Glowing skin sounds like something you either have to be born with or be a celeb to afford. Luckily for you, it's not actually that tricky to get radiant skin. It's just a matter of using the right skincare routine. Ahead, learn the top secrets for how to get glowing skin.
Physical Exfoliation
Dead skin cells will make your skin look dull. Buff them away with a gentle exfoliating scrub once or twice a week. Body scrubs will help you get glowing skin all over, but because your face is more sensitive, be sure to use a specially designed facial scrub there. Mix Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face, $46, into water or your regular facial cleanser.
Chemical Exfoliation
Even more powerful at removing dead skin cells than a physical exfoliator is a chemical one. There are alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, that work in skin's upper layers. Another good option is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that gets all the way down into your pores. If you're acne-prone, forgo any exfoliating scrubs on your face and use only a chemical exfoliator. Alba Botanica Good & Clean Pore Purifying Mini Peel, $5.03, uses fruit-based alpha hydroxy acids to help you achieve glowing skin.
Vitamin C
No matter how well-exfoliated your skin is, uneven skin tone can make it appear dull and lifeless. A vitamin C product can help restore evenness. Vitamin C helps control your skin's production of pigment and may also fight free radicals. L-ascorbic acid is the version most often found in skin products, such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $165.
Hydroquinone
Another ingredient that is good for lightening dark spots is hydroquinone. It limits melanin production to begin fading dark spots in two to three months. Prescription-strength products will probably work more quickly, but for an over-the-counter version, try Glytone Dark Spot Corrector, $52, which contains 2% hydroquinone. Other skin lightening ingredients to look for are bearberry extract and white mulberry extract.
Retinol
One of the best tips for how to make your skin glow is to use a product that contains retinol which boosts collagen production and smooths facial texture. As wrinkles decrease, your face will better reflect the light. Start with SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25, $62, which features a gentle amount of retinol.
Moisturizer
Don't forget to keep your skin hydrated! Dry skin looks dull. A product like Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer, $29, is a good choice for everyday use.
If you want more intense moisturization, try a hydrating mask such as Murad Hydro-glow Aqua Peel, $48.
Sun Protection
Sun damage will counter all of the work that you put into your glowing skin. Keep the sun's effects at bay by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 every day. For breakout-free protection, try Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen, $11.49.
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