By Josephine Agbonkhese 

Be it for health or cosmetic reasons, having a glowing skin is the skincare goal of everyone. 

Although there abound a plethora of dermatologist-approved ways to enhance the skin’s glow and luminosity, in recent years, more and more beauty freaks, whether consciously and unconsciously, have increasingly relied only on skin-lightening products for this skincare goal, erroneously mistaking fairness for radiance. This is in spite of the scores of consequences involved.

Here, Allure highlights dermatologist-approved ways to enhance your skin’s radiance and brightness, no matter your current condition.

Stay hydrated

Drinking a good amount of water daily is the first step to a glowing skin. Drinking water helps keep your skin hydrated and healthier. To enable you imbibe the water-drinking culture, get yourself a cute water bottle; one you can carry around easily. This will keep you consistent. Experts recommend drinking at least two liters of water daily.

Try out toners

If you haven’t been a toner freak, then it is time you turn a new leave. Applying a toner, either with your palm or a cotton ball, before you put on anything else (whether serum, moisturiser, or makeup), allows other skincare products penetrate deeper and enhances their benefits. Experts recommend you opt for a drying toner with salicylic acid or witch hazel if you have got an oily skin, and a clarifying toner with glycerin or ceramides if you have a dry skin.

Use Vitamin C serum daily  

Incorporating vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant that protects skin against environmental damage, into your skincare routine, helps induce a glow by brightening. According to experts, 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.

Moisturise

Make sure you moisturise daily, especially after having your compulsory shower. Ordinarily, dry skin looks dull. So, skipping moisturisers deprives your skin the multiple benefits of an extra hydration boost. During warm days, you can consider doubling your moisturiser with additional skincare staples such as hydrating sheet masks. Just place the sheet mask over a layer of hyaluronic acid serum.

Wear sunscreen even on rainy days 

Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. UV rays damage your skin cells. Although sun exposure might actually be healthy for your skin, excessive exposure can make dark sunspots appear, giving you a dull, uneven complexion.  In fact, according to Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe, a Consultant Dermatologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the UV radiation from the sun is responsible for a lot of the hyperpigmentation Nigerians suffer from and daily use of sunscreen helps to improve, as well as, prevent this. So, apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day, and do so strictly as directed. No matter what your complexion goals are, wearing sunscreen is a must even on cloudy or rainy days.

Eats lots of fruits and vegetables

Aside the things you can do to your skin’s surface, Dermatologists also recommend steps that will work from the inside out; such as a boost in the intake of antioxidant-rich foods like oranges, berries, and nuts. 

A nice strategy is to make them your  midday snack. You can also make your own fruit juices from them. Note that juicing, however, deprives you of their essential fibre benefits.

Consume Omega-3-rich foods

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain foods such fatty fishes, nuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Aside being beneficial to your brain and cardiovascular health, Omega-3 regulates your skin’s oil production, improve hydration, fight dryness, subdue breakouts and minimise signs of aging. It also helps fight hyperpigmentation and dullness.

One easy way to boost your Omega-3 intake is to take fish oil in liquid form like cod liver oil, or capsule form, such as supplements. Experts say fish oil may also contain vitamins A and D, selenium, and retinol; all of which are essential for a glowing skin.

Remember to exfoliate

Experts recommend a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, whether chemical or physical, to get rid of dead skin cells that cause the skin to look dull. For extra facial benefits, also add masking to your skincare routine. For ease, you can try sheet masks. They are super easy to use and can give your facial skin whatever you need in literally one step. You can lay one on every night while you do your homework or watch television