Expert skincare tips for all ages

Skincare can have a profound impact on how we feel. As we go through different life stages, it needs different types of care to keep looking and feeling its best. Here, one spa therapist explains how to look after your skin across the decades, including her secret to a DIY facial with top skincare tips.

Skincare in your teens

It’s all happening in your teens, but the main thing is to wash the skin in the morning and make sure you use a facial soap, cleanser or simply water and a cloth to get rid of the old skin, oil and dirt, then finish with a lightweight moisturiser.

Skincare in your 20s

My number one rule is to use sunscreen on the neck, chest, hands and face in your 20s - a lot of people forget the hands!  You can still have acne in your 20s so make sure you still use a gentle cleanser and a light moisturiser, but with UVA and UVB sun protection.

Looking after your skin in your 30s

In your 30s it’s all about sun damage, so start exfoliating to boost the skin renewal process, which has slowed a little now. Use a gentle facial cleanser and start to think about using oils and serums to improve skin texture and tone.  Also start exploring the worlds of night time moisturisers and have a different one for day and evening.

How to take care of your skin in your 40s

In your 40s skin can become a little dryer because Oestrogen tapers off and lines are more apparent.  To help the skin, choose a heavier moisturiser and by now it’s absolutely imperative that you use a high SPF daily to prevent further sun damage.

What you need to know in your 50s

Moisturise!  It’s the best thing you can do in your 50s to help counter the loss of skin tone and sagging that tends to appear more readily.  Use a creamy cleanser and a serum in the evening to plump up that skin and keep you glowing.

Something for everyone

I am a big believer in the power of food for looking after your skin. Fruit, nuts, greens and tropical fruits boost vitamin C. Eat broccoli for vitamin E - that helps to protect against sun damage. Meanwhile, whole grains and Brazil nuts for the selenium that helps to fight environmental damage.

DIY skincare tips

I always start the day with an infusion of honey, cider vinegar and hot water in the morning - it’s ideal for cleansing the body and boosting the skin.  I also use raw honey as a facial because it’s brilliant for soothing lines.