How to Stop Looking Tired | Get Clear and Glowing Skin

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For years, one thing I have struggled with is looking tired – even when I am not. I have had coworkers say “awe, you look so tired today”, friends comment on it, and family members encourage me to get more sleep. But the fact is, I stick to a healthy sleep schedule, and even when I wasn’t tired – I looked tired.

That all changed though when I began changing a few things in my life: products, diet, and healthy routines. So, if you’re like me and are being bombarded with “awe, you look so tired today” when you’re not – read on!

Growing up, I never really wore makeup. My mom was quite strict about it, and even to this day will comment on my makeup if she notices I’ve gone for a more “glam” look. She always wanted to keep my skin as fresh and makeup-free as possible. And honestly, I never minded it. I had really clear and easy to care for skin growing up. While my skin was sensitive to products, I never had issues with acne. Maybe the odd case of dry skin thanks to my hypothyroidism – but that was really it.

So when I got into my 20s and began having earlier mornings for work and later nights for socializing, I started to really notice that my skin was changing. It wasn’t as easy anymore, and it began to look more dull and tired. Even when I got a solid 8 hours of sleep, my skin wouldn’t have that natural glow it once had without any effort or care. On my 25th birthday, I decided that enough was enough and it was time to focus on skincare to take back that glowy complexion I once had.

So let’s fast forward to today. Sure, I have some circles and my complexion isn’t perfect – but, I feel pretty confident going out without any makeup on. While I fully believe and wish we all felt confident going out without makeup on, I know many of us are shy about leaving the house sans-makeup because we are insecure about the natural state of our skin. I’ve heard so many friends and family members (and myself included) say their skin was too dull, patchy, or ruddy to leave the house without a stitch of makeup on. Today though, I am going to share with you a few things that have helped me get to a place where I feel more confident and happy with my glowing skin, and maybe it could help you too!

How to Stop Looking Tired and Have Glowing Skin

Get Vibrant & Glowing Skin

 Exfoliate and Cleanse Regularly

Exfoliation is such an important part of your skin care routine. Exfoliating your skin helps reduce the size of pores, and helps encourage an overall smoother looking appearance to your skin. By getting rid of dry skin, you’ll also find that your skin looks brighter, more vibrant, and glowing.

I exfoliate my skin approximately twice weekly to keep my skin feeling clean and looking healthy. For the last few months, I have been using my Clarisonic Deep Pore Mia 2 skincare device and it’s really stepped up my skincare game. I always have struggled with dry skin (especially around my nose) and this device has really helped me get rid of that dryness to get smoother looking skin, and I feel like getting rid of that extra layer really helps make my moisturizer work better.

Always Follow Up with a Light Moisturizer

Exfoliating your skin can dry it out, so you always want to follow up with a light moisturizer. I have tried out a lot of moisturizers in the last few months/years, and I’ve noticed the heavier one always leaves my skin feeling sticky, and they can cause acne. That’s why I go for lighter moisturizers. I can use it more frequently and keep my skin feeling moisturized without the worry of blemishes popping up. The two I’ve been using lately are Josie Maran Light Oil, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, and Vichy Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care.

Use an Eye cream at Night…AND in the Morning

When I first began taking care of my skin, I used eye cream only at night. I thought that I was doing all I could do skincare-wise to help improve the look of my eyes. Then a friend of mine let me in on a secret: apply your eye cream in the AM as well. This helps to brighten your eyes, and also helps your concealer apply smoother if you choose to wear it. The two eye creams I use are Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream and Vichy Laboratoires Aqualia Thermale Awakening Eye Balm.

Bring the Spa Home with at Home Laser Treatments

If you’ve been following my blog for the last few weeks than you likely saw that I’ve been using the Silk’n FX Face and Silk’n Blue at home skincare devices. The Silk’n FX Face smooths fine lines and wrinkles, while the Silk’n Blue combats acne. These have helped my skin look smoother and clearer, and they give you that “spa” feeling right in the comfort of your home.

Seek Out Products Which Encourage “Glowing” Skin

Glowing skin equals awake, healthy, and vibrant looking skin. That’s why I always try to seek out skincare products as well as makeup products that specifically say they will help achieve glowing looking skin. One moisturizer that I’ve just begun testing out is the Glam Glow Mega Illuminating Moisturizer. I haven’t used it much, but I have noticed it does add a beautiful glow to my skin.

Bye Bye Blemishes

In addition to using my Silk’n Blue skincare device to battle blemishes, I’ve also been using the Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Acne Treatment Serum. These two together have helped me achieve super clear and flawless looking skin. For a while, I was going through some really frustrating skin issues due to my thyroid being out of whack, but now that my medication is corrected and I have these products my skin is back to being clear and easy.

Use a Self-Tanner

During the summer, I love that touch of colour I get from being out in the sun. I never really “tan”, but I get a bit of a summertime glow, and I love it. During the winter though, my skin takes a more pale and sallow look to it – which, I am not a fan of at all. This year is the first year that I’ve kept up on using a self-tanner to maintain that healthy summertime glow year-round, and it’s been a real game changer. My skin looks healthier, more vibrant, and glowing. If you miss your summertime glow, then I suggest you try out a self-tanner – it makes a world of difference! I typically use Jergen’s Natural Glow Self-Tanner.

Exercise More, and Eat Healthier

I recently mentioned on Instagram that during the month of December, my workout schedule was all over the place. I was trying to maintain my usual workout, but it seemed really difficult to keep up my usual fitness schedule with so many festivities going on. Now that I am back on track, I am feeling much healthier and noticing a huge improvement in my skin.

In addition, December is a month full of food and cocktails – and that can really take a toll on your skin. Or at least, it really takes a toll on mine. Now that I am back to eating healthier and drinking less, my skin looks much healthier.

Drink a Litre of Water When You Wake Up

Hydration is so important. I’ve always been a bit of a water nut, but in the last few years I’ve stepped up my hydration game. I’ve always drank 3+ litres of water a day, but now I try to add on an extra litre by sipping it back quickly when I first wake up. This is not only great for your skin, it’s actually great for your digestion, too. So when you’re taking those extra sips of water just know that you’re adding that extra bit of hydration into your skin, and helping out your stomach.

Take More Naps

When I was a kid, I hated taking naps. Now, I can’t get enough of them. I love taking a quick cat-nap in the afternoon, and then getting back to work feeling revived and motivated. I typically wake up early, so getting up to work in the AM, and taking a quick nap in the afternoon helps me feel energized and active-minded to take on all my tasks. It also helps keep my skin looking awake and healthy.

What are your TOP skincare tips to get a glowing skin? Share them in the comments section!