By Natayle Henry
It’s seen every day on television, in magazines, and social media–perfect, radiant skin. While there are some elements of photo retouching, exceptional makeup artists and (I’m sure for some) great genes; achieving a healthy, dewy glow is attainable to more than the celebrities gracing our screens, the rich and fabulous and the genetically lucky. The quest to achieve the perfect , radiant glow starts here.
The Basics
While these three elements seem commonsensical, they are often the most ignored–getting plenty of sleep, water and eating well. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez Psy. D, Colombia University Professor and Founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services in New York City, if you aren’t getting the proper amount of sleep “it’s common to see deeper lines around the middle of the eyes, forehead, under eye area and mouth.” Wind-down in the evening about an hour or so before bed. Do some breathing exercises and turn off all electronics. If you still can’t get your brain to “shut down,” try a supplement with melatonin like Beauty Sleep from Vitafusion. These tasty gummies are packed with melatonin and vitamin D to support sleep and help you to wake up refreshed.
Stay hydrated by starting your day drinking a glass of lemon water to detoxify your system and continue to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. It is no secret that drinking plenty of water and eating the proper foods not only aids in feeling good and keeping your body in good health. But, don’t underestimate what those two things can do for your skin. According to Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. ,board certified in family and anti-aging medicine, “beauty really does come from within.” To help get, keep and maintain that radiant glow, eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants like sweet potatoes, kale, edamame and oysters. If you’re falling short on your vitamins and antioxidants, take a supplement rich in both like Thrive by Le-Vel. Packed with antioxidants like green tea and vitamins galore, these vitamins aid in providing your body with what it needs while supplying you with exceptional energy throughout the day.
The Perfect Foundation
A chemical peel in a class by itself, The Perfect Derma Peel is like pressing the reset button for your skin. Great for all skin types and ethnicities, this peel aids in combating hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and dull skin. Results can be seen after just 1 treatment and a series of 2-4 are recommended depending on your needs. Unlike some other peels, skin continues to get better over time. An absolute MUST if gorgeous skin is your goal! **(Check back for a full article on this amazing peel)!**
Heal and Repair
Whether following an intensive peel like the Perfect Derma Peel or beginning a regimen to combat ailments like roseacea, acne scarring or dry/dehydrated skin, the Intensive Repair Balm by Tammy Fender delivers key healing ingredients like chamomile and helichrysum to skin to aid in repairing sensitive skin. By stimulating new cell growth and delivering high doses of moisture, skin is left nourished, supple and brighter.
Treat and Maintain
For healthy, bright skin using a gentle , purifying cleanser like Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser is imperative. Packed with natural ingredients like Apricot Seed Powder which gently exfoliates the skin and willow bark which fights breakouts and reduces redness as well as inflammation, skin is left clean, nourished, soft and hydrated. Following your cleanser, try a serum that is specific to your skin’s needs like Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum for anti-aging radiance or for skin clearing and brightening,InstaNaturals Age-defying and Skin Clearing Serum.
Boost of Moisture
Following your serum, use a moisturizer to replenish moisture and seal in nutrients. For a lightweight, but thoroughly moisturizing cream, try Oleosomes Time Release Delivery Crème by Odacite. It delivers a steady dose of hydration and actives throughout the day feeding your skin what it needs. Need a bit of a boost? Add the Odacite Gt + L serum for a boost of antioxidants that restores radiance and skin luminescence. Another great use for this serum is adding it to your foundation for an exceptional, dewy glow. Trust me, the compliments will be in abundance when doing this. You’re welcome. 
The Finishing Touch
A face primer made with honey? Sounds sticky and possibly a little strange, but it’s absolutely heavenly! Touch in Sol ‘s Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base primer creates a great base for a smooth makeup application while boosting radiance. With the addition of hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen, moisture is retained and radiance is not in short supply.
Lastly, the one thing you shouldn’t leave home without…sunscreen! Whether you live in sunny California or in the Arctic, sunscreen is a must everyday! “Sunscreen is not only protecting your skin, it’s just good skin health. It’s going to keep your skin from aging,” says certified aesthetician Abby Horn of Lux Med Spa in Atlanta. “Sun damage breaks down the collagen and elastin and ages us.” To protect your skin from sun damage (i.e. dark spots/hyperpigmentation and wrinkles) try using a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays like the Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen by SkinMedica.
Goodnight and Good Glow
For the evening, follow your morning routine but replace your primer and sunscreen with a nourishing treatment like Tsubaki Beauty Oil by Boscia. An excellent source of fatty acids and omega 3, this lightweight oil prevents premature signs of aging by defending the skin against free radical damage. Japanese sea kelp repairs past damage by replenishing protein and helps support the body’s natural collagen production. The restorative properties of rice bran oil, leaves the skin luminous and fabulous!
-NH
