'I'm a doctor - you must apply skin care at least two hours before bed or risk products not working'

This is because products may not have enough time to absorb and work when applied right before going to sleep.

Global skin doctor and cosmetic formulator at SkincarebyDrV, Dr Vanita Rattan recommended following a nighttime skin care routine consisting of "a gentle, ‘NAFE SAFE’ (no alcohol, fragrance or essential oils) cleanser, hydrating toner, moisturiser".

She said: "The reason we should do our skin care routine two hours before bed is to allow enough time for all the active ingredients to penetrate the skin before going to sleep.

"Many of us sleep with our faces pressed against the pillow, so if you go to bed too soon after applying serums and creams, there's a higher chance that the products will transfer onto your pillow rather than being absorbed by your skin."

Other ways to stop products from being wiped immediately from your skin is to use a silk pillowcase.

These are kinder on the skin and less likely to absorb creams than cotton pillows. They also have some benefits for your hair.

Having your products rub off not only means you miss out on the benefits of the ingredients, it can be particularly disastrous for those with oily skin, the doctor explained.

Dr Rattan continued: "If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's crucial to prevent skin care products from transferring to your pillow, especially if you aren't washing your bedding every two to three days.

"Allowing products to fully absorb can help reduce the risk of breakouts caused by residue on your pillow."

Additionally, by giving your skin care products time to absorb, you can minimise the risk of irritation or clogged pores from products mixing with oils or sweat while you sleep."

This comes as a skin expert spoke about some of the ingredients to look out for in your skin care products.

He revealed collagen and hyaluronic acid are key pillars of any anti-ageing routine, as they boost the skin's hydration and minimise the obvious signs of ageing.

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The expert said: "Collagen is the body’s primary structural protein, playing a crucial role in providing structure to our skin, hair, and nails. It’s also found in connective tissues, bones, cartilage, muscles and blood vessels.

"This protein is essential for tissue repair, joint health and cell regeneration - essentially, everything that keeps our bodies firm, resilient and supple. In fact, collagen acts as the glue that holds us together.

"In the skin, up to 80 to 90 per cent of the protein present is collagen, predominantly type I, which can be derived from marine sources.

"When collagen is combined with hyaluronic acid, known for its hydrating properties, they work synergistically to promote skin elasticity, hydration and overall skin health."