No matter who you are or the type of skin you have, having radiant, glowing skin is a goal most of us want. Achieving this requires a solid foundation built on the right skincare routine, supported by additional lifestyle habits for long-term success.

From investing in the right moisturizer to perfectly suit your skin needs to supporting your skin barrier and promoting healthy collagen production through retinols and supplements like Vida Glow liquid collagen, your skincare goals are more achievable than you may think

Find the Perfect Moisturizer

Proper, balanced hydration is the building block of healthy, glowing skin. The trick is finding the optimal space where your skin’s moisture levels and natural oils are perfectly balanced, allowing your skin to look and feel its best.

Your skin naturally produces oils to maintain a protective barrier and prevent moisture from escaping. This oil, known as sebum, is critical for skin health. However, various influences, such as lifestyle choices, genetics, and environmental conditions, can affect sebum production.

A good-quality moisturizer can support healthy skin by preventing over-drying, which can occur due to certain conditions or aggressive cleansing routines, leaving skin feeling tight, dry, and flaky.

Alternatively, some people have oilier skin due to excessive sebum production. The right moisturizer can help to combat and control excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural, protective oils, reducing a greasy appearance.

High-Quality Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most important bodyguard for skin health, and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays should be a non-negotiable for everyone. UV rays from the sun are emitted in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the main culprit for premature skin aging. They penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, disrupting collagen production and elastin, the two proteins responsible for keeping skin looking youthful and firm.

Sun protection is necessary year-round, as UV rays are always present, regardless of the weather outside. Unlike UVB rays, which cause noticeable sunburn, UVA rays work silently beneath the surface, causing long-term repercussions. To support and maintain your skin's health, invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it daily as part of your morning skin routine to provide a consistent protective barrier against sun damage.

Prioritize Sleep

A great night’s sleep isn't just about feeling rested the next morning; it is a critical part of maintaining healthy skin and general wellness. As you sleep, especially during REM sleep, your body starts to work, as does your skin.

While you sleep, your skin cells rapidly regenerate, a process vital for replacing damaged and broken cells with brand-new ones. Natural collagen production in the body also peaks at night, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, while sleeping, your body detoxifies and removes harmful waste products from your skin, helping to maintain clarity and mitigate unwanted blemishes.

Explore Retinols

Retinol and retinoids are well-documented, scientifically backed skincare ingredients that are traditionally used to target visible signs of aging by stimulating collagen production. With regular use, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, and promote a glowing complexion.

Before starting retinol, it is imperative to consult your dermatologist to determine which product will benefit you most and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. If overused, retinol can cause your skin to become irritated, so it is best to start slowly with lower concentrations as your skin becomes accustomed to it.

Vitamin C Serum

In your quest for glowing, radiant skin, a vitamin C serum can be a powerful ally. Multiple studies show that products containing vitamin C can help brighten the skin, improve the appearance of discoloration, and promote a glowing complexion.

While there are multiple ways to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine, most experts recommend a vitamin C serum, which often contains additional ingredients like vitamin E and salicylic acid to further enhance your skin’s radiance.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells that may build up on the surface, often leaving your complexion looking dull, flaky, and uneven. Exfoliating can also help address specific skin concerns such as discoloration, breakouts, and clogged pores. However, it is important to select a gentle exfoliant to use occasionally, as over-exfoliation can quickly lead to irritation and dryness.

Both chemical and physical exfoliants have their own unique advantages, but gentle chemical exfoliants tend to offer better results. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid. A mild formula containing these special ingredients will help resurface the skin while removing dirt, oil, and other impurities.

Invest in Your Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier is the protective shield that guards you against harsh environmental factors you encounter each day. It is crucial to consider the various skincare products that will help to support this invaluable defense. This protective barrier, often called the lipid barrier or stratum corneum, consists of several essential components.

These components include ceramides, which help to seal in moisture, prevent water loss and protect against enviromental irritants, cholesterol, a necessary factor of maintaining the structural integrity and function of skin, fatty acids, like linoleic acid, which are vital for supporting flexibility and the integrity of the skin barrier, and natural moisturizing factors like urea and amino acids that help to attract and retain water, promoting skin hydration.