How to brighten skin for a radiant complexion, according to experts
Say goodbye to dull skin.
“How to brighten skin” is one of the most frequently searched skincare dilemmas, it's also one of the most common. That's because there's a whole ream of reasons your skin could be lacking glow. Likewise, coaxing that elusive mega-watt radiance out of your complexion isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
In practice, figuring out how to brighten skin calls for a multi-faceted approach, balancing powerful skincare ingredients, sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, in-office dermatology treatments (if you're able), and most importantly, patience. Whether you have dull skin, sun spots, uneven skin tone, dark spots from melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – or you just want to boost your complexion – using products to brighten skin can help ensure skin stays looking healthy.
The skin-brighteners we love
What could be causing dullness?
Several factors can lead to less glow than you'd like. “Dull skin can be caused by dehydration, a buildup of dead skin cells, lack of sleep, or environmental stressors like pollution,” says celebrity facialist Sarah Akram. Lifestyle majorly affects your skin: Even things like a poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking can kill radiance, says Rachel Wilson, product development manager and aesthetician at Burke Williams Spa. Of course, age factors in as well. “As we age, the cell turnover rate slows down,” Wilson says.
How to brighten skin
Here’s the good news: There are plenty of ways to get that lit-from-within radiance back. “When it comes to brightening the skin, I look for ingredients that help even out tone, fade discolouration, and support healthy cell turnover,” says Akram. Ahead, with the help of aestheticians and dermatologists, we break down the 11 best (and easy) ways to brighten skin.
1. Keep it gentle
Before you get-going with an all-guns-blazing skincare routine, take a step back. “There's a tendency, when brighter skin is the goal, to reach for aggressive acids, peels, or potent concentrations that promise instant results,” warns Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer and founder of Medik8. “But when it comes to skincare, a ‘low and slow’ approach almost always wins. Overdoing it risks compromising the skin barrier, leading to inflammation, redness, and sensitivity – the opposite of the bright, glowing skin you're after," he adds.
2. Embrace vitamin C.
Vitamin C is considered one of the gold standard ingredients in any brightening skin care routine. “Vitamin C is one of the most effective options because it helps fade dark spots, boosts radiance, and protects against environmental damage,” says Akram. “It's the skincare ingredient most associated with brightening,” agrees Isaacs. “It fights free radicals and provides daily antioxidant protection, defending skin from environmental stress and premature ageing. It also supports natural collagen production for smoother-looking skin and fewer visible fine lines,” he adds.
Vitamin C usually comes in serum or moisturiser form (though you can also buy vitamin C cleansers and oils) and should be used in the morning to maximise its protection against environmental damage during the day. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that also helps to protect the skin from developing further spots,” says Wilson. For some tried and tested favourites, we love the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced serum which delivers 20% stabilised vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic and plant exosomes to encapsulate the vitamin C so it's as powerful, but gentle as possible. We also highly rate the La Roche Posay Vitamin C12 Serum, which is loaded with 12% pure vitamin C to brighten and protect, while salicylic acid smooths texture and neurosensine helps calm the skin.
3. Exfoliate consistently.
A lack of exfoliation can be one of the main causes of dull skin, explains David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist. Though the skin naturally exfoliates itself, the process slows down over time and as we age, which is what causes dead-skin-cell buildup and, in turn, dull skin. “Exfoliating with AHAs like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid once a week can really help,” says Dr. Kim.
4. Don’t skip moisturiser.
Dehydration – both inside and out – seriously contributes to dry, dull skin. Making sure to moisturise morning and night will combat this. What's more, “a gentle moisturiser that doesn’t clog your pores is important,” says Dr. Kim.
5. Always wear SPF.
Even on a cloudy day (yes, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds), wearing face sunscreen is essential to keeping your skin looking healthy short-term and long-term. “Over-sunning can lead to skin pigmentation and premature damage to collagen and elastin,” says Wilson, so avoiding getting sunburned or overly tanned is one of the easiest ways to keep skin looking bright. “Sunscreen is crucial to prevent UV damage,” says Dr. Kim. Whether you use mineral sunscreen, such as zinc oxide, or chemical UV filters, ensure it’s at least SPF 30, recommends Wilson. And don’t forget to reapply.
6. Consider pro treatments.
Sometimes your skin needs a little extra push via an aesthetician’s professional-style facial. Says Akram, “Professional treatments that brighten the skin usually focus on exfoliation, stimulating cell turnover, and targeting pigmentation,” all of which will brighten your complexion ASAP.
How often should you opt for a pro-level treatment? In an ideal world, you'd “visit an aesthetician at least once every four to six weeks for a professional exfoliation,” says Wilson. Make sure to tell your facial specialist that your skin isn’t glowing so they can tailor your treatment for best results.
There are plenty of professional treatments to choose from. First up, chemical peels. “Chemical peels are a popular choice because they gently remove dead skin cells and reveal fresher, more radiant skin underneath,” says Akram. Professional peels use ingredients such as lactic acid and enzymes to help lighten pigmentation, says Wilson.
7. Make time for massages.
It’s not all about ingredients and treatments. Taking time to massage the face using gua shas, face rollers, jade rollers or ice rollers will actually promote your glow. “At-home treatments like gua sha can improve blood flow in the face,” says Wilson.
If you have acne flareups, this could be extra beneficial for you: “Fresh, oxygenated blood can kill the P. acnes bacteria, making way for a healthier glow month after month,” she says.
8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What you do outside of your skincare routine is just as important when it comes to brightening your skin. “Keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential,” says Dr. Kim, who recommends routine exercise and keeping a balanced diet.
Plus, it gives multiple benefits: “Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine not only improves luminosity in your skin but also improves sleep, decreases stress, and promotes overall health and well-being,” says Wilson.
Consider decreasing your alcohol intake, skipping the cigarettes, getting sufficient sleep, and eating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients and food groups, and watch your skin get its glow back over time.