How to Brighten Skin for a Glowing Complexion
How to Brighten Skin for a Glowing Complexion
A dull, tired complexion might not be as obvious as skin woes such as acne, dark spots, and fine lines. However, it can still wreak havoc on a person’s confidence—not to mention their beauty routine. There’s only so much highlighter and illuminator a person can use. Plus, while these products can create a healthy-looking glow, they’re simply no substitute for the bright and radiant skin that comes from the inside out.
Thankfully, knowing how to get brighter skin isn’t a secret. All it takes is the right skin brightening products, along with an effective brightening skin care routine.
What Causes Dull Skin?
There are a number of culprits behind a lackluster complexion:
Dehydration
Dehydration reduces the volume of blood flow to the skin, which causes a dull and dry appearance.
Though dehydration may appear to be a short-term condition that can be cured with a glass of water, it should be seen as a long-term concern. Failure to provide skin with the hydration it requires on a regular basis can result in long-term effects such as fine lines, sagging skin, scaling, and even deep wrinkles.
Drinking at least 8 cups of water (or other beverages devoid of caffeine and sugar) can keep skin looking plump, hydrated, and healthy.
Stress
Stress triggers a rise in the hormone cortisol, which can have a harmful impact on skin regeneration.
Taking the time each day to de-stress can therefore have beneficial effects in creating a brighter complexion. Yoga, baths with essential oils, walking, or even deep breathing exercises can all help.
Environmental Factors
Air pollution, low humidity, severe winds, and sun exposure can dull exposed skin—especially on the face. While these environmental factors may seem impossible to avoid, there are ways the skin can be protected against them. Cleansing the face each night can remove pore-clogging pollution particles while applying sunscreen daily can also safeguard the skin against UV rays and toxins.
What Are the Best Skin Brightening Products?
The best skin brightening products help to support the skin's natural resistance to the appearance of dullness, dark spots, and uneven tone, while also protecting skin from pollen and air pollutants. Additionally, they should provide all-day moisture to improve the appearance of dryness and fine lines.
Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening range features key ingredients such as Sakura to dramatically improve the appearance of dullness, as well as Ashitaba, to help skin naturally repair damage.
Recommended skin brightening products include:
- Brightening Gel Cream, which leaves skin looking bright, vibrant, and moisturized
- Overnight Cream & Mask, which acts as an intensive brightening treatment and sleeping mask for night-time hydration
- Power Brightening Mask, a nourishing sheet mask that targets spots and discoloration
- Day Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 23, which not only protects the skin against UV rays and pollutants, but also improves dullness and the appearance of dark spots and fine lines
- Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream, an intensive eye cream effectively targets two major causes of dark circles: pigmentation and poor microcirculation
- Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum, a scientifically advanced brightening serum that helps reduce dullness and the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Tips to Brighten Your Skin
The following skin brightening tips can help skin appear more vibrant and youthful:
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can dry and dull the skin considerably. It can also boost blood flow to the skin's surface, giving some people a flushed look that can become permanent over time.
Therefore, alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. When drinking alcohol, aim to choose clear alcoholic beverages and consume plenty of water in between drinks.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The quality and type of food a person eats can have a dramatic effect on the health and appearance of their skin. Foods that are high in fatty acids are essential to bright, glowing skin because they enhance collagen and cell production below the surface of the skin. Additionally, consuming antioxidant-rich meals can also aid in preventing skin inflammation and free radical damage.
Therefore, a diet consisting of fish (especially salmon), walnuts, flaxseed, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes can work wonders for brighter skin.
Boost Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is another skin brightening agent. It's a nutrient-rich antioxidant that fights the signs of aging and protects the skin from UV-related free radicals. It also lightens dark spots and enhances the overall appearance of skin.
Foods high in Vitamin C include citrus fruit (especially oranges), peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.
Get More Sleep
It’s recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, as cell renewal takes place during sleep. Therefore, a lack of sleep will directly contribute to poor skin regeneration, resulting in tired and dull-looking skin.
Routine to Brighten Skin
Here’s how to brighten skin every day using Shiseido’s simple, 4-step skin brightening routine:
Step 1: Cleanse Away Dirt, Oil, and Pollution
Using Clarifying Cleansing Foam (for all skin types), take a dime-sized amount of cleanser in the palm of the hand. Then, adding small amounts of water, work it into a creamy lather on the face using small, circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
The Clarifying Cleansing Foam is infused with Yomogi Extract, White Clay, and Micro White Powder to help remove dullness while promoting clarity and radiance.
Step 2: Balance and Brighten with a Softening Lotion
Smooth and hydrate skin using Treatment Softener Enriched (for normal, dry, and very dry skin). Pump product three times to saturate a Shiseido Facial Cotton pad and wipe gently over the face
Lempuyang and Serine help to prevent and resist the appearance of uneven skin tone, while Japanese Yuzu Extract reveals glowing and healthy skin.
Step 3: Strengthen Skin with a Brightening Serum
Pump a small amount of Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum onto the palm of the hand, then smooth over the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Move from the center of the face outwards in circular motions, ensuring the serum is absorbed into the skin.
This scientifically advanced formula helps reduce dullness and the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone while revealing a smoother and brighter complexion.
Step 4: Refine and Smooth with a Brightening Moisturizer
The final step in this skin-brightening routine involves locking in moisture for plump, hydrated skin. Apply two pearl size amounts of Brightening Gel Cream to the cheek, forehead, nose, and chin, and smooth from the center outward.
Yoshino Cherry and Western Hawthorn Extracts improve the appearance of dullness and sallowness while promoting vibrancy. Additionally, Tormentilla Extract and Pyrola Japonica Klenze Extract help support the skin's natural resistance to the appearance of dark spots, uneven tone, and dullness.