The 5 biggest beauty mistakes you might be making

Active ingredients such as retinol, alpha and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), and antioxidants are genius anti-ageing ingredients that can slow down your skin’s clock when used correctly. So why wouldn’t you want to use them all at once as some sort of miracle potion?

Well, too many actives can complicate things, and actually end up causing irritation and redness, leaving skin in confusion. Always start retinol gradually, introducing it two to three times a week, and leave out other actives like your AHAs and BHAs. Use these exfoliating actives on alternate nights or try one week on, one week off.

Remember, though, some actives like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used with other actives like retinol – they can help skin tolerate it and reduce any sensitivity.

A quick cleanse in the shower to remove makeup, including eye makeup, isn’t the best way to go. It’s not the cleanser that’s the culprit – it’s how you use it. The area around the eyes is super- sensitive, so daily rubbing to remove that last morsel of mascara risks contributing to premature wrinkles as well as puffiness and even broken blood vessels.

Instead, soak two reusable makeup pads in micellar water and hold them over closed eyes for 30 seconds before gently wiping away.

Cleansing is an essential skin step that rids it of oil, impurities and pollution, all while preparing it for the skincare to follow. But cleansing until it’s squeaky clean can cause a myriad of skin issues, including early ageing. To elevate your face washing, first pick a formula that suits your skin type.

Sensitive? Try a cleansing oil or milk. Combination? Opt for a light foaming formula. Oily? Pick something gel-like. Then go easy – twice a day is enough. Cleanse too roughly or often and you risk stripping your skin of its natural oils, accentuating fine lines and promoting dryness.

Your skin doesn’t switch off overnight, but while you sleep, it naturally shifts its focus from protecting itself against environmental stressors to supporting repair and renewal. That’s why your evening skincare routine deserves just as much attention as your morning one.

While a regular moisturiser is better than nothing, night creams are often formulated with richer textures and ingredients that help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier overnight. If your skin feels tight, dry or dehydrated by morning, it may be time to upgrade.

Smooth your night cream over your face, neck and décolletage as the final step in your evening routine.

It’s no secret that damage from the sun leads to premature ageing, including sunspots and pigmentation, as well as dryness and fine lines.

Yes, it’s great that some foundations feature SPF, but we generally don’t apply enough of it to reap adequate sun protection from our makeup alone.

For proper all-day protection, slot a high-protection sunscreen into your routine. It’s the best anti-ager on the market!