When celebrity hairstylist Lisa McIntosh revealed she was 52 years old at a recent birthday celebration, the Tuesday Style Dryer (TSD) team immediately sought clarity on her skincare secrets. Eschew all notions of potions for her youthful and glowing skin. The hairstylist revealed in her typical matter-of-fact way that her top skincare secret is water! “I’m a water girl, that’s all I use to wash my face,” she told TSD.

Sure, there are a few other steps involved, but the crux of her skincare regimen is water. “A hot towel on my face is also something I do often,” she added. McIntosh says the tried-and-true treatment opens the pores, softens the skin, and allows skin treatments to penetrate with ease.

But washing the face with water, that’s it? No fancy soaps or game-changing cleansers? With a bit of prodding McIntosh admitted she reaches for the ultra-gentle Pears transparent soap when she requires a deeper cleanse, usually after she wears make-up, though that’s not often either. She’s also big on moisturising and sticks with two fail-safe products to keep skin dewy and fresh.

Ahead, McIntosh shares her simple skincare routine that anyone can follow.

Cleanse

I’m not a products girl; I’m a water, wash and go girl. I’ll use Pears transparent soap sometimes, and essential Waitrose Cleansing Wipes on those days that I need to remove make-up. From time to time, I’ll steam my face with a hot rag or towel.

Here’s how:

Place a clean face towel in a bowl.

Pour hot — not boiling — water over the towel.

Wring out the excess water and lay it over your face.

NB: Ensure towel is not too hot so as not to burn your skin.

Exfoliate

For gentle but effective exfoliation, McIntosh uses the Zimii Honey Face Mask once a month.

Moisturise

McIntosh’s go-to moisturisers are the Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15 and Benjamins Olive Oil. “I’m big on moisturising, and we live in a climate where protection from the sun is key, so that’s why the Olay moisturiser is great,” she explained. “In additon to that, I’ll use a little olive oil occasionally,” she continued.