The glow must go on
Glossy, radiant, glowing. If those aren’t words you’d associate with your skin right now, you’re not alone. Indeed, skin changes as winter gives way to spring can play havoc with your complexion.
Couple this with stress, lack of sleep, one too many glasses of wine, and the wrong skincare products, and you’re left with skin that’s duller than ditchwater.
But getting a glow is easier than you may think, no matter your skin type or age.
And we’re here to tell you how it’s done.
From the latest trend of “moisture sandwiching” to the hot-off-the-press products illuminating the skincare market, we share how to reveal your best complexion ever.
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and wellbeing advice
HOW TO GLOW Exfoliate, exfoliate
Exfoliation – gently, without scrubbing – is the backbone of good skincare.
Weekly exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and restore your glow.
What’s more, it will also allow any ingredients in your skincare to penetrate more effectively.
Cleanse twice a day
Cleansing your skin morning and evening will keep it glowing.
A morning cleanse removes the oil and sebum produced overnight, while an evening cleanse will remove the day’s dirt and grime and allow it to detoxify as you sleep.
Steer clear of cleansers containing sulphates, which strip the skin, and instead try a gentle cleansing balm, cream or oil. We love CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser,
£9.50, (Boots).
Moisture sandwiching
This is the latest skincare technique that promises plump, glowing skin. It involves applying layers of skincare after cleansing to lock in moisture.
First, mist the skin so it is damp, then apply a hydrating serum. Mist again, before applying a moisturiser. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides designed to replenish the skin.
Try Cultured Biomecare Biome One Serum, £55, (culturedbiomecare.com).
SUPER SKINCARE
When it comes to restoring radiance, the market is brimming with exciting new offerings designed to give you a glow. Nourish London’s Illuminating Face Shimmer, £20 (nourishskinrange.com), gives skin a natural, sun-kissed glow, while plumping and firming.
It features hydrating organic oils, protective
vitamins, skin-plumping tripeptides and golden mineral particles to illuminate, moisturise and tone.
Olay Vitamin C + AHA24 Gel Cream, £34.99 (Boots), is a new lightweight hydrator promising improved skin texture and brightness in 14 days. Results come courtesy of vitamin C, lactic acid and niacinamide.
Nivea Q10 Energy
Glow Boosting Face Ampoules, £17.99
(Boots), contain serum with key antioxidants, including vitamins C and
E, which combine to boost skin’s natural glow.
Sensory Divine Glow
Self Heating Mask, £5 (sensoryretreats.com), uses thermotherapy technology to heat up the fabric mask, mimicking the results of a facial massage. with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, designed to highlight and accentuate areas of the face for a natural lit-from-within glow.
Dab on the cheekbones, Cupid’s bow and bridge of the nose for instant radiance.
NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation, £10 (Boots), is a dewy base that provides buildable coverage.
Foundations are great when you have a lacklustre complexion. For a really even glow, buff and swirl your make-up brush dipped in foundation over your skin to create a flawless, diffused finish.
AT THE CLINIC
A quick lunchtime treatment can achieve incredible results, restoring skin back to its former glowing self.
VI Peels is a new generation of peels suitable for all skin types and a simple but effective way to refine and rejuvenate your skin.
Medical-grade ingredients are used, including salicylic acid, phenol and retin-A. Pain free, one peel will restore your glow. Expect to pay around £200.
Fractora is the latest procedure using advanced fractional radiofrequency energy to wake up the skin, boosting tone and texture.
It can be used all over the face including around the eyes, cheeks and mouth, and can help plump wrinkles, as well as fade sunspots and thread veins. During the treatment, a small handheld device emits radiofrequency energy, which heats the skin and causes tiny pinprick holes that the body naturally heals.
From £400 per session.
DIY GLOW GETTERS
Try these inexpensive hacks for a glow at home.
Dip a washcloth in a mix of milk and ice cubes, wring out the cloth, and place it on your face for five minutes, then rinse.
The combination of the pH of the milk, plus the cold, will give the skin an instant brightening boost.
Treat yourself to a two-minute facial massage. The movement increases microcirculation, delivering blood, oxygen, vitamins and minerals to the skin, while reducing puffiness and toxins.
While cleansing, move your fingertips upwards from the jaw all over the face in small, gentle, circular motions.
First thing in the morning is key when it comes to glowing skin. Dehydration as we wake up can lead to dullness.
Drinking water provides an instant boost, or you could try a cup of hot water with lemon.
For more of Lesley’s tips visit lesleyreynolds.com