Six Ways to a Brighter and More Luminous Face

Is your complexion dull? Are you having puffy and tired eyes? Here are six ways to a brighter and more luminous face.

Counter the Irritation

Allergies, crying and pollution can make your eyes feel dry and look sore or swollen.  Look for an eye product with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as cucumber, water lily and huang-qin (baikal scullcap), a grass traditionally used in Chinese medicine to reduce the sensation of inflammation. For a quick pick-me-up at home, place teabags soaked in cool water on closed lids for 15 minutes. The tannic acid constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation. And remember to remove all makeup before bed – sleeping in mascara, eyeshadow and liner can irritate peepers.

The tannic acid in teabags reduces inflammation

Healthy Diet

Get on a healthy diet that’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, like those in salmon. Blueberries and nuts have antioxidants which fight harmful free radicals. And pass on the sugar and salt. Processed sugar can reduce skin elasticity, while too much salt leads to water retention, making the face look bloated. Ease up on those after-office cocktails too – alcohol dehydrates skin and leaves it looking dull. Drink lots of water instead.

Blueberries and nuts are great antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals 

Mask Your Way to Brighter Skin

A soothing mask that brightens and softens will help to calm tired complexions. Go for a mask that helps to speed up cell renewal, contains chestnut extract to get rid of dead skin cells, huang-qin to soothe and marshmallow extract to soften.

Get Enough Sleep

Too many late nights can leave your face and eyes looking haggard. Not enough sleep also stresses the body out and hinders skin’s protective ability, leading to conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis (an inflammatory skin condition). Get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. To relieve swelling in the face and eyes, try sleeping with your head elevated on an extra pillow or two to improve circulation.

Sunscreen is a Must

The sun’s harsh UV rays are a no-no if you want to maintain skin that’s free of pigmentation. You should be wearing a sun-block everyday, on top of your moisturiser. Look for sunscreens that guard against both UVA and UVB rays, and have zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Mexoryl SX. These not only protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays but also brighten and soothe the skin, improve elasticity and fight free radicals.

Treat Your Eyes

Dark circles and dry skin can make the eye area look tired. Try a decongesting and hydrating mask to soothe and improve microcirculation. A gentle lymphatic massage around the eye area can also help to reduce any swelling or puffiness. Lightly press your ring finger along the eye socket, starting from the inner corner and to the temple for both your upper and lower eyelids. Move down every centimeter and hold for three seconds. Repeat. This exercise helps to boost circulation and stimulate drainage.