Women warned of 'common myths' about younger-looking skin and the best products for 'anti-ageing'

Dermatology GP, founder and medical director of Dr Nyla Medispa clinics, Dr Nyla Raja, explained hydration is vital if you want to look younger.

However, some tips are less effective than others. She named drinking water and applying oil as two tricks that - while good - are not as beneficial as you may think for hydrating your skin.

Dr Raja said: "A common myth is that drinking more water alone can fix dry skin. While hydration is important, dry skin is primarily caused by an impaired barrier or lack of topical moisture, so drinking excessive water won’t directly solve the problem.

"Another misconception is that only mature skin needs hydrating products. In reality, preventative hydration in your 20s and 30s is vital for maintaining long-term skin health.

"It is also a myth that oils alone can rehydrate the skin. Oils seal in moisture but don’t hydrate the skin on their own, as you need humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin first."

Swapping oils for products with hydrating ingredients will do more good for your skin, the doctor explained.

She added: "Finally, some people believe that dry skin means they’re not using enough moisturiser, but sometimes the issue is a compromised skin barrier that needs repair rather than just more product application."

So what should you do?

The expert suggested making lifestyle changes as early as your 20s or 30s, if possible. But regardless of your age, some products should be staples in your routine.

In particular, SPF was praised for protecting the skin and the doctor suggested retinol for its anti-ageing benefits.

The expert continued: "It's best to start making adjustments in your late 20s to early 30s, as this is when the skin’s natural moisture production begins to decline.

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"Key changes include switching to a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping the skin, incorporating humectants like hyaluronic acid to attract moisture, and adding ceramides and squalane for barrier repair and moisture retention.

"Daily use of SPF is essential to protect against UV damage, which worsens dryness and ageing.

"Gradually introducing retinol can provide anti-ageing benefits, but it should be balanced with hydrating products to minimise dryness."