It's been a decade since I started properly thinking about what I put on my skin.

As a 16-year-old I was lucky to have a pretty clear complexion but knew next to nothing about how to mind my face. My skincare routine consisted of baby wipes, Vaseline and maybe the odd homemade mask (sugar, bananas, porridge oats, olive oil - whatever I could find in the kitchen). I've since upped my game but it took me a while to get there. Here's what I've learned in the last ten years.  

What works for someone else won't work for you

You'll hear about something new every week. It might be a celebrity pushing some gimmick or gadget (Vanessa Hudgens, I'm looking at you) or a friend of a friend whose acne cleared up overnight thanks to an expensive miracle potion. Sadly, your skin won't always respond the way you want it to to different products so manage your expectations.

Supplements are your friend

I don't think anything has ever benefited my skin the way getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals has. They don't have to cost an arm and a leg either - I'd do some research and then go into a health food shop and ask for some guidance.  

Spend wisely

This is probably my biggest piece of advice. It's tempting and sometimes just plain necessary as a teenager/ student/ broke intern to save a few euro and opt for a cheaper product. But you'll reap the rewards if you decide to spend a little more on the bits you put on your face.  

Your skin will change out of the blue

A few months in America at the age of 22 transformed my skin from fairly dry to combination-oily and it's been the same since. The change meant overhauling how I take care of my skin and getting used to more spots and blackheads but it wasn't the end of the world.  

Consistency is key

There's no point in doing everything perfectly every once in a while and then ignoring your skin. You're better off settling on a routine that's actually doable and sticking to it.  

Some of the best things you can do for your skin aren't skincare at all

Eat properly, exercise a bit, spend time outside, repeat.  

No-one cares about your skin

Really. No-one. Not one soul on this earth is thinking about your spots, blemishes or greasy eyelids the way you are. It's just skin, so relax.