A dewy, fresh complexion is the skincare holy grail. That’s because healthy skin has an undeniable glow, that we correlate with beauty and wellness.
Radiant, clear skin is the result of effective products, practice, and patience. These twelve tips will help you transform your skin from dull and tired to luminous and glowing. Read ahead for all the glowy skincare goodness!
The key to gorgeous, glowy skin is to start and end each day with a clean face. This means thoroughly removing any dirt, debris, sebum and oilthat can clog your pores and cause dullness.
Clogged pores can make the texture of your skin look rough and bumpy, triggering imperfections and pimples. The exact opposite of glowing skin! Wash your face once in the morning and again in the evening. Massage a gentle foaming cleanser lightly into your skin using your fingers in a circular motion.
Never skip washing your face before bed. NEVER! No matter how tired you are, If you’re not washing before bed you’re losing out on your chance to target specific problem areas. Keep makeup remover pads near your bed to use if you’re absolutely too tired to thoroughly wash before bed.
There’s actual science to back the old saying “get your beauty sleep”. Your skin cells regenerate while you snooze. And poor sleep can lead to stress hormones that trigger skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis.
Aim to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night and use an overnight face mask to boost your skin’s natural recovery process while you sleep.
One of the best ways to brighten your skin and boost its glow is by exfoliating. Old skin cells are responsible for dull-looking skin. The exfoliation process removes these cells. The result is a complexion that’s smoother and clearer. And bonus- exfoliating preps your skin to better absorb the ingredients you apply afterward. Use a physical exfoliant, like a face scrub, or a gentler chemical exfoliant, like an enzyme facial toner daily.
There are different methods used to exfoliate the skin. Facial scrubs and brushes are forms or physical exfoliation. Acids and enzymes are forms of chemical exfoliation.
Physical Exfoliation
An exfoliating scrub can be applied directly to your skin using gentle, circular motions. Rinse with warm water after applying the scrub.
This is usually a bristle brush used to remove layers of dead skin cells. Some are designed for dry brushing; others can be used with your cleanser.
Chemical Exfoliation
Examples of AHAs include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids. AHAs work by breaking apart bonds holding dull and dead skin cells on your skin’s surface. This causes your skin to naturally shed the dead cells.
Examples of BHAs include beta-hydroxy and salicylic acid. These are best for oily or acne-prone skin.
Adequate hydration is crucial to your health, and that includes your skin. When your skin is well-hydrated, it looks healthier and more vibrant and is less prone to wrinkles. We recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. You may need more or less depending on your activity level. Not a fan of plain water? Try this berry-infused water for added health benefits.
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The delicate skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most prone to dryness and the signs of aging. Regularly using an anti-aging eye cream helps to reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. It also helps to brighten the area around your orbital bone, instantly adding glow.
Tap a brightening eye cream gently with your index finger into your upper eyelid, as well as beneath your eyes.
Applying sunscreen every single day is arguably the most important step in your skincare routine. A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 25 or higher both protects your skin from harmful UV rays and shields it from environmental aggressors that can age your skin faster. Plus, up to 90% of the visible signs of aging are caused by sun exposure.
Moisturizing is the key to dewy, glowing skin. A good moisturizer should be the foundation of your skincare routine. A lack of hydration equals a lackluster complexion and even accentuates wrinkles.
Applying moisturizer twice a day will help to maintain your skin’s barrier. Apply a daily moisturizer in the morning after washing your face and reach for an anti-aging night cream before bed.
If you’re experiencing dryness and dullness, a boost of hydration will bring back your glow almost immediately. This protects your skin from pollution, leaving it firm and well-moisturized.
What you eat directly affects your skin's glow. Antioxidant-rich foods like grapes, berries, pecans, and walnuts, have been linked with combatting free radicals. And leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with powerful multivitamins for your skin. These antioxidants and vitamins protect your skin cells from UV damage and stimulate lymphatic drainage reducing any puffiness on your face. Incorporating these foods into your diet daily can transform your skin in a matter of days. Try replacing your morning coffee with this simple antioxidant-rich green juice.
Antiox Green Juice
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Ever hear of a post-workout glow? It’s a real thing. Exercise promotes circulation and brings more oxygen to the skin, boosting its glow. And getting your heart rate up boosts the production of a protein that powers skin cells to act younger. Over time, this can make skin look up to 25 years younger. Try to get your heart rate up for at least twenty minutes a few times a week.
Retinol is your instant shortcut to a gorgeous glow. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A. They encourage the skin to speed up its natural turnover process, improving wrinkling and fine lines. Faster cell turnover means more collagen, plumper skin, and smoother texture. Retinol also helps treat sun damage, blemishes, and breakouts.
Ingredients like Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, disrupt the development of pigmentation. Vitamin C brightens the skin by blocking an enzyme that produces pigment production, lightening any dark spots. Daily application of a vitamin C serum can illuminate your complexion over time. Effects can be visible within a few weeks, with optimal glow results in about three months. When it comes to brightening up dark spots and pigmentation issues, glow-inducing vitamin C is your best friend.
Add these tips into your beauty routine and you’ll be glowing in no time- no filter required!