Makeup is always fun, but there’s something so empowering about embracing the beauty of a bare face. While blemishes and crow’s feet are an inevitable part of graceful aging, we’re always after that enviable ‘lit-from-within’ glow! That’s why we sat down with two skincare experts and estheticians, Julia Marchevkova and Erin Kelly, who shared their insider tips on how to achieve radiant-looking skin. Spoiler alert: with these tips, you may even find yourself ditching your foundation soon!

1. Don’t skimp on the (healthy) fats

Truth be told, there is validity to the phrase “you are what you eat,” according to Marchevkova. She says, “Regeneration happens from the inside as well, so what we eat becomes our health and integrity of our skin.” A balanced diet is critical in maintaining the skin’s health, but many still fear fats. Kelly says, “Nutritious fats, like avocado, are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with blood circulation and stimulate collagen production. They’re also great for retaining moisture in the skin. All of which helps keep the skin soft, glowing, and firm.” Marchevkova recommends a balanced diet that is inclusive of Omega-3, 7, and 9-rich seeds and oils, from black currants, flax, hemp, chia, borage, and sea buckthorn. Marchevkova adds, “They’re great to eat to increase hydration on a cellular level and for their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, which helps to keep the skin, hair, and nails radiant and strong.” 

2. Consider LED Light Therapy

While many look to surgical procedures to achieve a radiant complexion, there are definitely less invasive treatments. Kelly says, "LED Light Therapy is a painless way to treat a variety of skin concerns. For example, blue light is best for killing harmful bacteria on the skin while red light is best for circulation and promoting collagen production. LED Light therapy softens the skin to help with product penetration, which allows your skin to absorb all the benefits of the products you’re using. It also stimulates the cells, which tightens the skin.” Though available at many spas, LED Light Therapy can also be done at home to improve skin health.

3. Don’t save the massages for the spa

Everybody loves a recharging trip to the spa, but you don’t need to reserve an appointment to give your skin the TLC it needs (and deserves)! Instead, give yourself the time to slow down and practice a mindful skincare routine, complete with a relaxing facial massage. After all, we do use our facial muscles for a lot, like chewing, talking, reacting, etc. According to Marchevkova, we tend to also tighten up our facial muscles when we’re stressed. She says, “Our facial muscles are busy all day long. Massaging the face is very beneficial for stimulating blood circulation in the skin and for releasing tension within the muscles that happen because of our holding patterns. It can be invigorating for someone with a dull, tired complexion or calming and cooling for anyone experiencing heat and redness within the face.”

While we can leave some of the more advanced facial massage techniques to the experts, a simple at-home facial massage can do wonders for the skin. Using your favorite skincare, Kelly says, “Facial massages can and should be done daily. Begin with the neck and move upwards to tighten and lift the skin. By massaging inwards, you’ll be pushing any fine lines and wrinkles in, versus stretching them out. For the eye and cheek areas, use your fingertips in a circular counter-clockwise motion, moving towards the nose. Skin is very sensitive, so the ring finger should be used to apply the least amount of pressure possible.”4. Limit your sugar intake

Trendy diets, like Atkins and keto, have garnered a ton of popularity recently for weight loss. While different, both diets have one common theme: heavily reducing carbohydrate intake. Since carbs break down into sugars within the body, both diets’ secrets to success lie in restricting sugar. Marchevkova says, “Sugar is a potent pro-inflammatory ingredient that is found in every processed or packaged food from chips to honey ham, bread, pasta, sweets, french fries, soft drinks, alcohol, juices, and more. Once ingested it can have an effect on everything from our hormones, our gut’s microbiome, and even our our arteries and cellular membranes through glycation.”According to Marchevkova, glycation occurs when ingested sugar and carbohydrates attach themselves to proteins within the body, like collagen and elastin, causing damage which weakens the collagen structures in the skin. With that said, it may be difficult for some to fully eliminate sugar and carbohydrates. But by eating with the intention to nourish your body and limiting your sugar intake you’ll be that much closer to achieving that coveted glow!

5. Exfoliate weekly

Dermelect Microfacial Exfoliating Masque features a multi-brightening complex that immediately restores complexion from lackluster and dull to luminous and radiant!

For smooth and luminous skin, exfoliating is a critical step in any complete skincare routine. Our Microfacial Exfoliating Masque is a gentle, yet effective physical exfoliator that transforms dull skin for a luminous complexion. Utilizing Vitamin C, Kaolin Clay, and Bergamot the masque features a multi-brightening complex that provides a luxurious and exacting resurfacing to the complexion in minutes. While suitable for all skin types, Marchevkova says, “With mechanical exfoliants, it’s always wise not to apply too much pressure when massaging into the face, so we don’t over-exfoliate and over-sensitize the skin. Someone with very oily skin may be able to use it even three times a week in the heat of the summer. It’s important to observe the skin and see if there is any tightness or flakiness, which would indicate the need to rebalance the skin with extra hydration.”

Deremelect's Rapid Repair Facial Moisturizer is specially formulated to replenish the most sensitive of skin types with ultra skin calming ingredients.

To maximize the benefits of exfoliation, Marchevkova adds, “It’s important to use a plumping, hydrating serum filled with hyaluronic acid, collagen, or peptides after the scrub is rinsed off. If needed, apply a hydrating lotion or cream based on the skin’s needs.” Our revitalizing hyaluronic-based Cellular Redefining Face Serum and ultra-nourishing Rapid Repair Facial Moisturizer are perfect post-exfoliation follow-ups to preserve skin’s radiance and moisture levels.

How do you keep your skin glowing? Will you be trying any of these expert skin tips? Let us know in the comments below.