5 secrets to an effective skincare routine Including a selection of products to add to your shopping list

«Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve». That's what Coco Chanel said, and she was right. If you want your skin to be healthy, hydrated, radiant, smooth and selfie-worthy, you need to take care of it, no matter your age. This does not mean you have to chase some unattainable beauty ideal or look like a perpetual teenager like the celebrities you follow on Instagram, but simply that you need to follow a routine that works for you without getting sucked into the fad of the latest must-have product. Remember that while there are no miracles, every little bit helps: from eating right to choosing products that contain ceramides to support the skin's barrier function; from paying more attention to stressed skin to introducing collagen (as an ingredient in creams or as an oral supplement) to prevent skin from losing tone and radiance over the years. Before you reach for Botox, fillers and injectable moisturisers, there is much you can do to prevent a sallow complexion, curb skin breakouts and wrinkles, plump up the face and give it freshness and elasticity so it looks healthy. The secret is to stick to an ad hoc routine consistently and carefully, without forgetting basic steps like cleansing, sun protection or moisturising.

Here are 5 secrets to an effective skincare routine:

Carry out a daily cleansing routine

There are many gadgets that can give your skincare routine a boost. If you want to make a real investment, you can opt for a microcurrent device or a LED mask, which uses light energy to stimulate and regenerate cells and is popular with celebrities. Looking for something simpler? Then add to your shopping list gua sha and jade rollers, 17th century tools that have made a triumphant comeback among beauty gurus around the world and are useful for reducing puffiness and giving the complexion a natural glow.