Time-saving skincare

All About You online 24.04.2008

Sort the 'must dos' from 'time wasting chores' with our what-to-do-and-when skincare planner. By Donna Francis

Cleansing products laid out with pink background If your matter-of-minutes skincare routine is more about soap and water than cleansing and toning, it's time to step away from the sink, put down that bar and realise that caring for your skin doesn't need to be time consuming. With instant-results products and a few tweaks to your beauty regime you'll have a spa-worthy complexion in no time.

Key daily must-do

Cleanse: The key to good skin is to keep it clean. Find a cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it! For advice on choosing the right cleanser for your skin, click here

Moisturise: A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter what skin type (even oily), should moisturise once a day (or more if skin feels particularly tight) to seal in moisture, protect it from external irritants (like pollution) and plump out cells. Don't forget to apply cream to your neck too.

Apply an eye cream: The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Unlike facial moisturisers, eye creams are formulated to 'thicken' this area and keep the skin strong. Do it either morning or evening. To find out more about choosing and using eye cream, click here

Use sunscreen: The number one cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to buy a moisturiser with added protection.

Weekly must-do

Exfoliate: The step that most people skip! Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that dull your complexion so you'll notice an almost immediate difference. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and do more harm than good.

Monthly must-do

Treatment: Whether it's a five-minute mask to quench thirsty pores, an instant peel to brighten the complexion or a salon facial to decongest your complexion, an intensive treatment is a must-do monthly task. Dedicate at least an extra 10 minutes every 28 days (the same time it takes for your skin to renew itself).

Check out our 10 'stretched for time' skincare products – the must-haves for any speedy skincare routine