You won’t find a ‘miracle in a jar,’ warns skincare pro – a ‘cheaper’ brand is just as good & there are great home DIYs

SPENDING hundreds of dollars on luxury brands doesn’t guarantee they will be more effective than cheaper skincare products, according to an expert.

Dr. Ross Perry recommended an affordable brand among his tips for a healthy complexion.

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Dr. Perry is the Medical Director of Cosmedics , which has five skin clinics located throughout London and another in Bristol, England.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he shared advice for beautiful skin on a budget.

Dr. Perry said there is an “abundance” of expensive products that are cleverly marketed.

Be mindful not to get tricked by fancy packaging and spend more than necessary on skincare.

“You cannot buy a ‘miracle in a jar’ some of the cheaper skin products out there such as La Roche Posay do just as good a job,” he said.

“It’s about understanding your own skin and using products suitable.”

He revealed that at-home face masks made using cupboard ingredients can be as effective as over-the-counter skin products.

“It’s a great way to relax and destress, also an at-home steam is a good way of opening up the pores once a week,” he said.

“However, ultimately, it’s about wearing SPF year round and not just in summer and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.”

EARLY ADOPTERS

Skin slowly loses collagen from the time you’re in your mid-20s, making this the ideal time to start using anti-aging products.

Dr. Perry said using SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin and wearing moisturizer should already be a daily habit from early years.

“In your 20s you can think about introducing antioxidants into your skincare routine which will help protect against environmental damage such as pollution,” he said.

“A gentle cleaner will suffice in your 20s but if you’re still suffering from unwanted breakouts then look for a cleanser or spot treatment that has a boost of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

“These active ingredients will help get rid of acne-causing bacteria and calm an oily, acne-prone complexion.”

UPGRADE YOUR ROUTINE

Dr. Perry said skin will often appear thinner and dry in our 30s as it starts to lose its bounce and fresh appearance.

“You can start to think about using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) product into your regimen two or three times a week,” he said.

“This helps prevent the build-up of dead skin cells, minimize pores, and even out skin texture and tone.

Skin around our eyes is often the first place to show signs of aging.

Dr. Ross Perry

“Alongside this, a cleanser or products containing salicylic or lactic acid will help to brighten the skin and uneven texture.”

He said serums have smaller molecules than moisturizers and are best to use for a deeper absorption into the pores.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, that also may be worth starting to use in your 30s.

“It accelerates skin renewal and collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and reduce the effects of sun damage,” he said.

“Retinol-based products are best used at night to help reduce sebum production and stimulate collagen.”

FLAWLESS FORTIES

Dr. Perry said a fluctuation in hormones due to the perimenopause phase can call for a need to overhaul skincare in our 40s.

He recommended using a “stronger” retinol alongside products that boost collagen production.

“The collagen and elastin fibers break, thicken, stiffen, clump together, and lose their elasticity so you can look to incorporate peptides that help to stimulate collagen,” he said.

“I’d also recommend using an eye cream as the skin around our eyes is often the first place to show signs of aging.

“Look for an emollient formula that has antioxidants or retinol to see the best results.”

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