6 Skin Care Tips for Radiant Skin
The forever-stressed lifestyle, shorter than ideal sleep hours, not the healthiest food choices… All of this can take a toll on the natural radiance of your skin. And, when you add sun exposure and inevitable aging into the equation, you might find yourself left with dull, hyperpigmented, and tired-looking skin.
Luckily, at Tone Dermatology, we know the professional skin care tips that can help you achieve that skin radiance and a healthy, lit-from-within look. Let’s get started!
Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Tips for Radiant Skin
If you are trying to achieve a healthy, radiant skin complexion, these six skin care tips recommended by our dermatologists at Tone will go a long way.
1. Stock Up on the ABCs of Skin Care
If you are looking to minimize hyperpigmentation and prevent premature aging, the three ABC products are a must-have in your regular skincare regime. Here is what “ABC” stands for:
A: Vitamin A or Retinoid/Retinol Products
Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids work to accelerate the turnover of skin cells. As a result, they can help improve acne, fight signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Importantly, retinoids are essential in combating uneven skin tone, as they can suppress the production of excess melanin, thus preventing any future hyperpigmentation.
B: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
“B” stands for broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. While UVB is the sun rays we commonly think of, it is important to not forget about UVA radiation. UVB ratings are often listed on sunscreen products, but it is the UVA rays that cause aging, wrinkles, and sunspots. Plus, it is the UVA rays that pass through the windows and can affect your skin even when you stay indoors.
By using the right broad-spectrum sunscreen, you can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation, visible light, pollution, and heat, which can increase inflammation in the skin. Here, you have a few choices:
- Tinted sunscreen with iron oxide. This type of sunscreen is ideal for protecting hyperpigmented areas and preventing any new ones. It can be used on all skin tones.
- Mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are recommended for people with sensitive skin, as they tend to be more gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
- Chemical sunscreen. This type of sunscreen leaves no (or almost no) white cast, which makes it a very popular choice among other types. However, a tinted mineral sunscreen applied with the right technique can provide a similar effect, while offering better benefits as well.
C: Vitamin C Products
Antioxidant serums or lotions containing Vitamin C offer great protection against free radicals caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants. As such, the “C” of skincare prevents skin damage, helps even skin tone, and boosts the efficacy of sun protection. So, among all skin care tips for radiant skin, Vitamin C is a must!
2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid on Damp Skin
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found within our bodies, which works by attracting and retaining water. Paradoxically, our skin is the driest right after it is wet, which means that it is crucial to lock in the moisture before it is lost, – and hyaluronic acid is the perfect product for the job.
Just like any other product, HA is not ideal to be applied to soaking wet skin. Once the skin is damp (and not dripping wet), take a few drops of the product and distribute it over the entire face and neck. Layering hyaluronic acid with Vitamin C and/or moisturizer while the skin is still damp will help to boost hydration even further.
Hyaluronic acid can offer a variety of benefits, depending on the type of your skin:
- Oily skin. For oilier skin types, HA can provide lightweight moisture that doesn’t feel too greasy.
- Dry skin. If you have dry skin, layer HA with moisturizer for an ultimate hydration boost.
- Normal skin. HA can give a dewier look and plump feel to normal skin types.
Product Highlight: Revision Hydrating Serum, ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate
3. Apply Mineral Sunscreen the Right Way
Mineral sunscreen offers several benefits, but it can be tricky to apply without leaving a white cast. Here is what you need to do to make sure the sunscreen is well-distributed, and your skin is fully protected.
- Take the right amount. For any type of sunscreen, the appropriate amount equals two fingers (e.g. line index and middle finger) for the face and three for the neck.
- Apply evenly. Believe it or not, when applied the right way, mineral sunscreen can leave virtually no white cast. Simply rub the product on the fingertips, press into the skin evenly throughout the face, and spread the product using pressure (but pat under the eyes). Wait a few minutes for sunscreen to settle, and you are ready to go!
- Layer products. You can layer products like serums or moisturizers under the sunscreen. However, make sure that all the layered products have been fully absorbed first, as sunscreen applied on top acts as a shield.
- Reapply as needed. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when exposed to the sun or when going back outside after having been indoors. Consider trying SPF sticks or powders, – they are convenient to carry around and easy to apply on the go.
Product Highlights: EltaMD UV Clear for dry/combo skin, EltaMD UV Elements for combo/oily skin, ISDIN for oily and aging skin types, MDSolarSciences or SkinBetter Science SPF stick for reapplication, Supergoop! Mineral Brush for reapplication
4. Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
When talking about skin care tips for radiant skin, choosing the right type of cleanser and using it properly is of the utmost importance. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating with lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing, and choose the cleanser according to your skin type or issue at hand.
Here are the three types of cleansers you could try:
Gel Cleansers
These cleansers have gel-like consistency and are effective at decongesting pores and removing excess oils. While gel cleansers with AHA/BHAs are ideal for oilier skin types, they can be safely used on normal or combination skin as well.
Cleansing Lotions
Cleansing lotions have a creamier texture and are gentler on the skin, which makes them a better choice for dry or sensitive skin types. These lotions clean the skin without stripping its natural oils and provide added hydration. They can also be used as the first step in a double cleanse, especially to help lift makeup or sunscreen in the evening.
Exfoliating Cleansers
While you should always avoid “mechanical” exfoliants such as brushes or scrubs, “chemical” exfoliant cleansers with AHA or BHA in their names are great for a clearer complexion.
- AHA cleansers. AHA stands for “alpha hydroxy acids”, such as lactic or glycolic acids. These are great for hyperpigmentation concerns or rough skin texture in oily or acne-prone skin. AHAs are often found in body washes and can be used to minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris.
- BHA cleansers. Cleansers with beta hydroxy acids include salicylic acid, a common ingredient often used for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid has pore-purifying and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it a powerful agent in fighting breakouts.
- Physical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants like scrubs or cleansing brushes should be avoided, as these can cause irritation, inflammation, or damage to the skin.
If you are using retinoids in the evening, only use AHAs and BHAs in the morning. Keep in mind, however, that these products can increase sun sensitivity, so never skip on SPF!
Product Highlights: EltaMD Foaming Facial (gel), Epionce Milky Lotion (lotion), Revision Papaya Enzyme (exfoliating)
5. Minimize Skin Irritation when Using Retinol
Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A, with retinol products being sold over the counter and more potent forms (retinoids) sold with a prescription. Retinoids work by accelerating the turnover of skin cells and can be used to fight the signs of aging, sun damage, acne, and so much more. If you have fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin texture, retinoids are a must-follow skin care tip for your skincare routine!
Prescription retinoids are often prescribed by dermatologists for acne and scarring, as they work in a more targeted way. While being incredibly effective, these products can cause skin irritation when not used correctly.
Follow the “Sandwich Method”
At Tone Dermatology, we always recommend that our clients follow the “sandwich method” when applying retinol products. This means that after gently cleansing your face (no exfoliants!), you should apply a thin layer of moisturizer, followed by retinol, followed by another thick layer of moisturizer. Use a pea-sized amount of product for a full face and avoid the eye area. Keep retinol for your nighttime routine, as it can cause sun sensitivity.
Take It Slowly
You can start with applying retinol a few times per week and work up to nightly application slowly, as your skin adjusts and becomes less sensitive to the product. It is normal for the skin to feel dry and even flake a little in the beginning, – keep up with the applications and stick to the “sandwich” method. However, if you notice redness, burning, or persistent irritation, discontinue the use immediately.
For extra sensitive skin, you can try replacing retinol with bakuchiol products or peptide-containing skincare.
Product Highlight: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet cream, ISDIN Melatonik
6. Don’t Forget the Eyes
The skin around the eyes is different from the skin on the rest of your face, – just like the skin on your face is different from your body! Eyelid skin is very thin and sensitive, which means that you cannot use your regular skincare products around the eyes. What’s more, the eye area comes with its own set of skin concerns, such as dark circles, puffiness, hooded or creepy eyelids, crow’s feet, and fine lines.
To address the concerns around the eyes, it is important to choose specially developed products that will not irritate the skin. These eye creams or serums should be applied in a ”C” shape distribution, from lower to upper eyelid. Some eye products come with a special applicator tip, but, if using your hands, you should gently pat the product into the skin and never rub. SPF should be applied under the eyes as well, – here, the same SPF you use for the rest of the face will do the job.
Product Highlight: Tone Total Eye Set
Get Glowing with the Help of Tone Dermatology
Natural, from-within glow is a major signal of healthy skin, – something that can’t be achieved with even the most expensive highlighters and CC creams. Luckily, with expert skin care tips and professional treatments from Tone Dermatology, you can achieve healthy, hydrated skin with a luminous look and a clear complexion. Book your consultation today and start your journey toward truly radiant skin.