15 Tips for Glowing Skin

The journey to glowing, radiant skin takes some time, but with the right tips, tricks, and dermatologist-approved hacks, you can achieve a flawless complexion, no matter your skin’s current condition. “It is absolutely a myth that only those blessed with beautiful skin can have [glowing skin],” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of SKINFIVE, Dr. Ava Shamban. That’s right, staying hydrated and curating a consistent skincare routine are the initial steps anyone needs to take to be well on their way to ✨dewy ✨skin.

Glowing skin can mean so many different things, so it’s important to understand what it truly is before you decide if that’s the skincare goal you want to work toward.”This translates into a well-hydrated, super moisturized complexion with just the right touch of natural oil,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. “Yes, the oils on your face make you glow too, it’s not just the lotion in a bottle,” she says.

Like most skincare-related goals, achieving glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight. So, if you decide that you’re on a mission to get a radiant complexion, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, “It often takes several weeks or even months of continuous use of your skincare products to see benefits.” Alright, now that we understand the basics of radiant skin, here are some expert-approved tips that will help you achieve it.

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1. Stay hydrated.

Whenever anyone talks about getting glowing skin, one of the first things they mention is drinking water, and for good reason. “Drinking water daily will help to keep your skin hydrated and healthier,” Dr. Nicole Hayre, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Seventeen. So, grab yourself a cute water bottle (may I suggest a Hydroflask?) and make sure it’s with you at all times because Dr. Hayre recommends drinking at least two liters of water daily. She also suggests skipping out on caffeine because it’s a “mild diuretic and causes water loss or dehydration.”

2. Learn your skin type.

Before you can start treating your skin, it’s important to know what kind of skin you have. Is it oily, dry, or a combination? Do some research or head to the dermatologist to get a definite answer. This way, you can make the most out of the products you use by picking lotions, washes, and masks that specifically target your skin’s biggest issues.

3. One word: Sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. Not only should you apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day, but you should reapply it as directed. UV rays damage your skin cells, and make your skin’s surface uneven, meaning it won’t “reflect the light very well, hence no glowiness,” says Dr. Shamban. Harmful rays from the sun can also lead to painful blisters, bruises, and, in some cases, skin cancer, so no matter what your complexion goals are, wearing sunscreen is a must.

Also, if you have active breakouts or leftover dark marks from blemishes, sun exposure can increase hyperpigmentation. Dr. Hayre recommends applying sunscreen to your face and neck after your moisturizers or skin treatments but before you apply makeup.

4. Moisturize!

And while you’re already applying cream to your face, make sure you moisturize as well. Dry skin looks dull, so hydrate your face at least once a day with a good moisturizer. Dr. Gohara says that for an extra hydration boost, especially in the winter, you can double moisturize with additional skincare staples. “Use a hydrating sheet mask over a layer of hyaluronic acid serum,” she says.

Try These Moisturizers!

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum

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Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream

clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

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e.l.f. e.l.f. SuperHydrate Moisturizer

5. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

Keeping your skin clear of dirt and debris that clogs pores and lead to breakouts is also important. Dr. Gohara recommends washing your face with a gentle and hydrating cleanser to achieve the glow. “Harsh cleansers strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and more likely to be irritated,” she explains.

Check Out These Cleansers!

Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel

Dove Beauty Bar Gentle Skin Cleanser

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Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser

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kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

6. Try out toner.

Before you put on anything else (I’m talking serum, moisturizer, or makeup), try applying a toner. This will allow serums and other products you put on your face to penetrate deeper, so you’re getting all that goodness. If you have oily skin, Dr. Shamban recommends a drying toner with witch hazel or salicylic acid. For dry skin, try a clarifying toner with glycerin or ceramides to nourish and hydrate the skin.

Try These Toners!

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Dr. Barbara Sturm BALANCING TONER

Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Hydrating Toner

Now 16% Off

Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner Serum with Barbados Cherry

StriVectin Advanced Glow Daily Glow Toner

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7. Use a Vitamin C serum.

Incorporating vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant that protects skin against environmental damage, into your morning routine can also help induce a glow. “It protects against free radicals and pesky chemical particles, which wreak havoc on the skin. Free radicals come from pollution, the sun, and even our computer screens and cell phones,” says Dr. Gohara. Vitamin C also helps brighten, too.

Check Out These Vitamin C Serums!

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum

Maelove Skincare The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum

Lumene Glow Boost Essence with Hyaluronic Acid

Olehenrriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

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CeraVe CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid | Skin Brightening Serum for Face with 10% Pure Vitamin C | Fragrance Free | 1 Fl. Oz

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8. Up your face mask game.

Who doesn’t love a good face mask selfie? Add masking to your skincare routine and lay one on every night while you do your homework or watch The Last of Us for the tenth time.

Check Out These Face Masks!

Charlotte Tilbury GODDESS SKIN CLAY MASK

Origins Clear Improvement™ Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Face Mask

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innisfree Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask

CLEAR Purifying Clay Mask

9. Treat yourself with sheet masks.

I know, I know, I already told you to mask, but those are rinse-off masks (yes, there’s a difference). When you’re not doing those, or if you’re too lazy to do them (🙋🏻), try sheet masks. They’re super easy to use and can give your skin whatever TLC you need in literally one step.

Try These Sheet Masks!

Deep Detox Pore Control Raw Juice Mask

Peach & Lily Original Glow Sheet Mask

Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating jumbo Pack

Now 10% Off

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask

Vitamasques Vitamin C Cherry Sheet Mask – 0.71 fl oz

10. Don’t forget to exfoliate.

Dr. Shamban recommends a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells that cause skin to look dull. If you’re torn about which type of exfoliator to choose from, Dr. Zeichner breaks down the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation. “Physical exfoliation uses gritty particles to manually remove dead cells from the skin’s outer layer,” he says. “Chemical exfoliation uses acids to dissolve connections between cells so they naturally can be shed. There is data suggesting that chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid also help stimulate collagen production.”

Check Out These Exfoliants!

Pixi Glow Tonic with Aloe Vera & Ginseng, 8 oz

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The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Peeling Solution

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner

11. Combat unevenness.

One reason why your skin might not be shining bright is due to unevenness. To speed up the natural turnover of skin cells and get rid of uneven skin texture and tone, dermatologists recommend retinol or other retinoids. “[Retinol] helps enhance cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. This improves skin tone and texture or, enhances radiance, brightens dark spots, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Zeichner says. These ingredients can be irritating to the skin, though, so start with one that has a low concentration and only apply it three nights a week until your skin builds up more of a tolerance. Dr. Hayre recommends products like Cutocin’s Social Exchange Balancing Cream because it contains a retinol and anti-oxidant combo that “helps enhance the skin’s glow.”

Try These Retinoids!

Olay Regenerist Retinol Face Serum

THE ORDINARY The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid

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Dermalogica Retinol Acne Clearing Oil

Beauty Pie Body 360° Repair Concentrate

dermalogica dynamic skin retinol serum

Differin Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel, 0.5 oz

12. Eat up all the antioxidants you can.

OK, so we’ve gone over all of the things that you can do to your skin’s surface to boost your glow, but there are some more steps to take that will work from the inside out. Dermatologists suggest foods that are high in antioxidants to help your skin’s radiance. Try grapes, berries, and nuts like pecans and walnuts. The antioxidants in these foods have been linked to protecting your skin against UV damage, so next time you’re looking for a midday snack, make sure to grab those blueberries. Dr. Shamban also suggests making your own fruit juices from farmer’s market fruits and vegetables to “see your skin perk up.”

13. Get good sleep.

It’s called beauty sleep for a reason! “Enough sleep assists the skin in normal skin turnover and exfoliation,” Dr. Shamban says. When you aren’t getting enough sleep, your skin pays the price, so make sure to get at least seven hours a night.

14. Remember that consistency is key.

Your skin might feel glowing one day and not the next, which Dr. Gohara says has to do with your natural oil production. “I recommend keeping a consistent routine, not over-exfoliating, and moisturizing every day,” she says.

15. Hack your glow with highlighter.

Yes, achieving a natural glow is great, but there’s also a way to get the look of dewy skin even on days when your skin is just not cooperating (we’ve all been there). It’s all about the highlighter. Get a color that offers more of a sheen than a glittery finish so the secret behind your glow is safe with you.

Check Out These Highlighters!

about-face Light Lock Highlight Fluid

ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter

Half Magic Beauty LIGHT TRAP

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

Maybelline Facestudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter Makeup

Assistant Editor

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

Associate Editor

Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she’s probably watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.