5 Beauty Experts Share Their Secrets For Flawless, Glowing Skin

From sworn-by homemade concoctions to potent, dermatologically-approved formulas, if you'd ask a million people how to get glowing skin, you'd get a million answers. Is there really any *one* way to achieve a lit-from-within-glow? Perhaps not. We all possess different skin types, textures and struggle with a multitude of skin ailments—acne, rosacea, and eczema being the most common—hence, every person's quest for glowing skin will be different too.

That said, your best bet to achieve flawless, radiant skin would be through consistent skincare, coupled with the application of products suited to your skin's constitution. To offer some guidance in this domain, Cosmo reached out to some of India's renowned dermatologists and beauty brands that spill their secrets to glowing skin. From holy grail skincare ingredients to a basic 3-step routine, take note. 

 

Dr Jaishree Sharad, a Mumbai-based Celebrity Dermatologist

 

"Personally, there isn't just one secret to glowing skin for me. Instead, it's a harmony between balancing skincare with a healthy lifestyle. I make sure that I eat healthily, straying away from sugar, dairy, junk food, and refined flour. Plus, I ensure that I drink at least 3 litres of water a day. Neither do I smoke or drink alcohol. I also make it a point to work out thrice a week and meditate every morning."

"To let you into my daily skincare routine, it comprises of the following products: In the morning, I begin cleansing with the Uriage Creme Lavante cleansing cream. Then, I apply the Sesderma C Vit serum, followed by the Isdin Fotoprotector Fusion Water sunscreen. At night, I cleanse once again to get rid of the day's dirt and grime. I then apply the eye serum from ZO Skin Health's, retinol (thrice a week), and EVENSWISS' regenerating plasma cream on the other nights." 

 

Takuya Wada, Bioré India, Health & Beauty Care Department, Kao Corporation

 

"Sunscreen should be the holy grail ingredient in your daily routine. Since the harmful UV rays are emitted all year round—not just on sunny days—it helps protect the skin, keeping it glowy and youthful. It is also very important that you cleanse your skin at the end of the day since it'll be coated with makeup, sebum, and dirt. Using a makeup remover that is not suited to your skin type, along with harsh scrubbing, may end up doing more bad than good. Choose a makeup remover that suits your skin type and is gentle on the skin. Following a few such daily habits can go a long way in determining the health of your skin."

 

Dr Kiran Sethi Lohia, a Delhi-based Integrative Aesthetic and Wellness Expert

 

"I make sure that I don't over-cleanse my face and also avoid foam-based products. The more moist my skin is, the healthier it is, and the more it shines! So, ensure that you avoid harsh cleansers and face washes. Besides, did you know that the sun is responsible for 70 per cent of extrinsic ageing and a lot of pigmentation as well? I apply a sunblock no matter what—both indoors and outdoors. Pick a mineral-based one that protects against blue light as well as overhead lights. I also use a retinoid (adapalene, at the moment) every night. It prevents acne and helps keep signs of premature ageing at bay while making the skin look and feel fresh. Don't forget to moisturise! The more hydrated your skin is, the younger it will be."

"Apart from basic skincare, I often indulge in skin therapies and treatments such as Profhilo for skin-boosting—it improves collagen and elastin and creates deep hydration, making my skin supple. I also undergo micro-needling to boost baby collagen, sometimes combining it with PRP for anti-ageing. Lastly, I invest in laser treatments such as Clearlift 4D and AFT for skin brightening, pores/lines/texture improvement, and rosacea." 

 

Dr Rinky Kapoor, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics & Fortis Hospitals

 

"It's not just about using the right product, several factors contribute to skin health and glow. Add healthy and wholesome foods such as nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to your diet. Fix your eating schedule and avoid late-night binging as far as possible. Plus, NEVER skip the water. Ensure you get at least 6-7 hours of sleep daily. Being early to bed and early to rise will make your skin glow! Embrace exercise as a religion and get up moving—exercise relaxes your skin, keeps wrinkles at bay, and reduces acne and dullness. When bathing, maintain the water temperature to room temperature and moisturise your skin after. Every day, wash and lightly exfoliate your skin. Follow the CTMS rule (cleanse, tone, moisturise, and sunscreen) during the day and at night cleanse, tone, apply an antioxidant serum or a retinol-based anti-ageing product, followed by a night cream." 

 

Arzoo S Kumar, Skincare Expert, Re'equil

 

"Face cleansing is the most crucial step in a skincare routine. It helps cleanse the impurities, dirt, debris, and makeup residue from your skin. However, evaluating your skin type before investing in a face cleanser can save your skin from unexpected skin woes such as dryness, excessive oiliness, and the dreaded breakouts! For instance, an oil control face wash with anti-acne ingredients is best-suited to acne-prone skin. On the other hand, a face cleanser with moisturising properties is ideal for dry skin. The secret lies in finding the right set of products for your skin."