How to get brighter skin

Colder months can be harsh on the skin. Coupled with the second lockdown and being stuck indoors for the foreseeable, it is easy to understand why our skin might appear dull and lacklustre. And nobody wants to look like a sallow, ashy, grey-ish mess. Let us focus on what we can control and go through some tips on how to achieve healthy, radiant, and bright skin.

Cleanse

Most of us might be wearing little or no makeup nowadays, but that doesn't mean it is ok to skip the daily cleansing routine. Wash your face in the morning and do a double cleanse in the evening. You might ask why. Your skin is still exposed to daily pollution, dirt, and grime. Likewise, you still need to apply your sunscreen. And, at the risk of repeating ourselves, a solid cleansing routine is the first step on the road to healthy skin.

Exfoliate

Dull skin is often the result of a layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Chemical exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to achieve radiant, glowy skin. We understand it is easy to get overenthusiastic with acids since the results are visible fast. But, it is crucial to exfoliate in moderation. One thing you don't want to do is disrupt your moisture barrier. Which leads us to...

Mind your moisture barrier

Disrupted moisture barrier can affect all skin types and lead to irritation and inflammation. When our moisture barrier is at its optimum, our skin looks and feels plump, soft, and healthy. Look for ingredients like ceramides, sterols, and urea. They all help protect and soothe the skin, minimise the appearance of fine lines, and reduce any roughness you might be experiencing.

Check your hydration level

Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types. It makes fine lines and wrinkles more prominent, and yes, you guessed it, makes the skin look dull. Oilier skin type can apply Hyaluronic acid serum or other humectants, and follow it up with an emulsion to lock in the moisture. Drier skin types can opt for heavier moisturisers and facial oils. Also, don't forget to drink your water and eat plenty of water-rich fruits and veggies.

Don't neglect circulation

One of the easiest ways to get your glow back is to get the blood flowing. A quick facial massage can do wonders for the complexion. You can use tools like Gua Sha or massage your face with your hands when you apply facial oil. Plus, it is a fab way to unwind and relax.

Choose brightening ingredients

Vitamin C is the gold standard when it comes to evening out the skin tone. Furthermore, it pulls double duty because of its antioxidant benefits and protection against free radical damage. Another good ingredient is Niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps fade hyperpigmentation. It also regulates sebum production and helps treat blemishes, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.

Exercise

Another thing that gets your blood going and makes your cheeks rosy and glowy is regular exercise since it brings more oxygenated blood to the skin. Look, we aren't talking about an exercise routine that would make Dwayne The Rock Johnson wince in agony. Even mild cardio exercise will suffice. It benefits our body, our brain, mental and emotional well-being as well as our immune system. Since 2020 is a dumpster fire of a year, we can all agree any exercise will do as we need all the help we can get.