Hands up if your skin has been looking a bit blah lately.
Everyone? Okay. No worries.
Like James Spader says in ‘The Blacklist,’ every problem has a solution.
And while it can be tempting to scrub your face frantically, you can easily make the ‘blahness’ much worse.
Instead, reevaluate your products and adopt a new routine that’ll help improve your moisture levels, give you that much-needed glow, and probably even uplift your mood.
With that, here are ten easy-to-follow tips to help you get bright, dewy, and plump skin, no matter your skin type.
Invest in A Vitamin C Cleanser
Vitamin C is not just good with eggs and bacon!
The powerhouse ingredient works by stimulating your cells, improving their ability to generate collagen.
Much like water, collagen is vital to helping your face appear supple, radiant, and flawless.
What’s more, some Vitamin C cleansers help boost trans-epidermal water loss, which prevents sagging, dull-looking skin.
Some can also help combat pigmentation and contribute to better health of the epidermis, overall.
So, if dewiness is your goal, invest in a cleanser packed with enzymes or fruit acids that offer a deep cleanse and slight exfoliation like the Vitamin C Cleanser by Eve Hansen.
Follow Up Cleansing with A Hydrating Toner
Without water, your skin’s health is in trouble. So, after washing your face with your cleanser, pat it down dry and apply an alcohol-free toner to deliver water to your cells and avoid that dreadful dry and dull feeling.
Pro Tip: You have a 60-second window after cleansing your face before moisture evaporates. So, make sure you apply the toner 30 to 45 seconds after double-cleansing.
You can try the African Black Soap Toner by SheaMoisture – it features a serum-y, silky formula that loads your face with moisture post-cleansing.
What’s more, this moisture-rich toner contains witch hazel, tea tree oil, organic shea butter, and oat, ingredients that are perfect for all skin types.
Niacinamide is the Real MVP
Since circulation can be compromised with age, products with ingredients like vitamin B12, Niacinamide, and peppermint enhance blood flow, thus giving you a fresh radiance.
These ingredients also help dilate your blood vessels, allowing the skin to house more nutrient-rich blood when applied topically.
Niacinamide, for instance, a sophisticated form of vitamin B3, is particularly ideal for brightening since it minimizes the effects of UV rays and helps repair damaged DNA.
Exfoliate Wisely
As we grow older, the skin gradually loses its glow for various reasons, including the natural build-up of dead cells.
That means a blah appearance is apparent if you don’t slough off these dead cells with a proper exfoliant.
Experts recommend swapping your classic face scrubs for chemical exfoliants – i.e., peels or serums that feature AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs – that tend to be less abrasive on your skin.
Chemical exfoliants also have an added advantage when used regularly (two to three times a week) – they help increase cell turnover, which supports the production of new collagen.
So, with time you might not enjoy a brighter appearance, but you’ll also notice a firming effect.
The Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum by Farmacy, for instance, instantly creates a glowing, dewy appearance and even claims to help stave off your Botox appointments.
Add Some Moisture into the Air
The primary ingredient in the recipe for bright, dewy skin is simple –loads of moisture.
So, while it’s easy to have a love-hate relationship with humidifiers (they feel so good at first, but after months of back-to-back use, most of us start googling ways to get rid of them), these devices help keep your face moisturized and radiant.
Humidifiers are especially essential at night when your skin is working tirelessly to recharge and rehydrate.
Don’t Skimp On Your Serums
No matter your skin type, serums are a must-have. They help hydrate, even out, exfoliate, and even anti-age your skin.
However, the market is awash with different types and formulas, so it can be daunting trying to find the best serum for you.
According to various estheticians, investing in a hyaluronic acid serum is the only way to go. Unlike other serums, these natural skin plumpers can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water and are proven to help refill your skin’s moisture reservoir by penetrating deep into your skin.
Give Microneedling A Try
It might sound terrifying, but microneedling can work wonders for breakouts and dullness.
This skincare routine works by using tiny pinpricks to create microchannels in your skin, boosting collagen production, improving texture, and reducing the appearance of pores and scars.
It also helps your serums and moisturizers settle into your skin more effortlessly, which means brighter, supple, and dewy skin after several weeks.
Incorporate A Ceramide-Rich Face Cream into Your Routine
Ceramides naturally keep water within the stratum corneum and epidermis, which in lay terms means, ensure your skin doesn’t get dehydrated by reinforcing your skin’s natural protective barrier.
They also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and check every supple, dewy box.
Forgo Tiny Hairs & Peach Fuzz
Apart from dead cells, tiny facial hairs might also prevent you from achieving a radiant complexion. So, to amp up your dewy look, give your face a good swipe with a reliable dermaplaning device.
Nonetheless, if you have acne, eczema, or rosacea, be sure to check with your dermatologist before investing in a dermaplaning tool.
Upgrade Your Makeup
If you’re into a more natural makeup look, try investing in a moisturizing foundation that not only helps cover your imperfections but also creates a bright, dewy, and plump appearance.
