Your Glow-On-The-Go Guide: Dermal Expert Dr Yalda Jamali’s Skincare Secrets

There have been some absolute doozy beauty trends over the years. Remember when we were all plucking our eyebrows into oblivion? Or when we’d put concealer on our lips in lieu of liners? But as fads come and go, there’s one trend that never ages: glowing, radiant, soft skin.

So how do you achieve that elusive glow when you’re short of time? We’ve called cosmetic doctor and certified glow guru Dr Yalda Jamali to get expert advice on the quick, science-backed methods, with a little help from Elucent’s Australian-made skincare. From five-minute fixes to regular rituals, these are the tips that will have your skin shining in no time.

Step 1: Double Cleanse For Double The Glow

It might sound like a stretch when you’re short of time, but double cleansing can take your skin from flat to fresh. Whether you’re starting from scratch before a night out or washing away the makeup, stress and SPF of the day, this is how to give yourself a clean slate.

Next on the agenda is to go in with a gentle exfoliator—the key word here being gentle. No aggressive scrubbing, no panic exfoliation, just gentle enough to  exfoliate the dead skin cells that’s been hiding your glow.

“While over-exfoliating can absolutely damage the skin, avoiding it altogether can leave a build-up of dead skin cells, which makes the skin look dull and tired,” explains Dr Jamali. “Not all exfoliants are harsh. There are many gentle options available, and when used appropriately for your skin type, they can help improve texture and brightness.”

Step 2: Supercharged Serums

When applied and layered correctly, serums can be like a double espresso for your face. This is where the real magic happens—and also when things tend to get a tad confusing—so here’s the cheat sheet straight from Dr Jamali, along with exactly where Elucent’s heavy-hitters fit in.

Niacinamide is the all-rounder and the star of Elucent’s Bright + Balanced Serum. It helps reduce the appearance of excess oil , support your skin barrier, and balance tone, making everything look clearer, and more even.

On the flip side, AHAs, like the ones packed into Elucent’s Age Defying Serum,  are your glow-boosting refiners. Starting with a lower percentage and working your way up to the use of these powerful 16% AHAs smooth texture, refine tone and soften the look of fine lines by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, which isn’t nearly as gnarly as it sounds. “When used correctly, they can also enhance the absorption of other skincare ingredients,” Dr Jamali adds.

Both products are backed by hyaluronic acid, a hydration magnet that helps to hydrate  the skin, leaving it looking plump, fresh and visibly rested.

Step 3: Moisturiser Is Your MVP

After your serums have worked their magic, it’s time to lock it all in with a moisturiser. Dr Jamali swears by Elucent’s hardworking Bright + Balanced Day Moisturiser applied to damp skin for a plump-and-glow effect.

You can even skip the layering if you’re in a hurry, and instead reach straight for the moisturiser.

“A good moisturiser can give an immediate plumping effect and help make the skin look fresher,” she says. This is the step that delivers instant gratification, even when time’s not on your side.

Step 4: Less-Is-More Makeup

This finishing flourish, once your skincare is sorted, is subtle, dewy makeup. Dr Jamali’s top tip for that last-minute glow? Avoid anything overly powdery. Cream-based bronzers, blush and highlights are your new best mates. They give dimension, warmth and radiance without turning your face into the Sahara.

Foundation is optional here. You’re not hiding your skin, you’re enhancing the glow you’ve earned. A quick swipe of cream blush across the cheeks, a dab of cream highlighter on the high points, and a touch of bronze to warm things up is all it takes when your skin’s this hydrated.

Step 5: Glow From The Inside Out

Here’s the inside scoop: glowing skin isn’t just about what you slather on, it’s about how you live. Stress, for one, is a major glow killer. Dr Jamali explains that chronic stress hikes up cortisol, which can mess with your skin barrier, trigger inflammation, and even slow down healing.

The good news is you don’t need a radical life overhaul. Instead, sprinkle in some simple habits that help you switch off: quality sleep, a stroll outside, gentle movement, meditations, reading, or revisiting an old hobby.

And what about when we put in our bodies, Dr J? “Supplements sit somewhere between slightly helpful and very overmarketed,” she explains. Stick to research-backed favourites like collagen peptides, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Omega-3.

You can confidently enjoy your cheese, your vino, your weekend pain au chocolate, too. Glow doesn’t come from restriction, it comes from balance. As Dr Jamali reminds us, “You don’t need to live a restrictive lifestyle to have good skin. What matters more is your overall consistent habits rather than the occasional indulgence.”

And When All Else Fails, Cleanse And Protect

Sometimes, life wins. On the days when your coffee’s cold, your inbox is full, your fuel tank is empty and your iPhone battery is in the red, these are the two steps that’ll keep your skin in check.

“Absolute non-negotiables are daily SPF and cleanser. If you don’t do anything else, do these two steps every day.”

And as much as we hate to hear it, Dr Jamali speaks the truth. “Honestly, there’s very little you can truly ‘turn around’ in under five minutes. Skin doesn’t change that quickly. Real improvements in dullness come from consistent, long-term care.”

Noted.

Ready to get a science-backed, Dr Jamali-approved glow? Start with Elucent’s Bright + Balanced Day Moisturiser and Age Defying Serum, available online or in store at Chemist Warehouse.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Elucent and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Urban List, Dupe, Supplied.