If you want glowy skin, then you’ll want to take note of these derm-approved tricks, tips, products, and treatments that deliver results like no other.

If there’s one look that never goes out of style, it’s glowing skin. New names may emerge for it (see: glass skin, Jello skin, glazed donut skin) but the end goal remains the same. A glowing complexion is often taken as a symptom of happiness, or even a sign of someone in love. But the truth is, the right skin care routine can make it a reality.

Glowing skin is the epitome of healthy skin, and how you care for your skin reflects in its radiance. Yet, skin can turn dull when stress, environmental damage, a poor routine, and using the wrong skin care products get in the way. “We have evolved to perceive glowing, healthy skin as a surrogate for good health and balanced hormones,” says Dr. Mraz. “Focusing on good internal health and skin care is the prerequisite for maintaining glowy skin. Habits, which is what a skin care routine is, make the skin what it is.”

To find out the best ways to get glowy skin, keep scrolling for the best dermatologist-recommended tips.

Meet the expert

• Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Serena Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Kenneth Mark, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a nonnegotiable and the ultimate weapon for keeping skin healthy. “Wearing sunscreen is the best advice I can give to anyone who wants their skin to glow,” says Dr. Mark. SPF guards the skin against unnecessary UV damage and premature aging while maintaining a healthy skin tone. “Sun damage also makes the skin blotchy and pigmented, and it can cause precancerous growths,” he adds. Some formulas leave behind a dewy, luminescent finish that creates an illuminated look, almost like you are wearing a highlighter (even if you aren’t). Find our editors’ favorites here.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Don't underestimate the power that quality sleep has on your skin. Dr. Mraz says the body "takes out the trash when we sleep." In other words, the time you spend sleeping is when the real skin reparative work happens. "There is no way to sustain glowy, healthy skin for the long term without good lifestyle habits, including adequate sleep."

Stay Hydrated

When skin is dry and dull, it’s nearly impossible to boast a healthy glow, so it’s crucial to hydrate it. “Moisturizers keep the skin firm while improving its barrier function to avoid microscopic cracks in the epidermis, which would facilitate transepidermal water loss,” Dr. Mark shares. They also lock in hydration, give a mild plumping effect, and give the appearance of glass skin. Dr. Mraz adds that some moisturizers also encourage fibroblast activity within the skin to increase the natural production of hyaluronic acid for increased hydration levels.

Follow a Consistent Skin Care Routine

Glowy skin doesn't happen overnight but rather from following a well-rounded, consistent skin care routine. Skipping one day or night here and there won't be detrimental to your glow, but if you go too long without treating your skin with the proper ingredients, it can show. In the quest for healthy, hydrated skin, stick with products that work and avoid anything harsh or irritating. Although some skin care products may give an instant glow, Dr. Garshick reiterates the importance of following a routine to maintain it.

Watch What You Eat

“A healthy diet based on plant-based and fermented foods, void of processed foods, is a cornerstone to achieving and maintaining dewy, clear skin,” says Dr. Mraz. “Plant sources are rich in phytonutrients to clean up free radicals and senescent cells, and some, such as soybeans and lentils, boost the skin’s glowy appearance. Some studies also show the benefits of keystone gut microbes to improving the skin’s glow.”

The skin is our largest organ, and when processed, high-fat, sugary, or inflammatory foods fuel the body, it reflects how the skin looks. Following a proper diet chock full of lean protein, healthy fats, leafy green vegetables, and antioxidant-rich fruits is the best way to get glowy skin naturally. It can also help limit excess oil production, redness, rosacea, acne, and a weathered look.

Exfoliate Often

Dead skin cell buildup on the skin's surface is the leading cause of dull-looking skin. When the skin is marred with dead skin cells and clogged pores, it can't correctly reflect light, dulling your glow. That's where a good exfoliator comes into play. "They remove dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin and reduce dullness," shares Dr. Garshick. "Exfoliators also improve the skin's overall texture and tone while promoting better absorption of skin care products."

You don’t have to use traditional exfoliating scrubs to refresh your skin, particularly if they’re too harsh. “Instead, use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, a type of exfoliating acid, like TWiiSH Peachy Clean, which will help reduce dullness and congestion while improving skin radiance,” Dr. Garshick adds. “Or, exfoliating pads like First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads also work. They contain a combination of lactic and glycolic acids, are easy to use, and leave the skin looking and feeling soft, smooth, and bright.”

Work in a Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a key ingredient to incorporate into your skin care routine if you’re after clear, dewy, plump skin that shows no signs of discoloration or sun damage. As Dr. Mark explains, the vitamin, which doubles as a potent antioxidant and cofactor for collagen synthesis, works to even out the skin’s overall tone while protecting against environmental damage. It also has anti-wrinkle and anti-redness properties. “Vitamin C is a mild acid which contributes to mild exfoliation for a brighter appearance and more glowy skin,” Dr. Mraz adds. (See the best vitamin C serums here.)

Add Retinol to Your Routine

You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn’t sing the praises of retinol, a.k.a. vitamin A, especially when creating smooth skin with a lit-from-within glow. Today, more people know the benefits of retinol, like improved tone, texture, and collagen production, than ever before. Dr. Mark suggests making it a staple in your nighttime routine. “Retinoids are the number one scientifically proven way to stimulate collagen and minimize wrinkles.” But if they are too harsh for your skin, he recommends peptides as an alternative. “They offer far less irritation than a retinoid does.”

Apply Hyaluronic Acid

One of the best glow-inducing skin care ingredients you can use is hyaluronic acid. As Dr. Mraz explains, it’s important to keep skin cells that produce natural hyaluronic acid active while keeping the skin’s senescent cells (AKA “zombie cells”) from forming if achieving glowy skin is top of mind. Since hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it draws moisture into the skin, plumping it and giving it a dewy finish that isn’t the least bit oily. Try working in a hyaluronic acid serum, like one of these 14 editor-approved picks.

Spray on a Skin Care Mist

Skin mists are all the rage now, and for good reason. They’re a quick and easy way to add moisture directly to the skin, leaving it with a hint of natural illumination. Dr. Mraz adds that you can also lock in the hydrating benefits of a skin mist with additional skin care products.

Get an Instant Glow with Glow Drops

Glow drops give an instant glow to the skin thanks to specific radiance-boosting ingredients. “They usually contain humectants, which help the skin attract and hold onto moisture,” says Dr. Mraz. “They can also include anything from hyaluronic acid and amino acids to B vitamins and niacinamide.” Makeup artists swear by these 14 picks.

Invest in In-Office Treatments

Even if you are diligent about taking care of your skin at home, there’s no discounting the fact that professional treatments, like chemical peels, lasers, and regular facials, can significantly boost your skin’s glow factor and make a difference.

As Dr. Garshick explains, chemical peels use acids to exfoliate different layers of the skin, helping to reduce dullness; resurfacing lasers smooth out texture and tone; IPL, a light-based device, targets uneven tone and discoloration to leave the skin glowing; and LED light therapy stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, promoting a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Other popular glow-inducing treatments include radiofrequency microneedling, HydraFacials, DiamondGlow, and injectables like Skinvive.

Layer on a Makeup Primer

Believe it or not, the right primer, especially if it is chock-full of good-for-your-skin ingredients, can make all the difference between a dull complexion and one that’s dewy and hydrated. Dr. Garshick likes YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer, which she says brightens the skin and leaves it glowy while protecting it from UV damage thanks to SPF 30. “In addition to niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and spirulina maxima extract, which helps to fight against blue light, the light-scattering microspheres give the skin a soft natural glow.” Or, try one of these 14 primers that testers love.