YOU GLOW, GIRL: WAYS TO FIGHT DULLNESS AND ACHIEVE GLOWING SKIN

YOU GLOW, GIRL: WAYS TO FIGHT DULLNESS AND ACHIEVE GLOWING SKIN


YOU GLOW, GIRL: WAYS TO FIGHT DULLNESS AND ACHIEVE GLOWING SKIN

It's no secret that bright, glowing skin from things that boost wellness from the inside out, like getting eight hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, focusing on positive feelings, and learning balance in our lives.

For those of us who are only human and sometimes fall short on at least one of these, we have good news for you: incorporating the right skincare products into your regimen can help battle dullness from the outside in and leave you with healthy, radiant skin.

The Problem: Dull, dry complexion
The Culprit: Dead skin cells

"We shed millions of skin cells a day, so unless you do something to actively remove the ones that don't fall off naturally, you're going to have a grayish look no matter your skin tone," says Mona Gohara, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

The Solution: Exfoliate your skin. Use a gentle exfoliator. Rather than reaching for a scrub once a week, try using an overnight treatment. "Chemically, glycolic acid is a really nice, small molecule , which means when you put it on the skin, it can penetrate readily to unglue dead skin cells from one another" says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, and board certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience. Make sure to follow with a natural toner to lift impurities, and balance your complexion.

The Problem: Tired-looking skin
The Culprit: Stress, poor sleep

When your under a lot of stress or skimping on your eight hours, "Cortisol levels go up, your fight-or-flight response kicks in, and blood flow goes to your vital organs, not your face, leading to skin looking sallow," says Gohara.

The Solution: Perform a quick facial massage when cleansing or applying moisturizer. "It's a great way to stimulate blood flow, which will add radiance and plump the skin," says Gohara. Enhance your facial massage with a facial tool like Gua Sha, used in ancient beauty rituals.

You can also try using a nourishing mask or treatment once or twice a week to  help reset your skin. Look for ones with natural ingredients that help brighten or increase cell turnover.


The Problem: Uneven skin tone
The Culprit: Pollution

Depending on where you live, the effects of pollution may be worse for you. When air is polluted it contains microscopic particles of dirt and debris which when left on your skin can create free radicals causing your skin to appear dull and uneven.

The Solution: Make sure to wash your face. "Because pollution cause inflammation and can disrupt the skin barrier, it's important to choose a gentle cleanser that helps build it back up," says Zeichner. Afterward reach for a serum that contains antioxidants, like vitamin C. "It's like having a safety net to minimize potential damage from pollution's free radicals," says Zeichner.


So get your eight hours, drink your water... and follow these simple steps to get the glowing skin you deserve!