It’s official – dewy skin is in. Healthy-looking skin has an irresistible glow and a spark of energy – regardless of age. Although a superficial glow can be created with illuminating make-up, we are here to tell you that there is no real shortcut. The secret to a truly luminous, lit-from-within complexion is in the foundation: a multi layered, consistent and gentle skincare routine. Here are some simple tips to keep your skin glowing always.
Drink water
Double up on your water intake this Ramadan and add some hydrating products to your beauty routine, even if you consider yourself to have oily skin. Your skin might just be producing more oil, and more blemishes, because it is dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water and natural fresh (no sugar added!) juices as your break your fast. Your skin and body will need some extra help to stay hydrated and supple and increasing your water intake will brighten, heal and prevent breakouts.
Moisturize
This is an obvious one but if you want dewy skin, moisturizing is absolutely essential. If your skin is dry, it will undoubtedly look dull. If you have dry or normal skin, try a richer face cream or even oils to really lock the hydration in. Products rich with ceramides can strengthen skin’s natural barrier and help it hold on to moisture better. If your skin is on the oiler side and you are prone to shine, try an oil-free hydrator with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. We are obsessed with Mizon’s Hyaluronic Acid 100 which layers well under a light moisturizer for the ultimate in hydrated yet oil-free skin.
Exfoliate
If you slack when it comes to exfoliating your skin, a buildup of dead skin cells will give it a dull and uneven appearance. Exfoliating helps to brighten the skin by sloughing the dead cells away and revealing the fresh, healthy layer of skin underneath. Physical exfoliating scrubs are often made with ground nuts or particles with sharp edges which can cause tiny cuts to the delicate skin on the face – leaving it vulnerable to breakout-causing bacteria. Chemical exfoliators, unless especially gentle and formulated for sensitive skin, can also be irritating and can compromise the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Enzyme exfoliants are often the best option – which gently dissolve dead skin cell bonds and impurities on the surface of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without causing any harm. Try Grown Alchemist Enzyme Facial Exfoliant: Papain & Amino Complex for smooth, supple and luminous skin. Alternatively…
Use an AHA
Chemical exfoliants are also a great option for all but very sensitive skin types, particularly products which include alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which are a great route to radiance and rejuvenation. AHAs, such as glycolic acid, renew the skin’s surface by dissolving the bonds between the new and old layer of skin cells. What’s more, AHAs are humectants which help the skin hold onto hydration. These acids help to reduce the appearance of aging and minimize the appearance of pores, revealing a bright and even complexion.
Use sun protection
This goes without saying – we do live in the desert after all! It is important not to underestimate the value of sunscreen. Protecting your skin from sun damage is not an optional insurance policy for the future – it also has a more immediate impact on the tone and texture of your skin in the short term. Pigmentation, dark marks and acne scars are immediately darkened by sun exposure, and the skin’s texture will develop a dehydrated, dull appearance – not to mention accelerating the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The only way to maintain a healthy, bright and glowing complexion is to keep damaging UV rays far away from your precious skin cells.
Use Retinol
Vitamin A or retinol is the gold standard in skin ageing because it encourages your skin to speed up its natural turnover (the process wherein old skin cells are sloughed away and replaced by fresh new ones). Faster cell turnover leads to more collagen, the springy framework that keeps young skin plump and glowing, and in turn, fewer fine lines and smoother skin texture. Try Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial to wake up to smooth and rejuvenated skin. This sophisticated serum-oil combines a potent mixture of retinol, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory Omega oils, vitamin C and a skin-brightening complex to rejuvenate and brighten.
Create the illusion of a glow with an illuminator
For that maximum glow, use an illuminator or highlighter. They have been a major trend in recent years and are an easy way to increase your skin’s natural exuberance. We love ILIA’s Illuminator (Cosmic Dancer – Gold) which combines a subtle non-glittery highlight with skin-friendly, organic ingredients such as healing beeswax, shea butter and avocado oil.
Sheet mask!
Occasionally indulging in a hydrating sheet mask is a surefire way to temporarily promote the appearance of dewy skin, however nightly or more frequent use can have lasting effects as your skin increasingly remains hydrated and nourished.
