Q&A Beauty Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals EXFOLIATE LIKE A PRO! I’ve heard that exfoliation is important, particularly at this time of year, but how often do I need to and how do I know if I’ve over done it? Faye Purcell, head of research and development at skincare brand Q+A (www.qandaskin.com) says: Exfoliation is brilliant for achieving radiant, fresh, and flake-free skin however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate. How often you do it depends on your skin type but as a rule of thumb, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. A great entry level AHA product for all skin types is the Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner, £8. Containing glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, it brightens, balances, hydrates and reduces skin congestion in a few swipes. With continued use, it can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily but if your skin is dry, you may need to do so just once a week or if oilier you could benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. I’d suggest using a gentle formula like the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, £8.50, once, or twice a week as it’s highly effective at buffing the skin but is also packed with skin soothing ingredients. Whether you need to exfoliate in the morning or evening depends on the ingredient you’re using. A chemical exfoliator, like an AHA should be used at night, as they can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. The same goes with retinol. Start with a thorough face cleanse to decongest your pores and create a clean canvas, then move on to your chemical exfoliator but always take care to follow the usage instructions. If it’s a toner or a serum, usually there’s no need to wash off. Follow with a barrier-protecting moisturiser. A physical exfoliator can be used in the morning. Work a 10p-sized amount into skin gently in circular motions, so as not to drag or tear. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel. Follow with a daily moisturiser, and always apply your SPF. If your skin looks or feels red or irritated, you could have over done it. You may think that harsh, gritty, or strong formulas will work faster giving you quicker results, but they can do more harm than good. As with any skincare, always follow the instructions. If it says leave the product on for one minute and rinse, don’t leave it on for 10! Go low and slow – lower inclusions of exfoliating ingredients gradually introduced into your regime can still have a big impact. When using any exfoliator, it’s vital to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells makes the skin underneath more prone to sun damage so don’t skimp on this important step. HAIR TODAY What hairstyles will be popular with brides in 2024? Jessica Bruce from Jessica Charlotte Bridal Hair (www.jessicacharlottebridalhair.com) says: I think going into 2024 brides are definitely wanting more of a relaxed effortless hairstyle. I’m getting regularly asked for my signature style, half up half down with a twist, or chunky braid. This style has a more relaxed feel but also can be styled in so many different ways. I also have a lot of brides for 2024 asking for a low simple twisted bun adding small pearl pins to finish the look. Veils are definitely a question mark for some brides, and that’s ok. I always say find your dress and hairstyle first and the veil can be added later. But I definitely think hair bows and bow veils will be hot this year! Getty Images 90
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