The creams skin doctors use on their OWN faces

Chances are that you have bought a skin cream this year, and in doing so have contributed to making it a billion-pound industry in the UK alone.

But are the creams worth all the anti-ageing miracle-hype that goes with the sleek packaging and fancy prices? We asked some of the country's leading dermatologists, with their years of scientific training and knowledge, what they put on their skin to keep it looking fresh and young.

Seduced: Dr Sam Bunting has a tried and tested routine for her skin

He may be consultant dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic in London, and professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles, but Dr Nick Lowe has some surprisingly unsophisticated tips.
First, he says, you need to focus on cleaning your skin without sapping away its natural moisture.
'I prefer to use hydrating cleansing lotions rather than soap,' he says. 'They're kinder to the skin. I have quite dry skin, especially during winter.
'I have used the line called Simple. It's very affordable and it's great for dry or sensitive skin. I shower with moisturising gel Dermol 500 (£11.18).
'Aqueous cream (£3.91) and E45 (from £3) are always staples in my bathroom cabinet.'
So what is aqueous cream? It is a nongreasy moisturiser that provides a layer of oil on the skin surface to prevent moisture evaporating from the skin. A mix of emulsifying ointment containing paraffin oils, water and preservative, it can be used in place of soap.
And while keeping your skin fresh and clean is important, over-washing should be avoided, says Dr Nick Levell, consultant dermatologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 'Many people wash far too much,' he says. 'If you have dry skin then you shouldn't wash more than twice a week unless you're visibly dirty or smelly.
'If you have normal or oily skin you can get away with washing more often, especially if you cleanse with an aqueous cream moisturiser.
'Aqueous creams are great and completely overlooked by most consumers because they assume that you can't buy effective products cheaply. Well you can. You can buy huge tubs for under £4. The unbranded versions are just as good as the ones in the fancy packaging.'
After cleansing, our dermatologists are unanimous in recommending and using moisturisers. These reinforce the skin's naturally protective oily layer and lock in moisture. Without it, the skin rapidly becomes dry, wrinkly and flaky.
Dry skin occurs when the outer layer of skin cells - the stratum corneum - become dehydrated and as a result cracked, scaly, and sometimes itchy.
Once again, cheap brands are just as good as more expensive ones. 'I don't spend much on moisturiser,' says Dr Levell.
'A basic moisturiser such as an aqueous cream is as good as anything. If you want to spend a little more, then brands such as Oilatum cream, Epaderm emollient, Hydromol Ointment and Cetraben cream (all under $10) are simple vegetable-based moisturisers used or recommended by most dermatologists.'

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