I didn't think I would ever write this headline. After all, how do you go about deciding the best skincare product you've ever used when it's your job as a beauty director to put hundreds of new beauty products to the test every year? Frankly, I have long trusted my journalistic integrity too much to imagine a scenario in which I would flippantly call any one product the best I've ever used. And yet, here we are. I'm saying it, and it's not flippant: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is the best skincare product I've ever used.

And before I get into what makes Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment so good, I want to clarify some things, because the history of this product has been somewhat confusing. Sitting somewhere between a face serum and an exfoliating skin treatment, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment has long been heralded as one of the most loved skincare products amongst beauty editors, well, ever. The glass-skin finish? Unrivalled. The smoothness? Exceptional. The even skin tone? Almost unbelievable. But then, back in 2018, the product was pulled from the shelves in the EU due to regulation around the permitted strengths of lactic acid.

As a response, the brand released a glycolic acid alternative to Good Genes (another form of exfoliating AHA that, weirdly, is arguably more potent than lactic acid but didn't face the same scrutiny under EU regulations). The results were good, but they weren't the same. But now, after nearly seven years of going without, Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is back in the UK. And my gosh, have I been missing out all of these years. After four months of using it religiously, this is what I think everyone deserves to know...

The Formula

Okay, let's get into what Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment actually does, shall we? Inside this serum-like formula is a form of purified lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from milk that works to exfoliate skin at a deep level, improving congestion, skin texture, dullness and uneven tone. It works by sloughing away at dead skin cells to reveal fresher, more radiant skin underneath. On top of this, though, unlike other AHAs of its kind, lactic acid also possesses hydrating properties. As a humectant (similarly to hyaluronic acid), it attracts water molecules in the skin to create plumping results.

And for me, a formula that contains lactic acid over glycolic acid is everything. You see, the molecules of lactic acid are larger than those of glycolic acid, meaning, as a general rule, lactic acid is more widely tolerated among those with reactive skin (although, as with any acid-containing products, patch tests should always be carried out and you should stop using the product at any sign of irritation).

Along with lactic acid, you can also find glow-boosting licorice, refreshing lemongrass, nourishing aloe and soothing arnica and prickly pear extract in the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment formula.

What is promised? A wonder product that smooths, brightens, evens out skin tone and plumps, with less chance of irritation.

The Application

If you've ever used a Sunday Riley product before, you'll know the joy of the luxury all too well. The bottle looks chic on the shelf, and one to two pumps of product is all it takes to cover my face and neck. The texture is light and lotion-like. It glides over the skin like silk and feels hydrating as you massage it in. Much like all of Sunday Riley's products, the scent is unique and natural-smelling—it's fresh and pleasant, with a slight medicinal kick that really lets you know it's getting to work.

Although the directions suggest you can apply this morning or night, due to the product's acidic nature, I would always recommend applying it at night to avoid risk of sun damage during the day. As someone who has reactive (albeit oily and breakout-prone) skin, I started off applying it three times a week, straight after cleansing and before my moisturiser. As time has gone on, I have increased my application to, more or less, every evening. Despite my sensitivity to acids, I haven't had even a hint of upset.

For those with very sensitive skin, however, it is worth knowing that, for you, Sunday Riley recommends using Good Genes as a face mask. Apply one to two pumps all over and leave on for 15 minutes before removing with water.

The Verdict

Let me first make it known that you will see and feel results after just one use of Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment—and that isn't something I can say for many skincare products. The morning after my very first use, my skin felt baby-soft and looked brighter and more radiant. It's the sort of product that involves results so good, you have to remind yourself to not go overboard with the application.

I am now four months into using Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid treatment, and I can hand on heart say that my skin has never been this good. In these photos, I'm not wearing any makeup. Can you still see years of sun damage peeking through on my forehead? Of course. Are my previously frozen fine lines starting to show as my Botox wears off? Yes. But this is just your reminder that no skincare product will work miracles. Because when I overlook these deeper-than-surface-level skin gripes, I see a complexion that is the best it has looked in more than a decade.

My heavily acne-prone skin has seen little more than the odd pimple. The blackheads that usually plague my nose are fewer than ever. My typically lacklustre complexion is bouncy and bright. And, most crucially, the post-breakout scarring that decorates my chin barely requires a dab of concealer nowadays. My skin, frankly, has never looked so even, felt so smooth or seemed so alive.

Are there drawbacks? Of course. It's pricey. £70 for a 30ml bottle to precise. It's a luxury product, and therefore, a luxury price tag is to be expected. However, when I think about the other seriously hardworking products in my routine—I'm talking the likes of Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and Skinceuticals C E Ferulic—their price tags are equally as, if not more, eye-watering. I have been using Good Genes for four months, and I'm only just hitting the bottom of my 30ml bottle. Is the glass bottle ideal for travelling? No, but you can afford to skip a week of use and hop straight back on the wagon when you're home. Is it the product for people with incredibly dry, reactive and/or sensitive skin? Also, no, but no acid product of this nature will be.

In my opinion, our problem when it comes to skincare products is that we assume the very best products must work for everyone. Despite writing about products for other people daily, when it comes to my own skincare routine, the best skincare product, surely, has to be one that delivers unrivalled results for my own skin. And that, for me, is Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. I simply don't ever want to be without it again. And if you, too, are looking for a product that works fast and just makes your skin look and feel like its healthiest, I have a suspicion you might share my opinion after trying it.

Shop Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Eye creams are somewhat of a divisive topic. Some people swear by them, and some people claim that they make no difference at all. I like to think that I sit somewhere in the middle. Don't get me wrong, I've tried lots of eye creams that don't live up to their bold claims, but occasionally I come across a product that really does make a noticeable change.

From the Origins Ginzing eye cream to Drunk Elephant's C-Tango Multivitamin eye cream, there are a handful of products that I would actually recommend for those of you looking to add a little bit of life to your under eyes.

However, one product that I have been desperate to try is the Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream. If you didn't know, this eye cream is loved by beauty editors and celebrities alike (Maya Jama and Drew Barrymore are reportedly big fans). Click on any roundup of the best eye creams, and I guarantee that this product will be high on the list. That being said, it doesn't come cheap. At £60 for a 15ml bottle, I was curious to know whether the product is really worth the investment. So, I did what any beauty editor in my position would do and I decided to put it to the test. Keep on scrolling to see how I got on...

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream Review

The Formula

So, what makes this eye cream so good? The secret is all in the formula. The lightweight cream aims to deliver a lifted look while also helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles. It contains caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract to reduce puffiness and energise your under eyes. Cocoa butter, shea butter and watermelon rind extract flood the skin with moisture while light-reflecting particles add a subtle glow.

The Texture

As mentioned above, this cream is incredibly lightweight. However, that's not to say that it's not hydrating, either. Yes, it sinks into the skin in seconds, but it leaves your under eyes feeling silky soft all day long. Not only that, but it sits perfectly under makeup. In fact, it created the ideal base for my concealer.

The Verdict

I want to start this off by saying that I know £60 is a lot for an eye cream, and you definitely don't need to add it to your skincare routine. However, if you are looking to invest in some luxury skincare, then this might be one of the best eye creams I have ever tried (and I've tried many eye creams over the years). The formula is so hydrating, but it never feels heavy on the skin. I love applying it both morning and evening, but I especially love wearing it under makeup for an added boost.

Although I don't think that any eye cream will be able to miraculously get rid of fine lines or dark circles, this product definitely delivered on its claims to reduce puffiness and awaken the eye area. It added a beautiful glow to the skin and I've even received a few compliments about how radiant I look since getting my hands on it.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of amazing affordable eye creams out there that can also help to awaken the under eye area, but I was seriously impressed by how immediate the results were with this Sunday Riley product, and I can honestly say that it really does live up to the hype.

Pros: Lightweight texture, sits well under makeup, hydrating, reduces puffiness and adds a subtle glow

Cons: More expensive than other eye creams on the market

Shop the Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream

Shop More Awakening Eye Creams

There’s no doubt that putting together and maintaining a skincare routine can be an expensive habit, and when it comes to serums in particular, prices can be eye-watering. Serums contain high amounts of active ingredients and often have complex formulas that call for a lot of research and development, which is reflected in their )often high) prices. That said, as a beauty editor and esthetician, I’ve tried hundreds of serums, from luxury formulas like Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair through to budget serum dupes from affordable brands such as The Ordinary, Beauty Pie, and The Inkey List, and I’m here to tell you that expensive doesn’t always equal best. 

"There is a perception that expensive skincare is always better than cheap skincare – and that’s not true at all,” agrees dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "Affordable options are often just as effective, as well as being kinder to your bank account. It is down to the ingredients that work for you and you can definitely find them in cheaper products too.” The key, she explains further, is to figure out which ingredients will cater to your skin’s specific needs. "Familiarise yourself with the ingredients in your favourite products so you can start to single out what works for you and see if those ingredients are present in some affordable products,” she recommends.

But why are some products so much cheaper than others? Product prices are dictated by things like quality of ingredients, packaging supply chains, research and development, and marketing costs. But by reducing marketing budgets, keeping packaging minimal, and utilising ingredients that are already tried, tested, and proven to work, brands can keep costs low and pass on the savings to you. "Some brands can also afford to sell their products at lower prices simply because they can afford to produce a large amount of stock,” says esthetician and skin expert Katie Onyejekwe. "It's always worth remembering that brands can position themselves as luxury and charge a fortune for what is a basic formula housed in fancy packaging with a large marketing budget, but it all comes down to formula at the end of the day.”

With a little research, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable options out there, many of which have similar textures, functions, or formulas which make them affordable alternatives to more expensive serums. Scroll down to discover 15 budget serum dupes that are seriously on par with their more expensive counterparts.

If you love: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Try: Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Must-C Daily Serum

If you love: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Try: Bliss Youth Got This Advanced Skin Smoothing Serum

If you love: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum

Try: The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

If you love: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair

Try: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

If you love: Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

Try: Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Serum

If you love: Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum

Try: PSA Skin The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum

If you love: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Try: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

If you love: Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

Try: Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Essential Ceramides

If you love: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

Try: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

If you love: Origins Mega-Mushroom Face Serum

Try: By Beauty Bay SkinHit Calming Serum

If you love: Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Try: No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum

If you love: Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Serum

Try: Glow Hub The Barrier Builder

If you love: Glossier Super Bounce

Try: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you love: Dr Dennis Gross B3 Stress Rescue Super Serum

Try: Naturium Niacinamide 12% + Zinc 2%

If you love: Soho Skin Renewal Serum

Try: Byoma Brightening Serum

Next Up: 8 Cheap Anti-Ageing Moisturisers That Are Just as Good as These Expensive Ones

There’s one thing that nearly everyone wants: skin that looks like it’s been under the hands of a skincare professional every week. But the fact is as much as we love a facial or spa day, good skincare starts with our everyday skincare routine. The good news? From the order of applying products to how to cleanse properly, no matter what your maintenance level, there are some easy skincare rules we can all put into practice that will instantly improve our routines and skin.

Whether you consider yourself a skincare pro or you’re a total newbie, you can always benefit from some expert advice, and who better to ask than a dermatologist? Quite literally the world’s skincare experts, dermatologists have devoted their lives to the study of skin. They know the products and ingredients that are best suited to your particular skin type and concerns, and they can also take one look at your skin and know exactly which skincare mistakes you’re making and how to fix them.

Since it’s not always easy to get face time with the experts, we’ve done the hard work for you and spoken to some leading dermatologists in order to discover their top skincare rules. The following tips and tricks will help you score clear, healthy skin with just a few tiny tweaks. You're welcome!

1. Less Is More

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. In fact, sometimes it means the opposite. Overly elaborate skincare routines can mean ingredient contraindications, which can render your products ineffective or worse cause unpleasant skin reactions.

"You don’t need to have a 10-step skincare routine to get a benefit from your skincare regime,” says dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "Streamlining your routine by using fewer but smarter products is definitely the way forward.” So what ingredients are essential to your daily skincare routine? According to Khorana, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, an antioxidant (such as vitamin C) in the morning and a retinoid in your evening routine. "These three ingredients are the absolute bare-bones essentials for any skincare routine,” she advises.

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2. Never Skip Your Evening Cleanse

"Always cleanse at night,” says consultant dermatologist Zainab Laftah. "Dead skin cells, sebum, pollution and impurities accumulate on the skin during the day, which can lead to blocked pores and comedones.” If you wear makeup, then it’s especially important to follow this rule since makeup that’s left on skin will further clog pores and in doing so reduces the efficacy of any skincare products you apply.

When you do wash your face, Khorana recommends using lukewarm water, not hot water. "Hot water can do more harm than good,” she advises. "It strips the skin of sebum, healthy fats and oils (cholesterol, fatty acids, ceramides), which are necessary for skin health, and this compromises the skin barrier function.” 

To wash off a day’s worth of makeup, sweat and dirt, remove the bulk of makeup with a micellar water before beginning your cleanse proper. Try adopting the double-cleansing technique, which sees an oil-based cleanser used first to break down any oily substances on the skin, then a gel or foaming face wash to remove any remaining residue.

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3. SPF Is for Life, Not Just for Summer

Ask any dermatologist for their top skincare tip, and the importance of wearing SPF daily will be the first thing they say. "I recommend daily sunscreen use all year round to my patients to help protect against skin cancer, treat uneven pigmentation and for its anti-ageing benefits,” says Khorana. "You should wear it regardless of the weather because UV rays can still pass through cloud cover. UVA rays are present all year round. As long as there’s daylight, there’s UVA.”

According to Laftah, wearing SPF daily will significantly help to achieve more even-toned skin. "The longer UVA wavelength, which penetrates through glass and clouds, can damage the skin and result in pigmentation and redness,” she says. But of course, consistent application and the quality of the product used make all the difference. To really see results, she recommends daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF 50 with five-star rating throughout the year, not just in summer.

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4. Don't Forget Your Neck

It’s all too easy to focus on the face, but your skin has the same needs all over, and your neck is often one of the first areas of your body where you’ll notice those telltale signs of skin ageing: fine lines and loose skin. According to Khorana, this is because the skin on our neck is thinner and has fewer sebaceous glands. "It is often also a neglected area, which is why it's prone to showing those early signs of ageing and sun damage,” she adds. 

Of course, the beauty industry has delivered an entire category of serums and creams specifically designed to be used on the neck, but if you don’t want to add an extra step to your routine, then simply make sure you’re applying the same products you use on your face to the neck and décolletage. Hydrating serums and moisturisers will help to counteract extra dryness in this area, and antioxidant serums will help to stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep skin smooth and prevent it from creasing. It goes without saying that SPF is also an essential one, especially if you’re focussed on targeting ageing skin. 

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5. Change Your Skincare Routine Seasonally

Yes, consistency is key, but it’s important to listen to your skin and adapt your routine when you notice changes such as increased dryness or oiliness, which suggest that skin is becoming imbalanced. Most people will witness this when temperatures drop in the winter months. "Rapid fluctuations in temperature can take a toll on our skin,” says Khorana. "As it gets colder and the humidity levels drop, loss of hydration kicks in.”

Laftah agrees, "The harsh cold weather and wind can cause havoc on the skin during the winter months. This escalates water loss thus compromising the skin barrier function leading to skin dryness, itchiness and scaling.” The solution to winter skin dryness? According to Khorana, gentler cleansers, extra care for dry areas like the hands and lips, and thicker moisturisers. "Look for ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid as key ingredients,” she advises. "And stay away from exfoliating too often.”

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Up Next: Dermatologists Say These Products Are Not Worth Splashing On—But These 3 Are

I rarely use moisturiser in the morning. It seems an odd thing to say, I know, considering that beauty experts are always saying that hydration is the most important factor in skin health. But hear me out. You see, my skin is naturally oily, so thick skincare products often leave me facing breakouts. After cleansing in the morning, I reach for a vitamin C serum and follow with a cream SPF (which tends to deliver ample hydration for my skin). In the evenings, when vitamin C and SPF aren't necessary, I use a lightweight moisturiser.

But recently, a daytime moisturiser has come my way that has forced me to totally rejig my routine. I've followed the same skincare formula for years, and I've never met a day cream that could convince me to ditch my regimen—not until Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream came along, anyway.

I have previously tested Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, and I liked it. In fact, I have friends who consider it to be one of the best skincare products they've ever used. However, I would always choose a hardworking vitamin C serum over a rich face cream that risks causing a breakout. And while Sunday Riley's Rich Hydration Cream wasn't quite for me, Afterglow is a different story entirely.

For starters, the texture is light. At first glance, it seems just like any other cream moisturiser, but as soon as you start massaging it into your skin, it turns into a cooling, lightweight gel that's so refreshing it's reminiscent of splashing your face with cool water. Beyond that, it packs an impressive antioxidant punch. Formulated with THD ascorbate, an oil-stable form of vitamin C, it helps protect skin against damage caused by external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution—just like my go-to vitamin C serums do.

The thing that really convinced me to switch out my usual serums for this cream, however, is its glowing punch. It leaves skin looking luminous and radiant without delivering any sort of disco-ball shimmer. It contains a gently exfoliating lime-pearl extract to brighten skin while it hydrates and protects. Essentially, this moisturiser's ingredient list is so impressive that, as a skincare snob, I'm more than happy to forgo my usual favourites in favour of it. I just slather it on, pop my SPF on over the top and I'm good to go. I don't even feel tempted to put any makeup on. If you want my brutally honest opinion, save your money on vitamin C serums that cost three times the price and go for this glow-boosting moisturiser instead.

Shop Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream

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Next up, everyone I know with amazing skin uses this one scientific product.

I’d like to preface this piece by saying that actually, despite all of my moaning, my skin isn’t naturally that terrible. Sure it’s prone to sensitivity, plagued with blackheads and showing some serious signs of sun damage in areas, but all in all, it’s really not that ghastly to look at. Providing I haven’t done anything to annoy it, if you squint or are stood a few metres away, my skin will likely look pretty smooth and clear.

The issue is, though, that as a beauty editor, I am doing things that annoy my skin all too often. Whether it’s trying out a retinol that is just too strong or chopping and changing my routine in a bid to trial all of the new launches, there’s no doubt in my mind that the main causes of my skin issues are down to my job. So with that being said, it will come as no surprise that sadly, I rarely have the opportunity to spend a great deal of time using the products that both my skin and I absolutely love.

With one exception, of course. No matter how jam-packed my skincare shelf is with products that need testing and trialling, I always manage to make the space for my go-to Sunday Riley products. In fact, I’ve convinced myself that if I don’t use them whenever I can, my skin will go into some sort of withdrawal-induced meltdown. (It probably won’t, but I’m not willing to test the theory.)

You see, unlike so many other skincare brands, Sunday Riley champions the idea that products should be fast-acting and offer up immediate results. And quite frankly, when my skin is in a bit of a state, that is all I want. When I have weeks’ worth of new product lined up waiting to be slathered onto my face, I certainly don’t have the time to wait around for months to see if a product actually works. And that is the thing I love most about my collection of Sunday Riley products. Not only do they actually do what they say on the tin, but they do it fast.

Formulated with some of the best and most powerful ingredients in the game, such as retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid, ceramides and alpha hydroxy acids, Sunday Riley doesn’t mess around. Forget brands that build whole advertising campaigns around brand-new, trademarked ingredients, blending potent actives with botanicals, Sunday Riley keeps things simple, to the point and builds products around the ingredients that science has proven to really work.

And no, the products can’t perform miracles in minutes. Retinols and acids will still require long-term usage to see long-term results, but the instant glow and gratification you get from using the products is what keeps me going back every single time. Whenever people ask me what skincare brands are worth their time and money, Sunday Riley is always top of the list. In fact, I once got so passionate about it that the poor recipient of my spiel asked if I was employed by them. (I’m not, FYI.)

If I want to get across only one thing through this, it’s that if you really do have a skin concern and you feel at a bit of a loss with the whole thing, please do take a look and have a read up on some of the below Sunday Riley products. They don’t promise a miracle cure, but I can say that from personal experience, whenever I have an issue that I can’t get to the bottom of, I usually end up at a Sunday Riley product. 

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Next Up: 24 Affordable Anti-Ageing Skincare Products That Truly Work

There's nothing wrong with making mistakes—life's a learning curve, after all! But that said, there's also no harm in wanting to practice skincare habits and get the most out of your products. Often, all it takes is a few tiny tweaks to make a whole lot of difference.

Things like applying your products in the wrong order and over-exfoliating your skin might seem minor, but they can massively impact how your skin looks and feels, and the performance of your products. And those are just two of the skincare mistakes people make - there's more below.

We spoke to dermatologist Zainab Laftah and consultant dermatologist for CeraVe, Alexis Granite for their opinions on the most common skincare mistakes we make, and luckily for us, they also shared their advice on how to avoid them. So, if your new year's resolution involves improving your skincare routine, this is the list you should check twice.

Keep scrolling to find out how to not make these eight common skin mistakes in 2024. 

1. Not cleansing thoroughly enough

Any skincare expert will tell you that cleansing is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine. Why? Because if your skin isn’t clean when you apply your other skincare products, they won’t be as effective. "Overtime there is a build up of dead skin cells, sebum (oil), make-up, debris and pollution,” explains Laftah. " This can lead to clogged pores, premature ageing, acne, skin irritation and inflammation.” Not only does this buildup block pores and literally prevent the ingredients in your serums and moisturisers from being able to penetrate, but it also leads to congestion. If your skin has a rough, bumpy texture to it and you frequently experience breakouts and blackheads, then you probably need to take a look at your cleansing steps.

Double cleansing is the most efficient way to get your skin clean - and remember, cleansing isn’t just about removing makeup. Professionals always recommending removing your makeup with a separate product before beginning your cleanse proper. The first step in a double cleansing routine involves using an oil-based cleansing (such as a balm) to break down any remaining makeup and oil-based buildup. Once removed, you then go in with a water-based cleanser (look for gel and foam textures) to give skin a deep cleanse. Oh, and technique matters, too. "Gently rub the cleansers with lukewarm water around the face using your fingertips,” advises Laftah. "Ensure all areas are covered, including creases.”

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2. Not maintaining good hygiene

Your skincare products can only do so much, and there are plenty of other factors at play than can impact your skin. For example, not washing your pillowcases frequently enough, using dirty makeup brushes, and reusing the same face cloths can lead to breakouts and congested skin. This is usually due to growth of bacteria. Damp flannels that are left out overnight or makeup brushes that lie in your drawer caked in foundation are essentially breeding grounds for bacteria, and the longer they’re left, the worse they’ll get. What’s more, Granite explains that "dead skin cells, skin oil (sebum), microbes, makeup, pet hair, and even saliva from drooling can all collect on pillowcases,” and according to Laftah, the dangers can range from clogged pores and acne breakouts, to skin irritation and bacterial infections. 

If you have an efficient skincare routine and are using good products, but wondering why you still get breakouts, this could be the answer. The solution? Always use a fresh flannel each time you wash your face, change your pillowcase once a week, and clean your makeup brushes and sponges in between every use.

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3. Not wearing daily sunscreen

It’s a common misconception that you only need to apply sunscreen in the summer or when it’s sunny, but UV rays are present 365 days of the year and can penetrate through glass and cloud cover, meaning we’re constantly exposed to their damaging effects. Oh, and it’s not just about sunburn either. Much of the damage which UV rays cause is completely invisible. That is, until you start to see signs of ageing skin, like fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin. Yep, they’re all caused by years of too much sun exposure. So if you’re using expensive anti-ageing serums and collagen plumping creams, but not wearing SPF every single day, then they’re totally wasted. 

"Daily SPF will help reduce the risk of skin cancer, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles by blocking the short UVB and the longer UVA wavelengths,” explains Laftah. If the reason you’re not already wearing it everyday is because you’re worried about getting breakouts from SPF, you just need to check the formula first. "Mineral sunscreens are recommended for those with sensitive or blemish prone skin as they are less likely to cause skin irritation and blocked pores,” she adds. 

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4. Picking spots

We’ve all been there. You wake up on the morning of a big event and you have a breakout the size of Mount Everest smack bang in the middle of your face. As tempting as it is to grab a tissue, the solution is not to pick and squeeze. "Popping a spot increases the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper into the skin which can lead to inflammation, cyst formation, and scarring,” explains Laftah. "And due to the potential excess inflammation and post inflammatory dyspigmentation that may occur as a result you’re likely to experience scarring or hyperpigmentation.”

Instead of picking and popping, Laftah recommends a spot treatment using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to decrease inflammation. "Spot stickers can also be helpful at speeding up the healing process,” she adds. As a converted ex-spot picker I’m a huge fan of spot stickers, since as well as helping to heal the spot, they also provide a physical barrier which prevents picking and often conceals any redness from the breakout in the process.

If you really are in a pinch and you do need to squeeze, then always use clean cotton buds or tissue rather than your fingers, in order to prevent bacteria from worsening the breakout. "You should only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing, or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first,” advises Granite. 

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5. Over-exfoliating your skin

Exfoliation has been a huge trend in the past few years, and while it’s a great technique to help remove dead cells, smooth texture, and brighten skin, it’s not without its complications. "I see patients being a little too overzealous sometimes with their exfoliation,” says Granite. "It's important not to overdo it when exfoliating as this can lead to irritation and even further breakouts.” Laftah agrees, adding "Over-exfoliation strips the natural lipid content in the skin barrier, resulting in dryness, redness, and itchy skin. I always know when a client has over-exfoliated because they have flay, red skin.” While the frequency you should exfoliate is dependent on your skin goals, skin type, and existing issues, as a general rule, exfoliating more than twice a week is probably too much.

Why? "The skin barrier may become disrupted by the overuse of products and constant changing of products,” explains Granite. "A disrupted barrier is less able to keep irritants and germs out of the skin and to lock moisture in.” If you suspect that you’ve overdone it with face scrubs or acid toners, you need to focus on restoring your skin barrier through hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Look out for ones such as ceramides and squalane which work by strengthening your skin’s natural barrier, thus reducing breakouts, dehydration, and sensitivity.

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6. Applying products in the wrong order

The more products you have in your skincare routine, the more confusing it can get. "A basic skincare routine would include a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen,” explains Granite. "These are the essential building blocks. Active based products such as serums are where application becomes quite important, choosing formulations targeted to your specific concerns.”

There are some simple rules you can follow to figure out the best order for applying your skincare products. "As a general rule apply products according to their molecular size,” explains Laftah. "So from thinnest to thickest texture, with sunscreen as the last step in any skincare routine.” Not only can an incorrect order of application render your products ineffective, but it could also result in skin inflammation (if you layer too many actives) and pilling, which usually happens when you layer products too quickly. 

7. Not knowing your skin type

I don’t like to put too much stock on giving your skin type a label - there are far too many variables at play, and skin’s behaviour can change based on so many factors, including your lifestyle, location, environment, mediation, and diet. However, it is useful, especially if you are new to skincare, to have a rough idea of what your skin type is. Imagine a scale, with oily skin at one end and dry at the other. Everyone sits somewhere on that scale, and the closer you are to the middle, the more balanced and healthy your skin is. If your skin is more on the oily side, you’re probably quite prone to breakouts, you notice your skin looks shiny (especially in the T-zone) and you probably also have enlarged pores and blackheads. If your skin is more dry, then your symptoms will be things like rough texture, flakiness, and skin feeling tight after cleansing. 

Based on where you think you sit on that scale, you can make informed decisions about the products that you use. So if you have oily skin, you may want to introduce products like clay masks, niacinamide serums, and salicylic acid cleansers, to help target excess oil. If you have dry skin, then you’ll need to focus on applying moisturising products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin.

8. Being impatient

Last but not least, this is the common skin mistake that always gets overlooked. In the age of TikTok transformations and ‘before and after results’ it can be easy to loose touch with the reality of just how long it can take for a product to really work. "As a general rule it takes two skin cycles, therefore two months, to start seeing the benefits of skincare products,” explains Laftah. "Products that increase collagen synthesis, for example retinoids, will take longer, approximately three to six months.”

So, if you don’t see instant results after switching up your routine or introducing new products, don’t worry, this is totally normal. What does matter is patience and consistency, so don’t be tempted to change things up too soon just because you haven’t yet seen a difference. "You need to be consistent with your skincare in order to get maximum benefit from each skincare product,” adds Laftah. "Especially when it comes to optimising your skin barrier function, reducing risk of blemishes and pigmentation, and achieving an even skin tone and healthy glow.”

Next Up: 7 Key Skincare Trends That Experts Predict Will Be Huge in 2024.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.