how to have a beautiful skin

When it comes to skincare goals, the word "glowing" seems to universally rank top of mind. So in the pursuit of a healthy, radiant complexion, we scoured the research, tapped experts, and looked to time-tested rituals to find the best-of-the-best advice (and reapply often!) Don’t skimp on enzymes or vitamin C+ to brighten dull or discolored skins Know your strengths and limitations in terms of skin health — and in terms of skincare — and determine what’s right for you! Next up, we asked our community of skincare pros and experts to reveal which habits they recommend for everyday living and which they deem essential (and which, of course, should be embraced only when in your own V-Zone). Consider this a necessary check-in with your favorite makeup artist, and we hope it clarifies how you can optimize your skincare — and your face — for optimal glow! Learning to let go of rigid rules about the intensity of your skincare routine is one of the most important (and challenging) parts of minimalism, according to Miami-based aesthetician and aesthetician Travis Scott. As a self-proclaimed total beginner in skincare, Scott says that “the more I learn, the less I know” — which is one reason we’ve highlighted several key questions and answers below that you should ask before investing in a $1,000+ product. Clearly, it’s not easy to tell the difference between an active ingredient that’s too gentle and a blend that’s too harsh, he says. And while skin care can be incredibly personal, he recommends starting with a mindful, gentle regime, comprised of at least 2–3 products no more than 1/4 of your total skincare budget, followed by a longer maintenance period until you can start doing more. TODAY’S BASICS When should you use sunscreen? Dr. Hani Hamdi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the American Academy of Dermatology told Insider that “the simplest answer is always when it’s available and always each and every day.” She also suggested that you apply sunscreen before getting out in the sun, because “when the sun is coming from the side, it will ‘reflect’ off of your ‘arms and back,’ which will cause skin irritation and sun damage.” Dr. Khatera Zaki, NYC-based cosmetic eco-physician and assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center, explained on Insider that this is even more relevant for people with darker skin tones, since the darker the skin, the more likely the sun damage will occur because the top layers are more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. The darker the skin, the longer you will need to spend in the sun before your skin begins to warm up and develop a sun-specific dermatologist’s mix.

Try supplementing collagen

if you’re deficient. Rev up vitamin C or wine hydrating toners if you’re dehydrated. Tone your skin with SPF if you’re getting burnt by the sun — glow, glow, glow! But what about products that exfoliate? Not all bacteria & exfoliating acids are created equal, and we’d be remiss if we left that omission. Fortunately, our readers sent us some great questions about this, too. So let’s take a closer look by answering each with a simple yes or a no! Product: Whamisa Night Repair Gel ($58.99)What it is: A heavy, gel-type serum that’s meant to be used at night for deep cleansing.Active ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, and Lactic Acid.When it’s used right: After cleansing (not in the shower), use the gel to wash and tone. Allow it to dry completely before you use your moisturizer.Two to three pumps are all that’s needed for successful coverage.Tip: Even if you don’t have dull or dark spots, the acids in this serum will help remove any remaining traces of that. Product reminisce? Vitamin C!Product: Dr. Jart’s Exfoliating Cleanser ($28.99)What it is: A gentle skin-regenerating and exfoliating cleanser that’s meant for use after exfoliation.Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Panthenol, and Ascorbic Acid.When it’s used right: After cleansing (not in the shower), try this gentle exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin cells and debris. After rinsing, use this gentle moisturizer to soften and hydrate the skin. One pump in a soothing clearing gel round will leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and glowing!Tip: Unless you have very sensitive skin, this product isn’t meant to strip away your skin barrier. That’s why it may take a few sessions for your skin to see the results. Trust us, it happens…all the time. After its effectiveness, use a moisturizer the next day.Product: Simply You Face Mask ($26.99)What it is: A weekly mask that’s meant to hydrate, tone, and remove removing blackheads and make-up.Active ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, linoleic acid, dehydroacetic acids, and lactic acid.When it’s used right: As you use this mask you’ll notice how immediately hydrated and glowing your skin will be. Allow the mask to soak in and then wash your face with water and a hyaluronic acid serum. After rinsing, follow with your moisturizer. Immediately afterward, use a high-fluence retinoid gel to hydrate and tighten your skin. Dip!Tip: Always start your next skincare routine with a mask when you’re dealing with dehydration. Used correctly, this will not only provide hydration but also help cleanse pores and prevent future irritation.Product: Double Wear Anti-Aging Skincare Hydrating Treatment SPF 50 ($46.99)What it is: A serum that improves the signs of aging and shines skin with a UV protection factor of at least 85%.

Exfoliate

, Combo Skin, Tone + Protect, and Oil+Water Two-Step, to name a few (there’s a whole section devoted to skincare on this website if you’re interested in more). Research shows that oil enhances the effectiveness of other ingredients—in this case, retinol. Why? Oil naturally supports cell turnover in the skin, which aids in dermal remodeling. Retinol is most effective when paired with chemical exfoliants, which dissolve the top layer of the skin and cause the cell turnover to accelerate. “By combining the skin’s natural conditioner, oil, and the healthy act of cell turnover, the skin’s barrier can be visibly enhanced and the skin can “bypass” the visible signs of aging,” according to Clarins Skincare. To that end, to create a brighter and healthier complexion, apply skin care products with at least 10% oil, and use an alpha hydroxy cleanser for a deeper clean. For longer lasting results, provide your skin with enough oil to coat the entire face, according to Bumble and Bumble. After several weeks of consistent use, the skin in the “glow” group showed marked signs of “superhydration” (significantly brighter and healthier skin tone), while the “balanced” group began to “wax” after 3 weeks. (And don’t fret, because both “glows” and “balanced” skin look like normal skin at a slight distance… but that’s okay!) According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, water tends to be the last thing we think of when we use skincare. Luckily, research shows that exfoliating our skin daily with a gentle cleanser, keeping it hydrated, and incorporating antioxidant antioxidants can boost the skin’s visible signs of aging and support a brighter complexion later in life. So, now that you’ve learned to embrace the glow from your skincare routine, it’s time to take another look at what you’ve got. When do you want to tone down or tone up your skincare? Last year? This year? It’s up to you. We’re in good hands with the experts at SkinLite.