Fashion

Aisling McDermott on beauty: How to have pristine skin beyond your 20s

In our 30s our skin needs more love and attention than it once did

Photograph: Thinkstock

Aisling McDermott
Tue Feb 2 2016 - 06:00

During your 20s your skin allows all kinds of outrageous behaviour. In my book, that is as it should be. If you don’t go to all-night parties and struggle into work after what feels like an hour’s sleep at 25, when are you going to do it? In your 20s, unless you have problem skin, you will take your skin for granted and, despite your best intentions, you will probably often forget to take off your make-up and skip the sunblock.

In our 30s our skin will not tolerate debauchery in the same way it once did. Skin cell turnover begins to slow. Collagen and elastin, the building blocks of strong, healthy skin, are beginning to decrease and all of this can lead to blocked pores, fine lines, dull skin and a feeling of tightness.

But don’t worry, there is plenty we can do about it. The best part is the speed with which you will see results.

Switch to an oil- or balm-based cleanser. In fact, any nonfoaming cleanser can be used as a hot-cloth cleanser; it doesn’t have to have the words emblazoned on the label.

READ MORE

If you have oily skin, using oil cleansers won't make your skin more oily; it will help to balance it. If you have blocked pores, choose a cleanser with at least 2 per cent salicylic acid. There are plenty to choose from, for all budgets: Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash and Estée Lauder Idealist Dual Action Refinishing Treatment are both favourites of mine.

Throw away that horrible scrub with all the scratchy "bits" in it and use a gentler method. Confusingly, these exfoliators will often be called toners. Choose a mild glycolic or lactic acid toner such as Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner or Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Toner. Glycolic acid is an invaluable ingredient that will brighten skin. Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask used a couple of days a week will work wonders.

Anything else? Yes: be sure to use a sunscreen. Also, add in a serum, as such products use the most concentrated skin nutrients. A serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin will immediately work to draw moisture into the skin and keep it there. Try L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Renew Super Serum or Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster facial serum.

  • amcdermott@irishtimes.com 
  • Twitter @aismcdermott