Glowing skin – the holy grail for women everywhere. Ask any beauty pro out there and they’ll tell you rather pointedly, you won’t find the secret to glowing skin in your makeup bag. But, that’s not to say there isn’t any products on the market that will beautifully melt into your skin so you can fake that “moisty, dewy lit up look” from within. We’re after something else though, we want that permanent look as if we just got off the plane from an extended vacation. If you want healthy, radiant and clear skin, one approach is a combination of product, practice and definitely a dab of patience. Thankfully, we’ve put together a fabulous list of quick-fix solutions for you. #1 – The Exfoliation Routine You will want to create a smooth surface, and a good exfoliation routine will eliminate dullness so that your skin reflects light. Exfoliation is key in any balanced skin care routine and has many benefits that include more even skin tone, better circulation, and clear pores just to name a few. Exfoliation helps serums, moisturizers, and growth factors penetrate deeper into the skin. The removal of dead, dry skin not only frees up skincare products to do their work but it increases skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, too. But our skin is also sensitive and being careful with how you exfoliate or what you use is essential to the process. For that reason, we’ve asked some dermatologists their advice and what to use. According to Melissa K. Levin, the NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, "Exfoliation is key and necessary for dry and combination skin to continue turnover of dead skin cells. I recommend incorporating an alpha-hydroxy acid product, or for those with more sensitive skin, Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub because it uses micro-fine bamboo particles that buff and soften skin." Exfoliation and Glowing Skin – what’s next? As for the next and final steps in the exfoliating process, it is important to remember a few extra things that help with the process – for example, should you be exfoliating in the morning or at night? This will depend, but if you wear makeup every day, experts say exfoliating at night is best to remove those makeup particles. If your face is duller however, or if you have oilier skin, then exfoliating in the morning would be best to provide your skin with a fresh glow to start your day. How often should you exfoliate? Just like everything else, in excess can be damaging – if done everyday it can lead to dryness, irritation, redness and even broken blood vessels! Not very good for a glow is it? All you need to do is exfoliate once or twice a week to brush away dead cells and the dull outer layer of skin. No need to go overboard here and just remember to have a little patience. How about chemical exfoliation? This tends to get a bad rap sometimes, but most of the dermatologists out there understand why. The word “chemicals” makes it sounds harsh, and the chemicals used sounds even harsher – but, the bottom line is chemicals aid in cell turnover. Peels are chemical exfoliates, and are not only great for smoothing but also for brightening. There are a couple types to look out for, starting with alpha hydroxy acids. #2 – The Microcurrent FacialWhen it comes to glowing skin, the pursuit for the latest ‘it’ treatment is never-ending. But let’s check out microcurrent facials – Not only are they the latest innovation to spark a conversation, the procedure is non-invasive, injection free and painless. Sounds pretty cool right? Keep on reading, you’re going to love this! What the heck is a microcurrent facial anyway? This treatment uses electricity to promote cell growth in the skin, and although it might sound a bit scary or even painful, it absolutely isn’t. Even more miraculous, these treatments have immediate benefits with absolutely no recovery time. Microcurrent machines in facial aesthetic applications are used to ‘work out’ the muscles of the face, stimulate collagen, and tighten skin appearance,” says Svendsen. “Microcurrent uses low-voltage electricity to stimulate muscle, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cell growth, and collagen development in the dermis on the face.” Microcurrent facials tighten and smooth the muscles and connective tissues in the face by increasing cellular activity, and have been shown to reduce wrinkles, mostly around the forehead area. “Microcurrent has been around for decades, especially in physical therapy, so it is very safe, effective, and targeted,” says Svendsen. Physical therapists have used microcurrent therapy treatments since the 1970s for pain relief and even facial paralysis conditions, like Bell’s palsy. What can you expect with a microcurrent facial? You will feel a gentle, zingy feeling — the not-so-technical term — and occasionally as the current is applied near the nerve attached to the muscle, it will jump. But don’t fear, this isn’t painful, it just feels ‘alive’. Most patients love the feeling since it makes them confident that something is happening and a connection has been made! The Microcurrent Facial and Glowing One of the biggest questions regarding microcurrent facials is how long it lasts. Once a series is completed the results can be easily maintained by getting it done every 4-8 weeks. Best of all, the series can be repeated every few years without any permanent damage to the skin. If you do happen to follow the series religiously, which is on a monthly basis, the end result should last from 3 to 4 years. Not bad for that younger and healthier looking skin! If you are concerned about what this procedure is doing to your face in the long term, don’t be! A microcurrent facial is often referred to as a “natural” facelift. This safe and painless facial helps erase fine lines and wrinkles, while firming your skin and defining your features. It improves muscle tone, reduces puffiness, increases cellular activity, and tightens pores. For most people
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