Glowing—or dewy—skin is a trend everyone has been obsessing over for more than two years now. According to Quartz, dewy skin was popularized on Instagram, alongside the rise of Korean skin care. The right level of sheen is attractive and healthy-looking. In fact, many people equate dewy skin to having a healthy lifestyle and proper self-care: you’re literally glowing from the inside out.

And it’s hard to argue with that connection. People who take care of themselves tend to be happier, and their glowing and even skin shows it. So, if you want to achieve this healthy level of shine on your skin, you need a good skincare routine. Here are crucial steps to build your foundation:

Step 1: Cleanse with Micellar Water

The best kind of cleanser for your face is micellar water. It contains purified water, glycerin, and molecule clusters known as micelles. Glycerin helps to hydrate the skin, but most of the actual cleansing can be attributed to the micelles, which attract dirt and oil. This allows you to easily wipe them from your skin and frees up the pores, thus reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.

Simply pour micellar water into a cotton ball or pad and dab away at the dirt. Because micellar water is mostly made up of purified water, there’s no need to rinse it off after applying it. This cleanser is designed to be gentle on the skin, so avoid scrubbing harshly at your face.

Step 2: Apply Vitamin C

If your skin appears uneven or has spots, consider adding Vitamin C products to your skin brightening routine. Discolorations are often rooted in UV exposure, which can be prevented with sunscreen and treated with Vitamin C. This essential ingredient works by brightening those sun spots and creates a more even skin tone. Plus, Vitamin C boosts collagen growth, which prevents your skin from sagging.

If you’re incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine, it’s best to apply a serum topically, as only a small percentage of the Vitamin C we consume makes its way to the skin. Do this in the morning to maximize protection against UV rays, and be sure to give your skin enough time to absorb the product.

Step 3: Moisturize

The kind of moisturizer you should choose depends on both the climate and your skin type. Oil-based products can more effectively retain water, so choose these if you have dry skin. If your skin is dry to the point of cracking, ointments with petroleum jelly stay longer and can more effectively replenish water. Meanwhile, if your skin is oily, choose an oil-free, noncomedogenic ointment, preferably with higher concentrations of water. Individuals with normal skin, on the other hand, can benefit from a regular, water-based cleanser.

When choosing a moisturizer for your climate, the principles are similar. If you live in a dry area, your moisturizer should be able to hold water for longer, which means you need to opt for oil-based products. Those who live in humid areas can make the most of humectants, which are a kind of moisturizer ingredient that absorbs water from the air. These are most effective at high humidity. For hot weather, use a noncomedogenic moisturizer, preferably with a moderate sun protection factor.

To apply moisturizer, squeeze a pea-sized amount into your palms. Then, warm the product in your palms and fingers to even it out. Apply moisturizer on the driest parts of your face first to make sure they get the most product. Use gentle, circular motions, and then spread it using upward strokes. This will give your skin that dewy effect that you’re looking for.

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen

Lastly, apply approximately one ounce of high SPF sunscreen on your face fifteen to twenty minutes before going outside. This protects your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which doesn’t just cause sunburn, but also accelerates skin aging and wrinkling. There are two classifications of sunscreens, each with a different way of preventing damage. Organic sunscreens, which contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, absorb UV radiation to prevent it from reaching the skin. Inorganic sunscreens, on the other hand, usually reflect and scatter radiation outward, effectively shielding the skin.

Choose a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Dermatologists recommend choosing SPF 30 or over, as these can block about 97% of UVB rays. However, this protection loses its effectiveness after two hours, so if you’re spending time outdoors, you need to reapply sunscreen regularly. In any case, a good sunscreen can keep your skin hydrated and glowing, instead of oily and sticky.

If you want to know what to incorporate into your skincare routine, a previous article covered celebrity beauty regimes, in which we revealed the must-haves of five of our favorites. You can also consult a dermatologist to determine the specific needs of your skin.