10 Ways to Brighten Your Skin
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1. Microdermabrasion
Healthy skin cells reflect light and sparkle. The dead cells making up the top most layer of your skin are dull – removing these (exfoliation) will leave your skin bright and sparkling! Do this professionally with microdermabrasion – £65 (£50 in January) at ASKINOLOGY.
2. Peels
Gentle peels will chemically exfoliate your skin. Chemical exfoliation can give a more even result that mechanical methods. It removes the stratum corneum (the top layer of dead skin) that dulls the skin and can also improve mild pigmentation to brighten your complexion.
3. Use a good quality exfoliator
Everyone should exfoliate to some degree but it’s important to tailor it to your skin type. Chemical exfoliators are best (often containing glycolic and/or other weak acids) as you can easily control the strength of the exfoliation – just leave on longer for a deeper effect. A thick acne prone oily skin will need stronger exfoliation more often (Medik8 poreCleanse Gel £17). Go careful if you have a delicate or sensitive skin with lighter treatment and/or use less often (Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser £27).
4. Clarisonic
The Clarisonic Smart Profile is the latest and most advanced hand held sonic face and body cleanser from Clarisonic. It cleans the skin 6 times more effectively than with hands. If you use a vitamin C serum (which you should!), applying it after Clarisonic treatment will increase its penetration by 61%. It comes with 2 cleaning heads, is waterproof and has contactless charging.
5. Exercise
Some things just come down to hard work! Exercise is not only great for your heart and general fitness, it is great for your skin too. Increasing blood flow to the skin delivers oxygen and other vital nutrients to the skin. Sweating will help flush out toxins and clear pores (but don’t forget to shower and cleanse well after).
6. Facial massage
If you don’t have the time or motivation to exercise regularly, facial massage will increase blood flow and lymph drainage without having to leave the comfort of your chair! Use a simple plain moisturiser – stay away from antiaging creams or serums as these may contain active ingredients that are not suitable for regular massage.
7. Use pigmentation targeting skin care
An uneven complexion will always look dull. See a specialist to diagnose and treat pigmentation that can be due to sun, pregnancy, hormonal treatment (including HRT and contraception) or just general ageing. Consultations with Dr Askari at ASKINOLOGY are just £50 and can be booked here. Prescription creams can be very effective but you can also try milder over the counter solutions such as Neostrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum or Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector
8. Botox
A flat smooth sheet will always look brighter than one that is crumpled as it reflects more light. The same goes for skin – smooth out crows’ feet and frown lines and you’ll not only look fresher but brighter too! Consultations with Dr Askari at ASKINOLOGY are no obligation and free of charge.
9. Fillers
Whilst Botox can treat specific areas where there are dynamic lines (those that appear on muscle movement), fillers will help re-contour dips and troughs that cast shadows on the face. Recreate the curves that were once much stronger and banish the shadows to brighten the face as a whole! Consultations with Dr Askari at ASKINOLOGY are no obligation and free of charge.
10. Intelligent Expert Skin Care!
I’m always amazed at the range of products my clients use without any idea of why they are using it other than someone famous uses it or other advertising/marketing. Skin is individual and needs to be treated as such. Have a skin consultation with an expert and understand what your skin needs are and which products can fulfil them. Go for quality and quantity – too many items being chopped and changed will confuse your skin and can be counterproductive. Worse than that, you can layer too many competing or irritating ingredients resulting in dermatitis. You can book online for a free of charge skin analysis consultation. Or why not take our Skin Quiz and get some specially matched product recommendations for your skin.