11 Ways to Get Glowing Skin, According to Dermatologists (2024)

• Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.
• Kendall Johnson is a cosmetic chemist. She currently handles product development and global market strategy at Biossance.
• Joel L. Cohen, MD (FAAD, FACMS) is a board-certified dermatologist.
• Dr. Iris Rubin is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Seen Skin & Hair Care.
  

Be Consistent With Your Skincare Routine

You'll often hear that consistency is key in life, and this rings true for your skincare routine as well. "Consistency with your basic regimen is key to healthy, glowing skin," says Dr. Rubin. "Introducing too many new (and harsh) ingredients can lead to irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin."

"In general, using a gentle cleanser and moisturizing twice daily is important for healthy and glowing skin," Dr. Cohen adds.

Wear Sun Protection Every Day

The experts agree that sunscreen application is perhaps the most important step to achieving glowy, healthy skin. "The best-kept secret to glowing skin is sun protection," Johnson says. "Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays prevents premature aging and maintains an even skin tone. Opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens with at least SPF 30 protection and reapply throughout the day, especially if you're outdoors but even inside. Most windows do not protect from all UV types."

Aside from applying a topical SPF, there are other steps you can take to shield your skin. "Wear a neck gaiter in the sun to protect your neck," Dr. Camp says. "[You should also wear] wide-brimmed hats, [which] offer more sun protection than baseball hats. Wearing sunglasses [can also] protect your eyes and prevent you from squinting, which can deepen crow's feet wrinkles over time."

Hydrate Your Skin

Hydration is also essential for glowing, balanced skin. "Hydrated skin is happy skin," Johnson says. "Set the stage for a healthy and balanced skin barrier by incorporating a hydrating serum into your routine to boost moisture levels. It will do wonders for your natural glow. Look for ingredients like ectoin, glycerin, or ceramides to replenish and nourish skin's barrier."

Be Sure to Exfoliate

"Regular exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that can dull your complexion," Johnson says. "I recommend incorporating a gentle physical exfoliant like jojoba beads, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and even mild enzymes into your routine. These can help slough off dead skin cells that sit on the external layer of the skin, revealing fresher, more radiant skin underneath." She recommends trying Provence Beauty's Banana Bliss Daily Facial Serum—it's infused with banana enzymes, AHA, and BHA.

It is important to note that there is such thing as too much exfoliation. Dr. Cohen recommends including exfoliation in your routine once a week. Listen to your skin, and always patch test before using a new exfoliator on your face.

Add Retinol to Your Routine

The experts agree that retinol should be included in your routine. The ingredient can help even skin tone, improve texture, and enhance skin cell turnover. It's best to slowly incorporate retinol into your nighttime routine—use a gentle formula like Peter Thomas Roth's Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum ($65) or Shani Darden's Retinol Reform.

"Retinols should be used at night because they make your skin more sun sensitive," Dr. Camp says. "Retinols and retinoids do not need to make your skin peel to be effective. If they do, it's an indication of skin irritation."

Consider Using Vitamin C

There's a reason beauty pros recommend vitamin C as a can't-miss step in your routine. "Adding vitamin C to your skincare regimen can [help you achieve] an overall radiant glow," Johnson shares. "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. This powerhouse ingredient can also defend against environmental stressors, leaving you with a healthy complexion."

Consider Laser Treatments

Many laser treatments can help contribute to glowing skin—Dr. Cohen recommends UltraClear. "Laser skin resurfacing can help stimulate collagen, elastin, and new cell growth, leaving you feeling confident in your skin," he explains. "In particular, UltraClear uses advanced skin rejuvenation technology that helps reverse signs of aging from inside deeper the layers all the way up to the surface layers, addressing multiple skin conditions in one treatment session. It's truly becoming the go-to laser for making your skin look and feel more luminous, glowy, and smooth."

Assess Your Pillows

Your pillows can impact the appearance of your skin. Ensuring they're always clean can help reduce breakouts. "Flip your pillowcase over halfway through the week or flip it inside out to avoid sleeping on fabric with sweat, oil, and product residue," Dr. Camp says. Our experts also suggest using a satin or silk pillowcase, as they're gentler on your skin.

You may also want to consider the number of pillows you sleep with. "Sleeping on two pillows may limit lower eyelid swelling and puffiness that appears in the morning," Dr. Camp adds. This is because keeping your head fully elevated can help reduce fluid retention while you sleep.

Prioritize Rest

A good night's sleep is valuable for many reasons, including skin health. "Beauty sleep is real," Johnson explains. "Since our skin does most of its repair while we sleep, getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night allows your skin the time it needs to regenerate and repair from the daily stressors ranging from pollution to free radicals. Lack of sleep can be obvious and lead to dullness and dark circles, so it is important to prioritize rest for a radiant complexion."

Get a Professional Facial Treatment

Regularly visiting an esthetician or dermatologist for skin care treatments can help you maintain an ever-lasting glow. "Do not forget to treat yourself to facials or massages that can help you destress less," Johnson says. "Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, and professional treatments such as microdermabrasion, hydrating facials, and facial massages boost circulation, remove impurities, and deeply nourish the skin to achieve that coveted glow."

Proper Nutrition Is Important

"Your skin is a reflection of the health of your body overall," Dr. Camp says. Proper nutrition can not only help improve your glow but also impact skin oil levels, acne, and even the look of aging.

"Mindful nutrition for your gut and skin go hand-in-hand for healthy-looking skin," Johnson adds. "A harmonious balance of the gut and skin microbiomes is essential for glowing skin. By nourishing our gut with a diverse, nutrient-rich diet and supporting our skin with gentle skincare practices, like probiotic ingredients, that promote a balanced skin microbiome, we can achieve a radiant complex from the inside out."

1. Katta, Rajani, and Samir P Desai. “Diet and dermatology: the role of dietary intervention in skin disease.”The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatologyvol. 7,7 (2014): 46-51.