If your skin isn’t as bright and healthy-looking as you’d like, it’s time to take action. Get to the bottom of what causes dull skin — from smoking to a lack of sleep — and try these easy skincare tips to perk up your complexion and make it shine.
Use sunblock daily. The sun’s harmful UV rays not only up your risk of skin cancer but also damage collagen and elastin, which keep your skin wrinkle-free and firm. Collagen also helps strengthen blood vessels that feed your skin, giving it a healthy glow. But when collagen has been damaged, you’re left with dull, uneven skin. So find a sunblock or moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher that you like enough to use every day, rain or shine.
Use a skin brightening product. There are several creams and serums that are designed to target dullness, as well as dark spots. Try a daily brightening serum, such as StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum ($89), which helps to inhibit melanin production and over time, diminish skin discoloration (including age spots) for more radiant skin. You can also use skin brightening masks, such as StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask ($62), which uses alpha hydroxy acids for a more evenly-toned, brighter complexion in just 15 minutes.
Stop smoking. Smoking speeds up skin aging by increasing wrinkles and saggy skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking also causes the blood vessels in your skin to narrow so it doesn’t get as much nourishing oxygen and loses its glow. Try these tips for quitting smoking — your skin and your health will thank you for it!
Get some sleep. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason: Sleep is your body’s chance to repair all of the damage you did during the day. Not getting enough shuteye impedes that crucial repair time for your skin, as well as the rest of your body, and can make you look older than you actually are. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to appear fresh-faced in the daytime.
Eat clean. A balanced diet — lean protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts — not only gives you more energy and helps you maintain a healthy weight, but also keeps your skin nourished and looking vibrant.
Slough off dead skin cells. Exfoliating your skin is one of the easiest ways to instantly brighten your complexion. Try an alpha hydroxyl acid peel, such as StriVectin 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel ($89), to remove dull surface skin, revealing healthier skin underneath, while softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. You should also include a prescription retinoid or over-the-counter retinol at night, such as StriVectin Advanced Retinol Night Treatment ($109), in your skincare arsenal, as they help to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, leaving you with smooth, even, firmer skin.
Apply self-tanner instead of tanning. What is it about a tan that can make your skin look so much better? We hope we don’t have to tell you that tanning beds are trouble — they expose you to up to 15 times more ultraviolet radiation than the sun! Luckily, you can get a sun-kissed glow with a self-tanner instead to perk your skin right up.
Try a facial oil. Face oil is a trendy skincare product for a reason: They’re incredibly hydrating and leave your skin smooth and glowing. Use one to two pumps of the oil in your hands and smooth over your face and neck before bed. You’ll wake up with healthy-looking, nourished skin.
Add highlights. We’re not talking about ones for your hair: Dot a small amount of highlighter (either powder or cream) on your cheekbones to reflect light and make your skin look luminous. Not only will highlighter brighten up your face, but it will make your cheekbones pop even more.
This post is sponsored by StriVectin.
