A Beginner Friendly Way to Start Getting Radiant Skin

1. Wash Your Brushes

The number one reason women don’t have radiant skin? They don’t wash their make-up brushes regularly. An astonishing 72% of women admit they have never cleaned their brushes or cosmetic sponges, despite knowing that bacteria, oil, and old makeup residue build up in them quickly. Experts recommend that you wash loose powder brushes every two to three weeks, and foundation or concealer brushes at least once a week. You can use a gentle facial cleanser, like CeraVe, or a simple baby shampoo. Simply swish your brushes in the cleanser, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water, and pat them dry to keep your tools hygienic.

2. Not Enough Selenium

If you want your skin to truly glow, reach for the nuts next time you need a snack. Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral that increases skin elasticity and decreases the risk of skin cancer. Walnuts are another great dietary choice, as they help lower inflammation and fight off acne spots. Add in some macadamia nuts, which are packed with essential oils and healthy fatty acids that rejuvenate your skin and make it glow from the inside out, and you’ll be all set. Just a handful of these nutrient-rich nuts a day will make a big difference to the health of your skin.

3. Clean Your Phone

Are you addicted to your smartphone? Me too. According to researchers at Stanford University, though, a regularly-used touchscreen phone can carry more germs and bacteria than a public toilet seat. In fact, their scientific report says that glass screens are so good at harboring and spreading germs that using an uncleaned phone is almost like sneezing directly in someone’s face. All those germs easily transfer to your hands and face every time you talk, text, or browse, which is a major cause of skin dullness and spots. Make sure to wipe your phone down with a disinfectant wipe at least once a day.

4. Use a Serum

Dermatologists always recommend incorporating a serum into your daily skincare routine, and it’s about time that you started using one. Serums are a lot more concentrated than standard creams or lotions, so you need a lot less product to see results, and they work surprisingly well. Look for a facial serum that contains active antioxidants and pentapeptides for the best results. These products don’t have to be expensive – the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum from Olay costs around $40 and contains everything your skin will need. Simply apply a few drops to freshly washed skin, followed by your favorite moisturizer or sun cream.

5. Sleep More

Beauty sleep got its name for a very real reason – sleep deprivation does terrible things to your skin. A lack of rest lowers your blood circulation, leading to that dull, pale, and washed-out look that we all want to avoid. Furthermore, not sleeping enough doesn’t give your skin cells a chance to repair and heal themselves overnight. Making sure you get a consistent seven to eight hours of sleep each night will naturally lead to much more radiant skin.

6. Drop Dairy

If you are really struggling with dull skin or frequent breakouts, consider cutting dairy out of your diet for a while. Dairy products contain natural cow hormones that stimulate your body's oil glands and pores, which can quickly lead to acne. These hormones are present even in high-quality organic dairy products. Cutting out all dairy, including the hidden ingredients in salad dressings, protein bars, and shakes, could improve your skin immensely. If you don’t want to cut out dairy completely, opt for skimmed milk instead, as the hormones are mostly concentrated in the milk fat.

7. Turn the Shower down

One of the most shocking ways to get radiant skin is to turn the shower temperature down. While a hot, steaming shower might wake you up in the morning, it’s actually not good for your skin barrier. The heat strips essential natural oils from your skin and creates a mild surface burn. Your blood vessels then dilate to cool the skin down, causing flushing and persistent redness. In your 20s, it’ll take about an hour for your skin to recover from this heat. By your 30s, recovery takes around two hours, and by your 40s, your vessels could lose their ability to shrink back to normal altogether, leading to permanent redness.

I’ll definitely be trying these tips to get more radiant skin. We were also given a secret skincare boost for those days when you don’t sleep well and don’t look your best – pick up some soy milk. It hydrates and soothes irritated skin, making it look much better in minutes. Simply soak two cotton balls in chilled soy milk, squeeze out the excess, and hold them over your skin for five minutes. Win! If you're looking for more ways to keep your complexion balanced, be sure to read our guide on managing oily skin. How do you keep your skin radiant? Do you have any favorite tips?

Quick summary of habits for glowing skin: