You can also get microdermabrasion done professionally. It “works by physically exfoliating the surface layer to improve texture and brightness,” explains Akram.
After your professional treatments, make sure to take a break from those actives like vitamin C and retinol in favor of “gentle, hydrating skin care to support the skin barrier and maintain results,” Akram advises.
6. Make time for massages.
It’s not all about ingredients and treatments. Insider tip: Taking time to massage the face using gua shas, face rollers, jade rollers, or ice rollers will actually promote your glow. “At-home treatments like gua sha can improve blood flow in the face,” says Wilson.
If you have acne flareups, this could be extra beneficial for you: “Fresh, oxygenated blood can kill the P. acnes bacteria, making way for a healthier glow month after month,” she says.
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sure, “stay healthy” isn’t the most glamorous advice, but it’s a crucial part of brightening your skin. “Keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential,” says Dr. Kim, who recommends routine exercise and keeping a balanced diet.
Plus, the benefits are multifold: “Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine not only improves luminosity in your skin, but also improves sleep, decreases stress, and promotes overall health and well-being,” says Wilson.
Consider decreasing your alcohol intake, skipping the cigarettes, getting sufficient sleep, and eating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients and food groups, and watch your skin get its glow back over time.
8. Be consistent and patient.
Another not so sexy but super-important piece of advice: Be consistent and patient with your routine. As with anything, consistency is key. “It’s hard to see an immediate result when it comes to brightening,” says Dr. Kim. “It takes time to see a real meaningful difference because pigment doesn’t disappear overnight.” Akram says, “You can start to see a brighter complexion within a week by focusing on exfoliation, hydration, and using ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.”
While you can instantly brighten your complexion within days or a week, more lasting results in fading dark spots, acne scars, or improving tone will take much longer than that. “Our skin sheds old cells every 30 to 45 days, so for best results, it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” says Wilson. “For more stubborn pigmentation, you may need somewhere closer to six months to a year to see a significant decrease.” Remember to remain diligent with your skin care regimen to maintain your results.
9. Incorporate in-office lasers.
For professional results, visiting your dermatologist’s office will be your best bet. “Laser treatments and light therapies can also target pigmentation and boost collagen for a more even tone and glow,” says Akram.
As for what lasers to consider for brightening, “a gentle laser like Clear and Brilliant can improve skin texture and pigment,” says Dr. Kim. “Fraxel is another laser that is more aggressive than Clear and Brilliant that yields more dramatic improvements in texture and pigment (think of Clear and Brilliant as a baby Fraxel!).” On darker skin tones, “Pico lasers are also helpful for pigmentation,” recommends Dr. Kim.
