Double up your skincare this autumn with advice from the experts



Give your skin a boost with advice from our resident skincare experts



Each week our experts Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice.

 

Forget what you know about looking after your skin. 

The traditional cleanse, tone and moisturise routine is out. 

This year’s hottest beauty trend is all about doubling up. 

Think double cleansing, double serums and even double masking. 

British women already spend almost £1billion a year on skincare so is this trend for doubling simply a cynical ploy to make us splash even more cash on beauty products or are there real benefits? 

Read our advice to find out. 

CLEAN UP 

Double cleansing first originated in Japan and Korea. 

It involves using a cleansing oil to remove make-up followed by a creamy or foaming face wash to cleanse the skin. 

So are there any benefits? 

If you live in a city and wear make-up then the answer is yes. 

Thorough cleansing is the cornerstone of good skincare and the double cleansing method promotes a healthy, balanced complexion. 

The first step gets rid of make-up and product build-up, removing the grime that accumulates during the day. 

The second step deep cleanses and nourishes the skin, preparing it for your anti-ageing serum and moisturiser. 

If your skin isn’t completely clean, the products you use afterwards may not be absorbed properly. 

There are many new oil-based cleansers on the market, which are perfect for stage one. 

Start by smoothing an oil cleanser on to dry skin, gently massaging it over the face and around the eyes. 

Remove with a warm damp facecloth. Next massage a foaming or creamy cleanser into the skin for around a minute and rinse off. 

You can use a vibrating cleansing brush for this second step which will help drive the product deeper into the pores. 

Do this twice daily. 

If your skin isn’t completely clean, the products you use afterwards may not be absorbed properly

TRY 

Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil, £14.99 (boots.com) is good for all skin types and can be used to pre-cleanse. 

Use a hot flannel to completely remove the oil and follow with Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser, £7.99 (boots.com). 

The formula breaks down impurities and removes make-up from delicate skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry 

SUPER SERUMS 

Another new skincare development involves using a booster serum immediately after cleansing and before applying your usual serum or moisturiser. 

Using more than one mask can be an excellent way of giving your skin the boost it needs

The theory is that it can make other skincare products work more effectively. 

But do you really need another layer? 

We’re not convinced especially if your usual serum or moisturiser is already well formulated. 

Too many active ingredients used at once can sometimes do more harm than good and mixing certain ingredients can cause a reaction or breakout, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

If you do want to try a booster step in your skincare routine our advice is to read labels thoroughly and check ingredients to make sure there is not a clash. 

 

Thorough cleansing is the cornerstone of good skincare

MASK IT 

Double masking, where you use two masks as a skin treatment, is another new skincare trend. 

Professional facialists have been doubling up on masks for years but now the trend has moved out of the treatment room and on to the high street. 

Using more than one mask can be an excellent way of giving your skin the boost it needs. 

Your cheek area may need a moisture boost while your T-zone would benefit from a detoxing product. 

We’re a big fan of mask layering, using one mask and following it with a second contrasting product. 

For example, you could use an exfoliating mask and follow up with a soothing moisturising mask. 

TRY 

Decleor Intensive Hydra Nourishing Duo Mask, £29.50 (decleor.co.uk). 

First apply the hydrating gel mask which cools the skin and tightens pores. 

After five minutes add the next step, a rich cream packed with cranberry and argan oils on top of the gel and leave for 10 minutes. 

 

TWIN TREATMENTS 

Combination therapy – having two or more treatments that complement each other – can deliver excellent results. 

For instance Botox can smooth fine lines and wrinkles but when paired with a peel it can transform the skin’s texture. 

Similarly, fillers can boost volume but given alongside a laser facial will increase luminosity and lighten pigmentation marks. 

We call these treatments “power couples” and the best two-step combinations can include high-tech radio frequency devices to stimulate collagen production, a dermaroller treatment to improve skin texture or combination facials designed to suit your skin’s needs. 

For more information call 020 7436 4441.

For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. 

For more tips see lesleyreynolds.com