Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C isn’t naturally produced or stored in your body but is found in food such as lemons, oranges and red peppers. This powerful antioxidant works to protect cells from damage and keep your skin and bones healthy.

Note, vitamin C can cause a light tingling upon application. It’s also recommended you use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection in your morning routine. How we test It can do, yes. As mentioned, when your skin isn’t used to retinol, you may find you suffer redness, flaking, dryness and/or irritation. As well as finding the right retinoid for your skin type, it’s also key to build up usage, which in turn improves the skin’s tolerance levels. What age should you start using retinol? Genifique suits all skin types – from oily to dry – and while the soothing and hydrating formula particularly suits dry and mature skins, the serum is suitable for all ages. Apply twice a day, and follow with your favourite moisturiser, and you’ll soon notice a more even-toned, firmer complexion. Vitamin C has been found to promote collagen production, plump fine lines, firm the skin tissue, brighten skin and give an overall youthful texture,” says Bolder. “As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to use it in your skincare routine, this super-effective ingredient carries powerful antioxidant properties to help ward off free radical damage, which can push our skin tissue into a premature ageing process.”

What age should you start using retinol?

Some products, such as retinol and vitamin C in higher concentrations, can cause mild irritation at first and should be used every other day to begin with until your skin builds up tolerance. If your skincare routine includes both vitamin C and retinol, it’s best to use vitamin C products in the morning and retinol products at night – retinol helps cells rebuild overnight but can cause sun sensitivity, whereas vitamin C helps protect from environmental damage so is a good choice for daytime. Salicylic acid can also cause mild irritation so is best used at night; hyaluronic acid can be used at any time of day What should I use after a serum? CeraVe is a dermatologist-developed cult skincare brand which hails from the US. The CeraVe story began in 2005 after experts noticed that many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin all had one thing in common: a compromised skin barrier.

CeraVe boasts expert recommended, non-greasy and fragrance-free skincare that respects the skin’s natural barrier. The brand’s skincare range offers products for normal to dry skin types, as well as skincare suitable for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. The CeraVe formulas contain a unique blend of ingredients, such as:

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

A patented delivery technology - Multi-Vesicular Emulsion (MVE) - to slowly release hydration throughout the day, for instant & long-lasting hydration The best facial serums you can buy in 2023 1. Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum: Best luxury facial serum Bolder says: “For best results, use in the morning (before your moisturiser), as this will help to protect against UV irritants and give your skin its morning radiance boost.” But which one is right for your skin? Read on to discover the best facial serums, whatever your budget. WATER, ASCORBIC ACID, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, ALCOHOL DENAT., SODIUM HYDROXIDE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, PANTHENOL, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERINAn effective dose can range from 7% to 20%, depending on the condition of your skin. Those with sensitive and drier skin might want to begin with a lower percentage two to three days a week, building up to a more regular dose.