From an oily T-zone to a flaky forehead, understanding your complexion is essential when picking the most effective products. Lisa Piddington, from Harvey Nichols, reveals the skincare heroes designed to cater to your specific needs.
DRY SKIN:
If your skin is tight, flaky and dull opt for hydrating hyaluronic acid which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Avoid using abrasive scrubs and products that contain alcohol to prevent further irritation and dryness.
Made using 85% organic prickly pear seed oil, Huxley’s refreshing Secret of Sahara Essence, £38, absorbs quickly and deeply into the skin to provide intense hydration.
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90, hydrates and plumps without drawing water out of the skin. Add to your foundation or favourite moisturiser for a real beauty boost
OILY SKIN:
Using oil on your face can stop your skin thinking it needs to produce any more, so add a serum to your daily routine. Clarifying products, specifically formulated for oily skin, can draw out impurities and clean pores.
DHC’s Velvet Skin Coat makeup primer, £19.50, minimises the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections while reducing oiliness to help makeup glide on and last longer.
Clarifying Serum, from Heaven Skincare, £55, contains microbes, which naturally occur in the oil, that kill off bacteria to bring the skin back to equilibrium.
COMBINATION SKIN:
If your face is oily in some places – say, across the T-zone – and feels dry in others choose lightweight, dual purpose products that tackle both issues and restore a healthy balance. Go easy on exfoliators and toners to avoid breakouts.
Biotec Skin Energising Day Cream, £75, from Elemis smoothes and hydrates to leave you with a fresh, shinefree and balanced complexion.
Designed to help your skin feel strengthened, soothed and protected use La Mer’s The Concentrate, £155, for a healthy-looking vitality
ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
If you tend to get spots and acne use products containing enzymes, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to help detox and gently exfoliate the skin, and prevent pores getting clogged and causing even more spots.
The best-selling Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, £16, contains a blend of calamine and salicylic acid to clear up and soothe unsightly whiteheads and quickly dry pimples.
The Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, £87, safely polishes even sensitive skin without stripping the
moisture barrier or causing irritation.