Dermatologists are urging people to ditch complicated skincare routines and focus on basics like cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection. Dr Ophelia E Dadzie, a consultant dermatologist at Hillingdon Hospital, emphasises that skin health reflects overall wellbeing. 'It is about proper nutrition, exercise, getting enough sleep, stress reduction and having a very basic skincare regime,' she says.
Dr Jean Ayer, a Cheshire-based dermatologist, advises that most people only need to cleanse after wearing makeup, moisturise if needed, and use sunscreen on sunny days. She warns against TikTok trends pushing young children to use products like hyaluronic acid and retinoids. 'Pre-puberty, you don’t need to use anything,' she says, suggesting safe options like non-comedogenic moisturisers and micellar water for interested children.
For acne, which affects about 80% of people at some point, Dr Ayer recommends oil-free products like benzoyl peroxide. If over-the-counter treatments fail or cause scarring, Dr Bav Shergill, a Sussex consultant dermatologist, advises seeing a GP. 'GPs are very competent at dealing with the majority of acne,' he says, noting that patients can be escalated to a specialist if needed.
On anti-ageing, Dr Ayer says there is insufficient data to support starting products early. She suggests keeping routines simple in your 20s with good sunscreen. Dr Shergill notes that preventive retinol can be introduced from age 25 or 30, but women may need it earlier due to collagen loss during menopause. Retinoids, sunscreen, and moisturisers are key for older skin, with inexpensive products often as effective as pricier ones.
Dr Ayer cautions that many anti-ageing ingredients lack robust evidence. Hyaluronic acid, for instance, sits on the skin’s surface rather than penetrating it. Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a Harley Street dermatologist, adds that eye and neck creams often overpromise, as changes in those areas are underlying. Dr Dadzie recommends patch testing new products to avoid irritation.
