How To Keep That Summer Glow Going
Words by VERITY CLARK, freelance beauty editor previously at Sunday Times Style and Grazia
A Beauty Editor’s Guide To Year Round Glowing Skin
All beauty editors have a particular cosmetic obsession. For some it’s finding the perfect red lipstick, others dedicate their craft to mastering a sublime eyebrow but for me it’s always been glowing skin.
And I’m not alone. ‘My skin looks dull, flat, meh, insert other muted adjective’, is a refrain that I hear often. In fact, one of the questions I’m asked the most is ‘how can I brighten my complexion?’ Modern life is the enemy of glowing skin. Everything from pollution and unpredictable weather to hectic jobs and the chaos of motherhood leave many of us looking more grey than glowing.
Much like how carving out time for pilates or yoga can help add some zing to your day and your mood, just a few minutes of me-time looking after your skin can do the same. Because glowing skin equals happy, healthy skin.
Happily, I have spent the best part of a decade researching, testing and reviewing the very best products and methods to brighten up your face. Yes, it’s a tough job but someone has got to do it. Here are the 5 things that I regularly incorporate into my daily routine to pep up my skin when it’s looking peaky. The best part? They’re quick, can be done anywhere and, crucially, really do work. Let’s glow girls!
1. DIY Cryotherapy.
Forget cold water swimming, my version of waking up yourself, and your skin, is a lot more appealing and doesn’t require a lake or a dry robe. Whenever I’ve had disrupted sleep, a boozy night out or a stressful work deadline I know that come morning I’ll be greeted with puffy eyes and sallow skin. That’s why I keep a pair of, aptly named, facial ice globes in the freezer. Simply hold the stainless steel tools under your eyes for a minute and run along the contours of your face to instantly bring down any swelling, reduce inflammation and make you look more wide awake when you’re feeling anything but. Loads of brands do them, I buy mine off Amazon, but teaspoons work just as well. Or, you could make like Bella Hadid and dunk your face in a bowl of ice cubes. So simple, but so effective.
2. Exfoliate, but gently.
The thing that most people get wrong about using skin to scrub away dull, dead skin is that they go in too harshly and end up with red, angry skin. Physical exfoliants (beads, seeds and granules) are often the culprit as they tend to be abrasive and can cause inflammation. I’m a fan of chemical exfoliation, acids including AHA, BHA or PHA, which gently nibble away at dead skin cells revealing fresh, bright skin. Try to avoid daily exfoliation as this can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation. My exfoliating golden rules look like this: For dry skin, opt for AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid which will improve texture and brightness. Skin Rocks The Gentle Acid Exfoliating Toner, £49, is brilliant. For oily or acne-prone skin, try a BHA like salicylic acid. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £35, is my go-to for unclogging pores. While PHA’s are the gentlest acid and are the best option for sensitive skin. I have The Inkey List PHA Toner, £13 and REN PHA Exfoliating Facial, £34, on rotation.
3. Boost circulation with facial massage.
Look, a few brusque finger strokes aren’t going to conjure up cheekbones overnight (sorry!), but what strong facial massage can do is reduce puffiness and aid lymphatic drainage. The trick is to incorporate massage as part of your cleansing step rather than when you’re moisturising. Dedicate a few minutes to really work the product over your face, using an upward sweeping motion, this will not only help to properly remove any dirt and grime but allows a moment of me-time as well as bringing that elusive glow to the surface.
4. Add vitamin C to your routine.
This wonder ingredient is hailed as the holy grail of glow-giving skincare. Suitable for all skin types, this stuff works to brighten the skin by reducing pigment production and increasing cell turnover. It’s my skincare staple and the one ingredient I recommend to everyone looking to perk up a pallid complexion. For me, Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum, £165, is the absolute gold standard, but it’s eye-wateringly expensive. Happily, there are fantastic, affordable options too. I really rate Beauty Pie’s Youthbomb, £44, and am currently using the Cerave Vitamin C Serum, £29.
5. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
A nutritionist will tell you that drinking more water is crucial for a healthy body and a dermatologist (and beauty editor) will urge you to top up the moisture levels on your skin. Signs of a parched face include fine lines, crepey skin and uneven texture. Stock up on skincare that includes mega hydrators like hyaluronic acid and peptides and use as the last step (before SPF!) in your skincare routine to lock in moisture. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturiser, £34, Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £24, and Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream, £12, do the job brilliantly and have a permanent place in my beauty routine.
Verity Clark is a freelance beauty editor previously contributing at the Sunday Times Style and Grazia UK. She has almost a decade of experience writing about the beauty industry and has worked with some of the industry’s most respected titles including Red, Good Housekeeping and Elle.
Follow @verity_clark
