So what is the state of brighter skin now? What advice and science-backed lessons should we follow in our quest for a more vibrant complexion? Oh, I'm so glad you asked. 

Typically, I like to start these things with a definition. Of course, there are no defined outlines for bright skin. A scientist can't look under the microscope at a skin cell and deem it "bright." Nor can a dermatologist look at a complexion, check a few boxes, and declare the skin to be "bright." It's a subjective description that most in the beauty space associate with an overall aura of health and well-being. If all of this sounds vague, it's because radiance is a hard concept to put into tangible terms. But after spending several years as a beauty editor, interviewing countless experts, here are the qualities I hear most commonly associated with bright skin: 

Glowing skin can come naturally, be improved upon with skin care, and be mimicked with makeup—no matter how it's achieved, you know it when you see it. 

Even the most diligent skin care devotees can have habits that may be working against them. Here, common skin care practices that may be reducing your skin brightness:

Let's get into what you can actually do to better support your precious skin cells:

There are so many ingredients that can aid in your brightening journey. Each has its own unique set of qualities that can make them better or worse for different skin types. It's important to find the right options for you. How you use these ingredients is up to your routine preferences—be it in a wash, serum, mask, cream, or so on. (Need help finding one? We love these glow-inducing products.) 

Additionally, avoid all bleaching or lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone. These often get lumped into the same category as brightening products, but they are not the same and shouldn't be treated as such. Brightening is about a quality and a glow, whereas bleaching products are about physically lightening skin tones.

Then, of course, there's the question of how often. "The most important tip is that 'less is more.' You want to exfoliate just enough to increase cell turnover and reveal fresh new skin," says Ife Rodney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology. We recommend starting low and slow and building up from there, but usually no more than three times a week. And I must note: Some people can't tolerate any exfoliating. (Looking at you, friends with extra sensitive skin.) If that's you, don't feel pressure to grab a scrub in the search for brighter skin—just stick to the products discussed in the last step.

On the latter part, look for lotions and creams that contain lipids, antioxidants, and biotic ingredients. We love lipids like botanical oils (oat, moringa seed, and jojoba come to mind), as they are full of skin-supporting fatty acids. Antioxidants can help buffer the skin against the effects of environmental stressors and free radicals, two things that seriously dull your shine. Finally, biotic ingredients—like pre-, pro-, and postbiotics—work with your natural microflora to improve epidermal framework, overall skin quality, and hydration. 

Skin care starts from the inside and works its way out. Of course how you treat your skin externally certainly has significant results—and might have a more immediate payoff (say, a sheet mask that instantly boosts hydration or a peel that fades dark spots ASAP). But supporting skin health from the inside has long-term benefits. 

While a robust diet should always be considered the basis, sometimes we need a little help caring for our skin internally. Beauty supplements can help improve overall skin cell health and function via impressive bioactives working together to support your skin's hydration, elasticity, and rejuvenation.* 

And while a bad night's rest and daily frustrations are just part of normal life, we encourage you to set up mental health and sleep hygiene practices to better set you up for success. Check out our best tips to fall asleep here and how to mellow out an active mind here. 

Looking to go above and beyond? You overachiever, you. Here are some extra tips to supercharge brightness: 

While skin brightness takes a holistic approach, a few product recommendations can't hurt, no? Here's what beauty experts can't get enough of. 

There's a reason that people so often use "glow" and “healthy” in the same breath—the two naturally go together. But getting the maximum potential out of your skin is entirely dependent on your skin type—so be sure to listen to your skin as you try out brightening ingredients, exfoliation techniques, and tools. If you want more help, check out our all-time favorite habits for glowing skin.