A lit-from-within glow is one of the hallmarks of healthy-looking skin. But between discoloration, dark spots, and dullness, radiant skin can be hard to come by. (While there’s no one definition for radiance in terms of skin, it usually describes a complexion that’s even-toned, soft, and super-smooth, which allows light to better bounce off it.) That’s partly because everything from sun exposure to blue light has been linked to uneven skin tone, too, making it hard to avoid.
Still, radiance isn’t impossible. It just calls for a multi-pronged approach, with strategic tweaks in your skincare routine that serve to even out tone and brighten skin. That involves clearing away dead skin cells, evening out tone, and hydrating skin — not to mention protecting it from those external aggressors. With that in mind, consider these expert-approved tips for getting bright, radiant skin.
1. Exfoliate regularly
As the first step in your routine, New York City board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, recommends using exfoliating acids one or twice a week. “They will remove the dead layer of the skin to brighten and make your skin feel smoother,” he says. While he recommends alpha hydroxy acids, which include glycolic and lactic acids, he also suggests poly hydroxy acid (a distant and gentler cousin) for those with more sensitive skin.
2. Seek out brighteners
Dr. Kim is a fan of brightening ingredients like licorice extract. “Using a serum with ingredients [like licorice extract] can help brighten the skin and lighten hyperpigmentation due to UV damage, acne scars, or others,” he says. You can find licorice extract in the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, where it works alongside the brand’s JAUM Activator™, a proprietary herbal blend powered by years of data research by the Sulwhasoo Heritage & Science Center.
This innovative complex is what gives the First Care Activating Serum, which is intended to be applied directly after cleansing, the ability to improve skin on six different measures: hydration, visible wrinkles, brightness, radiance, translucency, and moisture barrier. That may be why after four weeks of use, 96% noticed skin appeared to have a healthy glow, 96% noticed skin felt nourished, and 98% noticed skin felt moisturized and hydrated.*
*Based on a 4-week independent consumer study of 539 women ages 22 to 56.
3. Keep skin hydrated
Hydration is essential for radiance — without it, skin feels rough and looks flaky. Seasonal changes (like the chilly winter months) can also worsen matters, with cold air and indoor heat sapping moisture from skin, leaving it looking dull.
To offset it, consider incorporating a double-dose of moisture by pairing a hydrating serum with your moisturizer. Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum uses encapsulated ginseng saponins, which dissolve on contact to visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin's resilience, and deeply nourish skin. Meanwhile, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream is a lightweight formula that helps seal in potent ingredients while visibly firming skin, smoothing its texture, and locking in moisture. After four weeks of using the cream, 93.5% said their skin looks softer, smoother, and revitalized.**
**Based on the self-assessment portion of an 8-week clinical study on 31 Asian women ages 37 to 59.
4. Reach for retinoid
If you’re not yet using a vitamin A product — that is, a retinoid — now is the time to start. These work to spur skin cell turnover, and in doing so, “they help with collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Kim. They can help to dramatically smooth skin, too, making it more radiant in the process, as well as even its tone. That said, they can have a drying effect, so, Dr. Kim says, “it's crucial to start slow — think once or twice weekly — and build your tolerance gradually.”
5. Protect your complexion
Environmental factors play a big role in creating hyperpigmentation, which is why daily sunscreen is so essential. “None of the steps — exfoliating acids, serums, or retinol — would make a difference unless you wear sunscreen regularly,” says Dr. Kim. “I highly recommend a sunscreen with SPF 30, which provides 97% of UVB protection, or higher.” He also recommends wearing it throughout the year, and being sure to apply it beyond the face, too.
