It’s a minefield out there. Here you thought finding the right shade of lipstick was hard enough but wait till you try navigating the world of skincare. Different concerns, varying budgets and slow results. You want flawless, bright and youthful skin that doesn’t cost you half your salary, so here are the basic tips, tricks, and products you need right now.
Even better, we spoke to some top facialists from Mumbai and Delhi who’ve treated countless simpletons and socialites and left their skin much the better for it. Check out these home remedies and best products for glowing skin that will transform your skin from dull to fab so that you can start living a little (more brightly).
GLOWING SKIN SECRETS YOU’LL WANT TO KNOW:
1. Use targeted face exfoliators
It’s not enough to simply use a face wash and expect miracles. Neither do you need to trek to dermatologists to get pricey clean-ups. Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acids are popular in dermatology clinics but are also available as at-home exfoliating treatments to give you brighter, even-toned skin. How? AHAs remove dull and clogged surface skin cells while BHAs enter pores and dissolve sebum and baby acne.
Get started with Makeup Revolution Skin Intense Skin Exfoliator - 30% AHA + BHA Peeling Solution or Glamveda Aha & Bha Blemish Control Foaming Face Wash.
2. Wash your face when you wake up
You took off all your makeup. Good Girl! But that doesn’t mean you can skip cleansing your face in the a.m. Why? While you sleep, your skin is in repair mode and secretes toxins and oils that can prevent your daytime products from penetrating deeper layers. So, when you wash your face in the morning, you're removing this build-up. You're also removing any night-time products you may have applied. Many of these p.m. products contain acids and retinol that can make your skin photo sensitive so it’s important to take them off completely before your step outdoors.
Get started with mild cleansers like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Wash.
3. Give your neck some TLC too
Sure, you apply moisturizer daily…on your face. And your neck is all but forgotten. At best, whatever’s left on your fingers gets rubbed off on your neck. But that’s just not good enough. It’s not really helping the thin skin on your neck and décolletage. What’s the point of a taut, clear complexion and saggy neck? Same goes for your sunscreen, which is the best anti-aging product in the world. Your neck is an extension of your face, so treat it with the same care and lavish as much attention to it as well.
Get started with Bare Body Essentials Neck Back Cream or Ponds Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 50.
4. Give your face a massage when you moisturize
This is best done at night. After you apply your moisturizer at night, make a fist and use your knuckles to gently knead your skin in small circular motions for two minutes. This gently stimulates blood flow, brings oxygen to the area, allows the goodness of your skin cream to penetrate layers and gives you a vibrant glow. Also, remember to apply your products in an upward motion. In fact, if you’re in the mood to splurge, use a jade roller to treat your skin every night. All that circulation will also boost collagen production to give you firmer, glowing skin at home.
Get started with Dromen & Co Jade Facial Roller or Bronson Professional Jade Roller Rose Quartz Facial Massage Roller.
5. Apply your products quickly
When you’re applying your skincare products, work fast! After cleansing, immediately use the next product, whether a serum or moisturizer. Leaving your skin naked for more than a minute will start dehydrating it as the air draws out moisture. Layer on your skincare quickly so that the moisture stays in your skin, where it belongs. Result: tighter, bouncier, happier skin.
Get started with Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Facial Kit or Kaya Ultimate Brightening Combo.
6. Invest in a vitamin serum
They are good for your insides, and as it turns out, for your skin too. Your epidermis needs nutrition; did you know that your skin actually uses 23 vitamins to stay in top shape? Before you start crushing your Vitamin C tablet, know that these vitamins—A, B, C, D, E and more—are needed in therapeutic, non-irritating doses to give your skin the food they need to glow.
Get started with Its Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector With Vitamin C Derivatives or St.Botanica Anti Oxidant (24 Active Oils) Professional Facial Oil.
7. Egg on your face
Did you know an egg white mask is a real thing? It’s actually a fabulous astringent that tightens, brightens and firms skin. All you need is…eggs. Just break one, separate the white and whip it up gently and apply on your face. Egg whites are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, so they nourish, cleanse, exfoliate and brighten your skin besides tightening pores. Who knew this humble breakfast staple could do so much?
Get started with Miss Claire Nature Essence Face Mask - Eggwhite & Lemonor TONYMOLY Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack.
8. Treat blemishes right
Instead of glaring at that offending zit in the mirror and then trying to squeeze it off, learn how to nix it right. Because one less pimple means one less spot and scar to deal with. Did you know that applying a spot drying treatment when you feel a pimple coming on simply dries it out from the surface of the skin, but lets the infection linger underneath, to sprout another time? What you should be doing is apply a non-drying anti-acne treatment or just wait it out for a couple of days till the whitehead emerges on the skin surface. Then apply a spot-drying treatment that dries things up from within.
Get started with Kaya Purifying Spot Corrector and Mixify Unloc Anti Acne Serum.
9. Drink your greens
Here’s something that will gladden your mama’s heart. Drink a green juice every day, either first thing in the day or mid-afternoon. Your skin will transform before your eyes. The ingredients in the juice will oxygenate skin, stimulate lymphatic drainage and restore your glow. Blend together a handful of mint, coriander, spinach and one cucumber. Squeeze some lemon juice into the mix and drink up! If that’s too much of a hassle, here’s something to keep handy.
Get started with Akiva Green Tea Apple Cider Vinegar Ready To Drink Health Shots Bottle (Pack of 30) or Akiva Superfoods 100% Natural Spirulina Powder.
10. Sleep right to look good
Enough said about getting adequate zzzs. This one’s about how you sleep that causes wrinkles…that’s if you don’t have the right pillowcase. Squishing your face into a pillow for approximately 2,500 hours per year while you sleep is akin to ironing wrinkles into your skin. First try positioning your head such that the lower half of your face never touches your pillow. This will keep those laughter lines at bay. Then try and switch to a silk pillowcase. Sleeping on silk allows your skin to retain moisture besides keeping your coiffed strands in place. Two benefits with one switch!
