10 Ways to Get Glowing Skin
1. Moisturize As You Cleanse
Summer skin is often irritated from sun and pollution. Switch to a hydrating cleanser that soothes the complexion as it removes impurities. "Formulas with olive oil moisturize without clogging pores," says New York City dermatologist Patricia Wexler. Try: Kiss My Face Bar Soap Pure Olive Oil ($4; at ediblenature.com).
2. Kick-Start Collagen
UV-rays provoke an onslaught of collagen-eroding free radicals. Boost collagen production with a serum that contains peptides or retinol to counteract the damage and smooth fine lines. Try: Lancôme High Rèsolution Collaser-5X Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($65; at lancome-usa.com).
3. Slough It Off
Exfoliating regularly helps skin look clear and extra radiant. To erase stubborn age spots or hyperpigmentation, try a microdermabrasion kit such as Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion for Face ($75; at Sephora). For severe sun damage, opt for a peel, like MD Skincare Alpha Beta daily face peel ($75; at Ulta).
4. Go Jewelry Shopping
According to makeup artist Bobbi Brown, diamonds and pearls cast a flattering glow on the complexion. She swears by her pink pearl earrings because they "magically bring out the color" in her cheeks.
5. Think Inside Out
Some dermatologists suggest taking supplements to improve skin. The antioxidant Pycnogenol prevents collagen breakdown, Heliocare's tropical fern extract wards off sunburns, and a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid capsules promote softness. Check with your doctor to see which is right for you.
6. Add Polish to Your Hair Color
Celebrity colorist Rick Wellman recommends creating shine and depth with a glaze. "Summer hair can get pretty washed out and frazzled, making your complexion seem lifeless," he says. "A clear glaze or a color-depositing gloss will make strands look richer and shinier while reflecting light onto the face." Our pick: John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine ($10; at drugstores).
Try: John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze Clear Shine ($10; at drugstores).
7. Fix a Fading Tan
Makeup artist Linda Hay of Victoria's Secret blends tinted moisturizer and liquid highlighter (try Benefit High Beam, $24; at Sephora) over forehead, nose, and cheeks to impart a sun-kissed glow. The final touch? A brush of shimmering bronzer. Try: Victoria's Secret Beauty The Beauty of Brazil Liquid Bronzing Brush ($22; at victoriassecret.com).
8. See a Pro
For skin that requires serious attention, Patricia Wexler recommends a professional treatment with a CO2 laser ($2,000 to $4,000 per treatment, depending on the area treated) that can lighten severe brown spots and smooth deep lines. Expect about two weeks of redness and swelling. LED (light-emitting diode) therapy can also improve radiance and lessen the appearance wrinkles with fewer side effects, but takes about eight to 10 sessions (about $150 each) to see results.
9. Step Lightly
We all know exercise increases circulation and gets skin glowing, but you might want to try a gentle walk instead of a pavement-pounding run. "When you hit the ground hard, the force of your body weight bounces up into your body," says dermatologist Dennis Gross of New York City. "This jostling can cause collagen breakdown, which can lead to sagging."
10. Treat Spots Gently
Hydroquinone and kojic acid are considered the gold standard for fading dark spots, but some dermatologists believe these ingredients can actually cause irritation and exacerbate the problem. "When skin is inflamed, it produces more pigment-creating melanin as a defense mechanism," Dennis Gross says. Try products with gentler pigment lighteners, such as arbutin and niacin derivatives (vitamin B3), which also reduce redness. Try: NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex with nicotinic acid, $110; nia24.com.
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