How to Get a Bright, Dewy Complexion

Question:

I have been experimenting with different organic skin care lines but none have made a difference in my skin...do I have to use these products for a longer time than non organic lines? My complexion just seems dull no matter what I do...can you recommend products to help gain a brighter and more dewy complexion? Thank you.   ~Frances

Answer:

Hi Frances, Regular exfoliation will rid your skin of dry, dead skin cells and will help to brighten up your complexion. A mild exfoliant used once weekly should do the trick. There are many gentle and effective exfoliating products on the market, but my fave is a simple milk and sugar mixture. Mix a couple of tablespoons of organic milk into about a quarter cup of organic sugar. Apply gently to face and body in soft, circular motions. Rinse and cleanse as usual. This will lend a freshness to your skin and make it unbelievably soft.

The next step in achieving a smooth, dewy complexion is to make sure your skin is receiving enough moisture. Are you over cleansing and sapping skin of natural oils? Are you using too light a moisturizer? Start by answering these questions.

I assume you skin is on the dry side if it is looking dull, and recommend a creamy cleanser to cleanse without stripping the skin of vital oil. My favorite is Lavere Anti-aging INTENSIVE Cleanser. A similar, less expensive option to try is Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion. And, unless skin is actually dirty, skip the cleanser and use a mild toner (I like chilled, brewed green tea) in its place. Cleanse to remove makeup and dirt at night, and simply rinse the skin with warm water in the a.m. and follow up with the tea toner.

A rich, yet non-greasy, moisturizer is Lavera FACES Calendula Balancing Cream. The perfect amount of hydration, day or night, and does not leave a shine behind. Another one I like is Weleda Almond Moisture Cream. Your makeup fluid can be mixed into either of these moisturizers to add coverage without drying the skin.

Try dabbing Primavera Organic Rosehip Oil around eye area. This will add moisture (and keep delicate eye skin from looking crepe-y) and I like the subtle sheen it gives to eye makeup. Youthful!

To answer your question about having to use organic skincare longer to see results – Nope, you should see results with organic skincare right away, if you are using the right products for your skin.

I’d also like to add (and this may sound cliché) what you eat truly does show up on your skin. Be sure you are consuming fresh fruits and veg and getting plenty of filtered water daily. This will help to keep skin hydrated, body functions regular and provide antioxidants for healthy skin and body. Too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol will sap skin of moisture, and sugar even breaks down collagen causing wrinkling (!). Regular exercise, sleep and stress reduction all help too. And, of course, avoid smoking.

So, mild exfoliation, a healthy lifestyle and sufficient moisturization should keep skin fresh, smooth, plumped and perky. Let me know if this works for you.

Image:  AJU Photography at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.