It’s taken ten years for me to discover my ideal skincare routine for glowing skin. I grew up with eczema, so I have always looked for products that combat both dryness and dullness. These days I also wear a lot of makeup, which gives me a new challenge to deal with: sensitivity.

I now have my six-step routine on lock, and it keeps my skin smooth and silky and the *perfect* canvas for makeup application. It’s easy to maintain but still effective in keeping my skin healthy. Here’s what it looks like.

1. Understanding Moisture VS Hydration

There are two things that contribute to glowing skin: moisture and hydration. Moisture comes from oils and hydration comes from water. Slathering your skin in oils without drinking enough water to stay hydrated isn’t going to help, nor vice versa. So stock up on nourishing products for the outside and start sipping that H2O for beauty from the inside, out.

2. Make Friends with Moisturiser

A mistake I see people with oily or combination skin make is not using moisturiser because they think they don’t need it. But know this: when you don’t lotion up your skin overcompensates and secretes more oil. Yes, the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. The solution? Find a moisturiser that suits your skin type to give it what it needs. This will bring you closer to the result you’re after.

3. Add Cream to Your Cleanse

Washing my face in the shower is so convenient. But I make sure that I change the temperature to lukewarm when rinsing my face to avoid stripping my skin and drying it out. I also use a cream cleanser, which is great for alleviating irritation in sensitive skin. It washes away buildup without leaving the skin feeling stripped of moisture. And for glowing skin. we’re going to need as much moisture as we can get.

4. Opt for an Air Dry

After you have washed your face it can be very tempting to pat yourself dry with the closest available washcloth or towel. But you should really try to avoid doing this or use a paper towel instead. Why, exactly? The bacteria that they can contain can be a *major* contributing factor when it comes to your breakouts and reactions. Instead, let your skin air dry after cleansing.

5. Use Hydrating Ingredients + Formulas

Are you using hyaluronic acid? If not, get on that situation immediately because it is a game-changer. This ingredient soothes irritation that comes with dryness and sensitivity as well as locking moisture in the skin. Another skincare innovation has been the invention of water gels that combine moisturising and hydrating properties in one easily-absorbed formula. These work well on all skin types, even sensitive ones and sit really well on top of my hyaluronic acid serum.

6. Find a Favourite Facial Oil

I like to end my routine with a facial oil for moisture. They really do make the skin glow but they are also great at protecting the skin from the elements. It’s like wrapping the skin in one last layer to protect it from the sun or cold. All sound like too much? Always remember that you, and your skin, are worth the investment and you are deserving of some pampering self-care. And your skincare routine is a good place to start!