Beauty Boss: There’s more to skincare than just cleanse, tone and moisturise

Are you washing your face too often? Twice per day is enough

We’ve all heard the mantra “cleanse, tone, moisturise” to describe a healthy skincare routine.

But while age-old advice is still key, there are lots of approaches to ensure our complexion looks its best in lockdown.

Here, Dr Asher Siddiqi, a medical aesthetic expert at Transform, shares his insider advice.

Avoid over-washing

Giving your skin a good scrub at the end of a long day can feel very satisfying – especially if it’s squeaky clean. But Dr Siddiqi says washing too much can have an adverse effect.

He explained: “Our skin is the first layer that comes into contact with the outside world, and these skin cells and oils help act as a barrier to protect us.

“By washing our faces too much, we’re stripping away these essential oils, which can result in dry, sensitive skin, and a slightly reddish appearance.

“What’s more, it also causes skin to overcompensate with oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

“Try not to wash your face more than twice per day – morning and night – and ensure you remove any make-up.”

Keep it cool

Dr Siddiqi added: “Using water that is too hot can also have a detrimental impact on our skin.

“Hot water can cause certain conditions to worsen as it leads to our skin drying out, so use lukewarm or cold water instead.”

Don’t ditch SPF

We may be staying indoors, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to bother with SPF.

Dr Siddiqi said: “There is a myth that sunscreen should only be worn when you’re outside. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Many people come to see me with skin concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines, which have often been accelerated due to sun exposure.

“I recommend wearing a high factor, such as SPF 50 or minimum SPF 30, to protect the skin and help stop premature skin ageing.”

Wipe away grime

We are all so used to washing our hands now, but when did you last sanitise your mobile phone?

“While they may look relatively clean to the naked eye, our phones are extremely dirty,” explained Dr Siddiqi.

“They are a breeding ground for bacteria, which is bad news when it comes to our skin.

“When we press our phones against the side of our face it can stimulate the oil glands, which then mix with the bacteria on the device, resulting in a blemish or infection if there is a break in the skin.

“Make sure to regularly clean your phone, particularly the screen, or wear headphones and go hands-free.”

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