Your sched is maxed out thanks to all those last-minute parties and late nights, but your complexion doesn’t need to reflect it. With a few hacks from the pros and some product know-how, you can refresh your face so it looks rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
Start your morning by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. If your skin is oily or prone to acne, choose a cleanser that’s gentle yet effective, like a foaming formula with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use a cream-based cleanser that has nourishing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. “Avoid drying cleansers with alcohol,” says Shainhouse, as they can strip your natural oils and cause irritation.
Then, follow up with a lightweight moisturizer that’s a perfect fit for your skin type. If you have oily skin, a gel formula with mattifying ingredients and SPF is ideal; if you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing lotion packed with hydrating ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and botanical oils.
Hydration is crucial to a glowing, refreshed complexion—and that means drinking plenty of water. “It helps keep the skin plump, hydrated and healthy, so it looks supple and radiant,” says dermatologist Hadley King.
You can also boost hydration with regular exfoliation to help prevent clogged pores and uneven skin, but be careful with physical exfoliators (like face scrubs) and chemical ones (like peels). If you’re looking for a non-irritating way to refresh your complexion, try a microdermabrasion treatment or a mild laser therapy that won’t hurt.