Tips for Glowing Skin: How to Get It

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Why skin gets dull and what to do to get glowing, radiant skin.

One signature quality of youthful-looking skin: a subtle glow and rosy sheen that shouts health and vibrancy. "Healthy skin has a dewy glow," explains Karyn Grossman, M.D., a celebrity dermatologist who caters to clients in both New York and Santa Monica, Calif. A balanced diet and a healthy body can help you achieve that, but it also takes the right skin-care regimen. "Sunscreen is a must," says Grossman, "and pampering your skin with products that exfoliate, even out the complexion and super-hydrate will give you that star-quality red-carpet glow".

How to exfoliate your face: Exfoliating 101

The secret to healthy glowing skin is the regular use of an exfoliator.

Exfoliating can help you get rid of dull skin, but here’s what else you need to know about skin exfoliating scrubs and chemical peels.

1. Not all scrubs are created equal: The ingredients you want in a scrub- whether they’re larger, more abrasive particles or softer, smaller granules- depend on your skin type, explains dermatologist Gary Monheit, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Since exfoliating scrubs work by physically sloughing off the top layer of dead skin to reveal fresh cells underneath, the thickness and sensitivity of your skin play a big part.

Oilier skins have larger sebaceous glands, making the skin thicker and better able to tolerate a more abrasive scrub. Scrubs of any kind however, can irritate blemishes, so use with caution if you have acne. Those with sensitive complexions should stick to products with fine granules, like jojoba beads or ground oatmeal, which are less likely to irritate the skin and prevent tiny tears from developing in your skin.

2. Use with caution: Much like any ingredient in skin-care product, glycolic acid- an exfoliating agent derived from sugar cane and used in everything from skin cleansers to peels- could, if abused like getting or giving yourself too-frequent peels, for example, make the skin sensitive, explains dermatologist Lynn Mckinley-Grant, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University/Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.. as is commonly advised in skin care, to avoid irritation, you must use products in moderation and adhere to the directions for proper application, including frequency of use- no more than twice a day for those with glycolic acid and no more than once or twice a month for glycolic peels.

3. Apply daily sun protection: Since unprotected exposure to the sun on newly exfoliated skin can trigger a sunburn and irritation, daily sunscreen or an SPF-laden moisturizer is a must. Try Nu Skin Moisture Restore Day Protective Lotion SPF 15 or Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture, SPF 15 for dry skin. These moisturizers help hydrate dry skin – and protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

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