The beauty editor skincare hack that transformed my dry, tight winter skin
The great thing about working at You magazine is that whenever you’re having a skincare crisis, you can sidle up to the beauty team and beg for help (and ideally, some products to sort you out).
A couple of months ago, my skin was in a dire state. Despite never suffering with dry skin before, the cold weather had made it parched and red, as well as extremely uncomfortable. The skin on my face felt tight and sensitive, and when I applied make-up it didn’t stay on properly because the base was so dry. And it wasn't like I was neglecting it completely - although having little kids means I have basically zero time for self-care, I was still slapping on moisturiser morning and evening. But to no avail.
By means of an SOS, I spoke to You’s Deputy Beauty Editor Alice Robertson, who fished some products out of her bag of tricks and advised me on the routine to follow. One of her big tips was to apply thin layers of different products rather than dousing on a thick layer of one super moisturising cream.
Step one of my new routine was a hyaluronic acid serum (Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum. £54, Lookfantastic) and ceramide spray (Boots DermaCare Ceramides Replenishing Mist, £6). Boots also does a cheaper hyaluronic acid serum - this one is just £5. The ceramide spray is brilliant if you're short on time - it's very satisfying to just spritz your face and feel instantly rejuvenated.
Double moisturising is great for ultra-parched skin.
Another of Alice's tips was double moisturising – which, it turns out, is a method that has been used in Japan for centuries. As the name makes clear, it involves the use of two moisturisers, but the secret lies in using two products with different consistencies for the best results.
In my case, this meant waiting until my serum had sunk in and then applying Bioderma Atoderm Cream Ultra Moisturiser for Dry Skin, £13, which I then locked in with an Ren Youth Concentrate Oil, £54. The key is to have one layer which is a humectant (more lightweight or water-based products that attract water to the skin). The second layer is what’s known as an occlusive – the purpose of this is to seal moisture into the skin and stop is escaping, which is was the oil did for me – a rich, emulsion-like cream would do the same job.
With this oil slick going on, my face looked crazy at bedtime, and I had to tie my hair back so it didn’t get smothered overnight. But the results were amazing. Within a couple of weeks my skin felt more hydrated and plump than it has in years, and the fine lines on my cheeks – which I was concerned to discover were there even when I wasn’t smiling – suddenly felt much less cavernous.
Layer a lightweight moisturiser under a occlusive one for optimum results
Now my skin has rebalanced itself to normal levels I've cut out the oil, but am keeping the other steps of the routine going. Layering is key; if you're short on time like me then my top tip for making sure you apply them all is to remove your make-up as soon as you get home and pop on the first serum, then have your moisturiser/oil next to your bed to apply at bedtime (if I leave it all until last thing I can’t be bothered to wait for various products to be absorbed).
Another tip is to have all your skincare products in a clear toiletry bag and have them next to you while you're watching TV in the evening - it makes reaching for the various layers much easier if you can just transport them around with you!
