How To Get Glowing Skin in These 6 Simple Steps
“The key to glowing skin is a combination of a dedicated skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle.”
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Shani Darden, Esthetician
There are skincare products to address just about any skincare concern you could imagine. Whether you have dry skin, breakout-prone skin, or struggle with dark spots and blemishes, there are many ingredients that can help minimize the appearance of these issues.
But is there really a routine out there that can address dull, lackluster skin? And if so, what products can you use to help? Let’s break it down!
What Causes Dull Skin?
There are a few things that can stand between you and a natural glow. In fact, while some lifestyle factors can affect your skin, one of the major culprits is simple genetics. For instance, those with dry skin types are more prone to dull skin than those with oily skin types.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to dull skin. For instance, sun damage can lead to skin irritation and cause uneven pigmentation. Additionally, environmental factors like air pollution, cold weather, and hot water can affect your skin’s glow.
Plus, as you get older, your skin’s collagen production can start to slow down, along with skin cell turnover, elastin production, and overall ability to create and hold onto moisture. This can result in skin that appears dull and sagging
It’s also possible that some skin tone issues are due to certain skin conditions or health issues. If you think your dull skin may be connected to a larger issue, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.
How Do You Get Glowing Skin?
There are many options available to help you in your pursuit of a glowing complexion. There are some DIYhome remedies you can try, but I prefer to lean on science and research when it comes to addressing skincare concerns.
So, let’s walk through a simple but comprehensive routine to help get your glow back.
1. Lifestyle Changes
The first thing to look at when you’re fighting a dull skin tone is your lifestyle. Skincare products can go a long way toward brightening and evening out your complexion, but your day-to-day lifestyle can play just as big a role in your skin’s health.
For instance, not getting enough sleepcan make your skin look dull. If you’re struggling with dull skin, you may want to start off by getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
A healthy diet is also important for your skin and your wellness as a whole. You can start by prioritizing foods that are rich in fatty acids, like fish and nuts. Be sure you’re drinking enough water, getting in your leafy greens, and eating other antioxidant-rich foods. This can help support your body in maintaining your skin health.
2. Cleanse Regularly
Start your skin routine with a gentle but effective cleanser. You’ll want to use your face wash in the morning and in the evening, and if you wear makeup, double cleansing with both a facial cleanser and a makeup remover can help remove any residue.
This can keep leftover products and impurities from building up on your skin, which can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even dull skin.
Instead, use a cleanser like my Cleansing Serum that removes buildup from your skin and leaves you feeling fresh and nourished. My gentle formula cleanses without stripping away your skin’s essential oils, helping to support your skin barrier to encourage skin health.
3. Exfoliate
Physical exfoliants like scrubs and brushes may be trendy, but when we’re talking about brightening your complexion, a chemical exfoliant is a gentler way to go. Chemical exfoliants can help dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, which can build up on your skin over time and clog your pores, leading to dullness and breakouts.
There are a few chemical exfoliants that can help remove dead skin cellbuildup. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid can help gently resurface the skin, while beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid can help clean out pores.
I especially love Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha-Beta Peel Pads, which can help with exfoliation and also contain nourishing antioxidants. With ingredients like glycolic acid, chamomile, and green tea extract, these peel pads are a great way to encourage glowing skin.
4. Use a Brightening Serum
When it comes to serums, there are so many different options out there. Ultimately, you should pick the one that best addresses your individual needs. However, vitamin C serums are almost a gold standard when it comes to skincare for glowy skin.
iS Clinical’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ is a highly stable vitamin C serum that uses antioxidants to support skin health, all while brightening your skin tone and minimizing visible signs of aging. Plus, it can be gentle even for those with sensitive skin.
This serum also makes use of vitamin E, which can help further support your skin, especially when it’s exposed to sunlight and air pollution. This can lead to radiant skin in both the short term and the long term.
5. Moisturize Regularly
Hydrating is important for any type of skin, whether you have oily skin or are dealing with dryness. Moisturizing can promote a strong skin barrier, which in turn can help support glowing skin.
This is because your skin barrier helps to keep bacteria out while retaining moisture throughout the day. And since dryness can cause dullness, this is just one way to encourage a glowing complexion.
My Weightless Oil-Free Moisturizer is a great option for normal to oily skin. It’s powered by three hydrating ingredients that deliver weightless moisture without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
These ingredients include hydrolyzed collagen to help your skin feel firm and look bright, red algae, and hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant molecule that helps your skin replenish its natural moisture.
6. Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of your skincare routine. Wearing SPF every day can help to protect your skin from sun damage caused by UV rays. By blocking potential free radical damage, you may be able to hold off visible signs of skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, while keeping your skin looking bright and fresh.
Supergoop’s Play Everyday LotionSPF 50 is a wonderful everyday protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Even if you don’t think you’re going to spend much time outside, you should wear sunscreen to help protect your skin.
The Takeaway
Getting your skin to glow can feel impossible when you’re up against aging, sun damage, and any individual skincare concerns. However, there are some simple adjustments you can make to your skincare routine in order to promote that radiant look you’re going for.
For more skin tips and science-backed skincare, check out my blog.
Sources:
Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin | National Library of Medicine
Nutrition for Healthy Skin | Skin Health Institute
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Skin | Open Access Government