vital step toward healthier, more radiant skin. 

5. Wear sunscreen and avoid direct exposure 

Sunscreen is your skin’s shield against harmful UV rays. “SPF not only prevents burning and pigmentation, but a broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA, which causes premature ageing,” Syed adds. Protect your skin from sunburn, wrinkles, pigmentation, and the risk of skin cancer by wearing a high SPF, like Clarins UV Plus [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF50 Translucent, £34, daily. 

6. Use cleanser on the daily 

Daily cleansing is essential to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Syed recommends using the right type of cleanser for your skin type, whether it’s foaming, gel, or cream. “You should cleanse twice a day, even if you do not wear makeup,” she says. “This is because cleansing allows you to remove the day’s dirt, grime and pollution, as well as the excess oils the skin produces naturally.” Remember to use lukewarm water, gentle circular motions, and avoid scrubbing too vigorously for the best results.   

Try: Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, £25, a bi-phase scrub that cleanses and exfoliates at the same time. Remember to follow the right skincare routine order, too.   

7. Apply toner after you cleanse 

Toner is your skin’s best friend post-cleansing. “Using a toner removes the last remains of dirt and impurities after cleansing,” Syed explains. “In the past, these products were known to strip the skin of its natural oils, but now many of the formulations include ingredients that are hydrating and calming,” she adds.   

Try: Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion, £25, which contains aloe vera and fig extract for the ultimate hit of hydration.   

Read: The Ultimate Guide To A Basic Skincare Routine For Beginners In Quick & Easy Steps 

8. Reduce blemishes with acids  

Struggling with acne? Try an acid. “Salicylic acid exfoliates and unblocks pores as well as impacting sebaceous activity and reducing oil production in the skin,” Syed adds. 

“These spots can lead to inflammation, which in turn can lead to (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) PIH. The best acid to deal with this particular concern is azelaic acid because it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the release of the pigment melanin which causes hyperpigmentation,” she continues. Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layers of the skin so over time it can help with PIH, too. 

9. Support the skin from the inside out 

Integrating vitamins like A, C, and E into your skincare regimen promotes moisture retention and skin vitality. These vitamins are essential for a well-hydrated, healthy complexion – but can also be taken in supplement form to nourish your skin from the inside-out. “Supplements can contain ingredients such as collagen, fish oils, vitamin C and biotin – all of which are extremely beneficial to the skin. Multivitamins and probiotics will also keep the skin in good health,” Syed explains.  

myBlend Nutri Glow: Complexion Radiance Food Supplement, £65, is a supplement powder powered by radiance-boosting foods such as sea buckthorn berry and prebiotic inulin for a super-shot of vitamins.   

10. Exfoliate at least once a week 

Exfoliation is the key to maintaining healthy and radiant skin. “As we age, the skin’s natural cycle is 28 days, so exfoliating helps to speed up the new cellular regeneration and rids the surface of the skin of dead cells, whose presence can cause it to look dull and lacklustre instead of radiant,” explains Syed. Be mindful not to over-exfoliate, and always use sunscreen, as exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to UV rays.  

Read: Skin Brightening Creams For Every Concern  

Do you need special skincare supplies?  

You might be wondering if specialised skincare supplies are a necessity in your skincare regime. In many cases, they are not required for an effective skincare routine – what’s more essential is making informed choices and following a routine tailored to your skin’s individual needs.  

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, nourishing your body with the right foods, staying hydrated, and following a simple yet effective skincare routine, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.  

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