MANY of us spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds every year on the latest cleansers, toners and serums.
But it could all be for nothing, according to a dermatologist.
GettySome skincare products simply aren’t worth splurging on, according to a dermatologist[/caption]
Dr Natalia Spierings reckons most high-end skincare products aren’t worth splurging on as they offer the same benefits as cheap ones.
The complexion expert said: “There is no such thing as ‘essential’ skincare, but most people use a cleanser, a day time moisturiser and a night time moisturiser (often these are the same two things).
“There is no point in paying a lot of money for any of these types of products as they are pretty much all very similar.”
Instead, just go for the ones you like that work for you.
“If you like the texture or feel of it, and you think it works well for your purposes, like removing makeup in the evening for example, then choose that,” Dr Spierings, author of Skintelligent, added.
When it comes to moisturisers specifically, the dermatologist recommends people use thicker versions in the evening – to benefit their skin and their wallets.
She said: “I like my patients to use greasier ointments at night that are better at trapping water in the skin.
“If they do that, then often they don’t need a moisturiser in the morning so it makes having an additional moisturiser unnecessary.”
The only skincare item she would suggest spending any real money on is sunscreen.
“Most people should be wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis,” she said.
“This, therefore, is something you need to like the texture and feel of and you are happy to wear under makeup (if you wear makeup).
“Sunscreens come in a huge variety of formulations – from serum-type ‘lighter’ feeling products to heavier ‘creamier’ ones.
“All sunscreens have the same level of protection if applied correctly so there is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ sunscreen.
“It really just comes down to what you like to use and will use on
a daily basis.”
But Dr Spierings, who describes herself as taking a “no-nonsense approach” to dermatology, added: “I still would not recommend spending a lot on this, but if a more expensive brand is the only one you like to use, then spend your money on that.”
Other experts in the field generally agree that moisturisers and cleansers are fine to scrimp on, while sun protection should be a priority.
They say cleansers just end up down the drain, most moisturisers tend to do a decent job, and an adequate SPF is a must to protect against skin cancer and ageing.
But several doctors would also add serums and retinols to the good-to-splash-your-cash-on list.
Dr Hope Mitchell, a dermatologist from Ohio, said more expensive serums – which are usually infused with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to target wrinkles, dryness and dullness – can make a real difference, especially if they contain higher concentrations of key active ingredients like vitamin C, AHA and BHA.
She told Insider: “When a compound is more difficult to formulate, it makes it more expensive.”
On retinols, which help reduce fine lines and acne, Dr Mia Jing Gao, from Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Investing in a high-quality retinol product is guaranteed to deliver ‘multitasking’ results as it is an unmatched ingredient.”