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Skincare expert reveals why we should spring clean our beauty stash and shares her go-to products for clear and glowing skin

If you’re lusting after healthy, plump and glowing skin this spring, listen up.

External aggressors, caffeine, hormones, too much alcohol and high-stress levels can often leave our skin a little dull and lacklustre. The good news is there are plenty of beauty products that can do wonders for dehydrated and dull complexions.

As well as incorporating skincare products that aim to deeply hydrate and transform dull skin, Alice Henshaw, skin expert and owner of Harley Street Injectables, explains the importance of spring cleaning your beauty stash. ‘Throw out anything over six months old,’ she advises. 

Skincare expert Alice Henshaw reveals why we should spring clean our beauty stash and shares her go-to products for clear glowing skin

Not only do products lose their efficiency over time, they also become a breeding ground for nasty bacteria, which could transfer onto your face and cause a whole host of unwanted skin problems.

Alice, who is currently offering free virtual skin consultations, also recommends washing makeup brushes weekly with hand soap and drying them using a blow-dryer. ‘Something that’s so simple can have a huge impact on the overall health of skin,’ she says.

Ahead, Alice shares her go-to skincare products for maintaining clear, glowing skin this spring. 

  1. Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-free SPF 50ml, £22.50

Sunscreen is not to be overlooked. SPF will help protect you against environmental pollutants, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

‘This sunscreen is my absolute favourite!’ says Alice. ‘Coming from a sunny country myself, I know the importance of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and this is my go-to.’

Alice explained how the popular SPF from Heliocare is infused with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and sebum controlling technology, making it a perfect option for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

She adds: ‘Its oil-free dry touch formulation makes it particularly suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types, reducing shine caused by a humid climate. It is paraben-free, smells incredible, and it sits well under makeup.’

  1. Teoxane R(II) Eyes, £65

Collagen and elastin begin to deteriorate as you age, so it’s important to incorporate a richer eye cream into your skincare routine to help maintain elasticity. 

This dermatologist-recommended eye cream tackles fine lines, and also truly works wonders de-puffing the under-eye area. Its built-in applicator cools, drains and decongests while its potent formulation of hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates.

‘This eye cream contains active ingredients which offer anti-fatigue and anti-aging properties,’ explains Alice. Hence, puffiness is reduced and there is also brightening of the eye area.’

  1. ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, £40

Exfoliation is the key to glowing skin. ‘Contrary to popular belief, we need to exfoliate when our skin is extra dry,’ explains Alice. 

Alice advises patients to slough away dead skin cells and unblock pores with a gentle exfoliating cleanser rather than with harsh manual scrubs, ‘A formula with a small amount of glycolic acid will do the trick’, says Alice. 

Cleansing is an essential first step for all skin types, but for oily, acne-prone skin, it’s critical. The ZO Exfoliating Cleanser includes encapsulated Vitamin E – the most important anti-oxidant for healthy skin.

Alice adds: ‘I love this product as it really targets surface oil leaving the skin feeling clean, but not stripped and dry. There is also an option for more sensitive skin.’

  1. ZO 1% Retinol Skin Brightener and Correcting Cream, £110

Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) is a highly effective treatment that promotes cell turnover. It’s a powerhouse ingredient that can treat a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines, pigmentation and skin conditions such as acne and keratosis pilaris, which is why so many dermatologists and skin experts recommend it.

‘For retinol to be topically effective, it must reach a concentration of at least 0.6 per cent in the skin which you can only achieve from a prescription strength,’ explains Alice.

‘ZO Medical products have been formulated to include an incredible 1.0 per cent concentration.’

  1. Pure Skin Elixir Anti Age Supplements, £120

Skin supplements are essentially food supplements that work from within to help promote healthy-looking skin, hair and nails.

According to Pure Skin Elixir, the Smart Age Supplements are ‘clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles and in tests, show a significant improvement in skin tone on the face and body’. The top-rated supplements contain marine collagen, vitamin C and E, and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.

Alice says: ‘You must use any hair, skin or nail product for at least three months before noticing an improvement; I like to keep mine next to my toothbrush, so I take it every morning without forgetting.

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