Emerging from winter feels a bit like personal reawakening. The warmer weather makes us feel inherently perkier, invites us to shed a bulky layer or two, and encourages us to enjoy slower meals, intentional coffee sips, and happy walks in the sun. The seasonal shift is also an excellent time to reassess our skincare routines so we can cultivate an ultra glowy complexion. Here are some simple skin brightening tips you can take to capture that radiance.
1. Gently Exfoliate Your Skin
We consistently shed dead skin cells, which have a tendency to linger on the skin’s surface and make it appear dull and lackluster. Exfoliation helps remove these dead skin cells, revealing the fresh and bright skin underneath and allowing for better absorption of products.
You can exfoliate one to three times per week using a gentle exfoliating product like KNESKO's Black Pearl Detox Serum. It features a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) that join forces to support skin cell turnover, slough off old skin cells, and reveal bright, glowing skin.
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2. Wear Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is something you should wear every single day—rain or shine, summer or winter. The sun’s UV rays are responsible for premature signs of aging, including sun spots, fine lines, and collagen degradation that can lead to skin drooping. With the longer days and more time spent outside, it becomes increasingly important to apply your SPF daily. The American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) recommends an SPF of 30 or higher reapplied every two hours or after sweating or spending time in the water.
3. Apply Vitamin C Every Day
Antioxidants like vitamin C are your best defense against free radical damage, which can also lead to premature signs of aging. You can consider vitamin C a double duty agent, too, since it helps naturally brighten your complexion while shielding against environmental damage. Simply apply a vitamin C rich serum—like KNESKO’s Rose Quartz Antioxidant Serum—before your sunscreen.
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And here’s a cool piece of skincare trivia for your next party: Research has found that your SPF works more effectively when paired with antioxidant-rich vitamin C (and vice versa).
4. Use Ingredients That Brighten and Tone
Another brightening skincare ingredient you can add to your skincare regimen is niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. According to the Mayo Clinic, this popular anti-aging ingredient can help reduce signs of aging, including skin discoloration and larger pore size. As a bonus, this gentle ingredient also has a calming effect on the skin.
You’ll find niacinamide in KNESKO’s Diamond Radiance Collagen Face Mask alongside ingredients that create glowing, bright skin. Genuine diamond powder brightens skin and restores radiance, CoQ10 further fights free radicals, rose essential oil soothes, and jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid moisturize and hydrate.
5. Layer Your Moisturizers
When your skin’s properly hydrated and moisturized you’ll notice an immediate difference in how bright and radiant it looks. A strategy that skincare pros swear by is layering your moisturizers—also known as a “moisture sandwich.”
Start by cleansing your face and gently patting dry, but don’t remove all the moisture. Then apply a hydrating serum on top of damp skin. From there, you can apply a collagen hydrogel mask to further encourage moisture and absorption of ingredients. Finally, apply your preferred moisturizer to lock it all in.
Following these five simple steps to brighten skin can make a huge difference in your complexion. Consistency shows care for yourself and promises a great reward for your body, mind, and spirit.
Read next: 3 Key Ways to Calm Down Stressed Skin