Skin care is a journey, and any person or product that promises overnight results should be taken with a pinch of salt.
However, it is possible to see relatively quick improvements if you implement the right strategies.
GB News spoke exclusively to a facial plastic surgeon and a doctor turned skin care expert about how women can improve their complexion "fast" at any age - no surgery or treatment required.
Dr Anil Shah from Shah Facial Plastics advised that a holistic approach is best for beautiful skin and stressed that good skin care should be supplemented with healthy lifestyle habits.
He said: "Good skin is often representative of good health. The expression 'Good skin comes from within' actually holds true."
'Almost everyone benefits from retinol'
GETTY IMAGES
Dr Shah shared his top skin care, diet and sleep tips. For those looking to invest in a new product, retinol should be on your list.
Skin care
"Sometimes simpler is better when it comes to cleansers," the expert stated. "The tried-and-true hypoallergenic cleansers from CeraVe are great options."
When searching for a new cleanser, it's important to be aware of your skin's individual needs.
The expert explained: "Younger patients benefit from having less oil, making them less prone to acne. Older patients benefit from a higher skin turnover, making skin look as fresh as it did in their younger years."
Aside from a good cleanser - and sunscreen, of course - "almost everyone benefits from retinol".
Retinol, as explained by the experts at Boots, is a type of retinoid, which comes from vitamin A.
"Considered a ‘gold standard’ of skin care, retinol can really work wonders, which is why this popular ingredient has made its way into so many skin care products in recent years," they said.
"It really is an all-rounder that works by increasing the rate of skin cell turnover and promoting the production of collagen. Because of this, retinol helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores whilst improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation."
To avoid irritation, ensure you select a product that is suitable for your skin and that you are using it according to its instructions. For tailored advice on skin care and the best products for you, consult a dermatologist.
Diet
Dr Shah advised: "Think about getting a well-balanced variety of foods, including those that have healthy fats, such as those rich in omega-3.
"Foods like sardines and mackerel contain lots of these healthy fats without some of the toxic metals found in other fish.
"Add in a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables, including those with vitamin C and vitamin K, such as carrots and leafy greens, and you’re looking at a well-rounded basis for healthy skin."
Sleep
It's called 'beauty sleep' for a reason, and great skin care should always be supplemented with shut-eye.
The plastic surgeon stated: "Sleep can be particularly important. It allows us to feel charged and can actually help us avoid the puffy feeling we get in the morning.
"Change your pillowcase frequently, as this can lead to environmental toxins working their way into your face. Silk pillowcases avoid unnecessary friction, allowing for more moisture in the face and less irritation."
As for how much sleep you should be aiming for per night, experts shared the ideal amount to look 10 years younger.
Dr Shah previously spoke to GB News about skin care for women over 50 and the best anti-ageing ingredient they should start using now.
Physician turned skin care expert Dr Heather Smith also weighed in on how women can improve their complexion "fast".
She claimed that getting back to "basics" is "essential", which means focusing on three core components: hydration and moisturising - and knowing the difference between them - exfoliation, and protection.
Hydration and moisturising
Dr Smith said: "Hydration is about getting water into the skin. Stay properly hydrated by drinking water, avoiding excess alcohol and coffee, and using products that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, tremella, glycerine - just to name a few.
"Moisturising is about keeping water in the skin - locking it down. This is achieved using emollient ingredients that are usually lipids (fats).
"Depending on how dry your skin is, there are many options available. My speciality is face oils, and they tend to sit beautifully on top of a hydrating serum."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Sunscreen is a 'must' for improved skin at any age
GETTY IMAGESExfoliation
"Exfoliation removes dullness and improves your glowing radiance rapidly," the expert stated.
"However, over-exfoliating will cause skin barrier damage and will backfire. So, always start low and go slow. Something gentle, like a PHA toner daily and a gentle face scrub 2 times per week, should be enough.
Protection
Sunscreen isn't just a summer holiday essential; it's an everyday "must".
Dr Smith said: "While it won't make your skin look better instantly, an acute sunburn or a collection of age spots will make it much harder to get your glow back - an ounce of prevention is key.
"For the same reason, stopping smoking is critical. The damage done to your skin is only the tip of the iceberg."
GB News does a weekly deep dive into women's biggest beauty concerns, speaking to experts about how women can look and feel their best.
Most recently, skin care gurus weighed in on crepey skin and the best products to mitigate lines.
