YOU'RE bathroom counter might be overflowing with lotions and potions promising to give you glowing skin.
But do you know how to actually use them?
If you're not seeing results from your skincare it could be down to how you're applying it.
And what's the point in forking out hundreds for products if they are not even working?
Dermatologist Dr Jason Thomson, head of medical at Skin + Me, shares the most common mistakes, as well as easy yet effective application tips and cheap swaps that could make all the difference.
1. Not putting on enough sunscreen
Experts have been banging on about the benefits of SPF for quite some time now.
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You should be applying sun cream every day, according to dermatologists – even if it's cloudy or overcast outside.
Aside from protecting our faces from the sun's harmful UV rays, the product can also act as a barrier against the blue light on our screens.
But as it turns out, many of us are not lathering on enough of the stuff.
"Most people put on just a third to a half of the recommended sunscreen to get the advertised SPF," Dr Jason tells The Sun.
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APPLICTAION TIP
"To apply the correct amount of SPF you need 2mg per square cm," the expert says.
To get a proper sunscreen dose, squeeze enough cream out to cover your index and middle fingers from the tips to your palm.
"Don't forget key areas on the face such as around the eyes and not to forget your ears and the back of your neck," he adds.
CHEAP SWAP
Altruist face fluid SPF 50 – retails at £9.90 on Amazon
"This product is great value and cosmetically elegant, light sunscreen fluid," the expert says.
3. Using too much retinoid
Retinoids are gold-standard ingredients that skin experts tout for their ability to stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen production.
As our skin matures, collagen – which keeps out skin looking plump – depletes and our skins ability to rejuvenate slows.
Introducing a retinoid to your skin routine can support these processes keeping your skin looking healthy.
That's until you use too much, warns the dermatologist.
"If you use a strong retinoid you may experience irritation when you first start," Dr Jason says.
APPLICATION TIP
"If you've never used a retinoid before it's good to start on a lower strength," the expert explains. "
And over time you can increase the potency – once your skin gets used to it.
Retinoids should be part of your evening routine as they are unstable and most will be inactivated in the presence of sunlight, he explained.
CHEAP SWAP
Superdrug’s optimum retinol serum extra strength 0.3% – retails at £15.99 in Superdrug.
The expert said: "Superdrug's retinol serum, is reasonably priced and a good option for those new to retinoids."
3. Putting skincare on before washing your face
Before putting on skincare you must make sure your face is clean, Dr Jason explained.
This is because lots of dirt and impurities like pollution build up on your face during the day.
"Unless you remove them your treatment will not be effectively absorbed into the skin," he says.
So make sure you use a cleanser first.
APPLICATION TIP
"Most cleansers will be able to remove all of this in one cleanse, however if you're wearing makeup you may need to do a double cleanse,"the doctor explains.
CHEAP SWAP
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser – retails at £9.99 on Amazon.
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"I recommend this as it’s a great cleanser at a reasonable price," Dr Jason said.
"It's gentle on the skin barrier (outer layer of the skin), but also effective at removing the day's build up of dirt, oil, make-up and sunscreen," he added.
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