How to get a healthy skin and cure acne

Ever worried that your skin will age faster because you're not spending a fortune on posh skin products and dermatologists? Thankfully, many experts now say there's no need.
So rather than being talked into buying an entire skincare range at a beauty counter, you can be your own dermatologist for a fraction of the price if you can pinpoint your problem. Here is all you need to know about the super ingredients that will sort out the five most common skin complaints.

LINES AND WRINKLES

KEY INGREDIENT: Retinol
Widely acknowledged as the most effective anti-ageing ingredient, retinol speeds up cell turnover, revealing younger-looking skin beneath.
FIND IT IN: REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream (£42, johnlewis.com), or Sunday Riley Bionic Anti-Ageing Cream (£175, cultbeauty.co.uk).
DON'T FORGET: When using retinol, your skin is vulnerable to UV rays, a key cause of ageing, so you must use a good broad spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) that will protect you against UVA and UVB rays.

BLEMISHES AND ACNE

KEY INGREDIENT: Salicylic acid
Adult acne is surprisingly common, but a salicylic acid cleanser can be effective. 'It stimulates the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, to unplug pores clogged with oil and debris,' says LA dermatologist, Dr Zein Obagi.