The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Keep Your Skin Looking Glowing & Bright

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March 21, 2022 — 10:27 AM

When I think of the words I use in our skin care articles most frequently, “healthy” certainly tops the list. But in a very close second comes “bright.” Just following that, I’m sure it is “glow.” There’s something about a luminescent complexion that is equal parts aspirational and enviable: Almost everyone, on some level, wants it. And as a beauty writer, I’ve practically built my career around helping people (and myself) achieve it. 

Yet, there’s still so much to be learned about the most effective (and healthiest) way to get it. Throughout my skin care journey, I know I’ve dabbled in a few formulas and treatments that touted brighter skin, but left me with a complexion that was less-than-desired. For any experimental beauty fans out there, I’m sure you have, too. 

So what is the state of brighter skin now: What advice and science-backed learnings should we follow in our quest for a more vibrant complexion? Oh, I’m so glad you asked. 

Well-hydrated and supple skin tends to appear more luminescent, and on the flip side—dry skin often appears dull and flaky.  Your outermost layer of skin is made up of dead skin cells (a good thing, as they offer a protective buffer). However, glowing skin is achieved through a healthy balance of removing buildup of these dead skin cells so younger cells below them peek through—while not compromising the barrier. These young cells are better at reflecting light, hence the glow.    Bright skin was usually well-nurtured internally, meaning vibrant skin comes with taking care of yourself, feeding the skin a nutritious diet, getting sleep, and so on.   Finally, glowing skin and skin issues like blemishes, ruddiness, and texture are not always mutually exclusive. Yes, you can have glowing skin and still break out or have uneven texture. 

Not exfoliating properly. For so long we’ve been told that exfoliation is the gateway to brighter skin. What was often left out? Go overboard and you’ll end up with irritated skin—the opposite of what we’re looking for here.   You’re using a too light moisturizer. Or worse yet, not at all.   Not prioritizing internal hydration & nutrition. Lit-from-within skin has to start, well, within. And while makeup and glow-enhancing topicals can pull a lot of the weight, you’re better off starting internally. While the skin care space is getting better about prioritizing nutrition’s effect on the complexion, it’s still often thought of as an afterthought.  Not getting enough sleep. Sleep is the most important recovery and rejuvenation time for the skin, and without it your cells can’t reach their full potential.  Day-to-day life is stressing you out. When your body is stressed, it redirects nutrients to more vital organs—leaving the skin looking lackluster.  You’re using mattifying makeup. Mattifying makeup has reigned supreme over the last several years on social media—you may be using shine-reducing formulas and not even realize it.  We're forgetting about environmental stressors. Pollution and climate change can dull the skin—yes, there’s even research on it.  You’re not moving your body. Circulation is a vital part of a healthy complexion. And so many of us didn’t get out to move, walk, and workout as much as we used to over the past several years. (Understandable, by the way.) 

Vitamins C and E: These antioxidants not only support collagen production (which is essential for generating new, healthy, vibrant skin), but can brighten the appearance of the complexion overall. Grab these if you’re also interested in improving your skin’s firmness and fine lines.  Alpha Arbutin: Naturally found in blueberries and cranberries, alpha arbutin helps correct dark spots if that’s your primary roadblock for a glowing complexion.  Azelaic Acid: This underrated ingredient is particularly useful for those who experience ruddy complexions as well as dullness.  Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 is an incredibly, and multi-talented ingredient that is great for supporting the skin barrier function. 

“Exfoliate!” is the advice handed out the most when talking about brightening. And when it’s touted as the end-all-be-all of glowing skin, it’s no wonder people take it to the extreme! In reality, exfoliation is an incredible tool—but only when used responsibly and sparingly. 

The first exfoliation step is to find a method you enjoy, be it physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation are things like scrubs and masks, and are best formulated when they are non-abrasive. (Read: Skip chunky sea salt and opt for something like sugar.) Chemical exfoliants are derm favorites and they work by sloughing off the skin overtime and with consistent use—things like enzymes, lactic, glycolic, salicylic acids, and retinol (these are in order of most gentle to strong—select accordingly.)  

Then, of course, there’s the question of how often. "The most important tip is that 'less is more.' You want to exfoliate just enough to increase cell turnover and reveal fresh new skin," says Ife Rodney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology. We recommend starting low and slow and building up from there, but usually no more than three times a week. And I must note: Some people can’t tolerate any exfoliating. (Looking at you, friends with extra sensitive skin.) If that’s you, don’t feel pressure to grab a scrub in the search for brighter skin—just stick to the products discussed in the last step.  

Without a strong, robust skin barrier, you’re not going to glow. Full stop. So keeping hydrated and supporting your skin microbiome should be key parts of your overall routine. This is best achieved in two parts: Limit irritation and then layering on barrier supporting creams and hydrators. 

On the former point, we recommend removing strong cleansers from your routine—as they can disrupt your biome and moisture layer. From there, it’s just about listening to your skin: Take note of what products leave your skin feeling tight, dry, or angry after. We’re often taught that these are signs that the formula is “working” on the skin, but instead they’re indications that they may be disrupting the barrier. 

On the latter part, look for lotions and creams that contain lipids, antioxidants, and biotic ingredients. We love lipids like botanical oils (oat, moringa seed, and jojoba come to mind), as they are full of skin-supporting fatty acids. Antioxidants can help buffer the skin against the effects of environmental stressors and free radicals, two things that seriously dull your shine. Finally, biotic ingredients—like pre, pro, and postbiotics—work with your natural microflora to improve epidermal framework, overall skin quality, and hydration. 

Derms and medical experts recommend eating a nutrient-rich diet full of healthy fats, antioxidants, and proteins. “I've found that when people add skin-supporting superfoods to their diet, they start feeling younger almost immediately, and over time, they often slow the physical signs of aging,” naturopathic doctor Kellyann Petrucci, M.S., N.D. writes about the best foods for your skin. “If you want soft, young-looking skin, I recommend making them the core of your beauty ritual.”

While a robust diet should always be considered the basis, sometimes we need a little help caring for our skin internally. Beauty supplements can help improve overall skin cell health and function via impressive bioactives working together to support your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and rejuvenation.* 

Lack of sleep and day-to-day stress can majorly dull your complexion. While your skin is the first line of defense, it’s the last to get nutrients when you’re feeling worn down. Your skin can only look as good as you feel. “Although cause and effect can be challenging to nail down, there is no denying an intimate and intricate brain-skin connection,” says board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D. 

And while a bad night’s rest and daily frustrations are just part of normal life, we encourage you to set up mental health and sleep hygiene practices to better set you up for success. Check out our best tips to fall asleep here and how to mellow out an active mind here. 

Find your skin care person. As Natalie Aguilar, a dermatological nurse and founder of N4 Skincare says: “[I love] seeing people building relationships with their 'skin people.' I think it's really important for people to find therapists who can take care of you as an individual." This skin care specialist will be able to work with you as your skin changes and find solutions that are right for you. Not everyone has the access or means to visit a skin therapist regularly, but if you can involve a professional—we always recommend it. Get a tool that works for your skin type. Just like not all skin types can tolerate all ingredients—not all tools are useful for all skin types. We recommended speaking with a pro before adding in any tool to your routine. But need a place to start? Here’s our full breakdown on the best skin care tools.  Play around with skin care-makeup hybrids. No matter how “perfect” you are in your habits and routine, sometimes you just can’t reach your maximum shine potential. Thank the universe for makeup, right? Plus nowadays makeup is infused with good-for-skin actives. Meaning: adding a dewy highlighter just might help keep your complexion as supple as it looks.