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If you’ve ever stopped and stared at someone with beautiful, glowing skin, you’ve probably thought: “Wow, they look amazing!” Followed quickly by: “I want that too!” Well, the good news is: You can get glowing skin without makeup. And we can teach you how.
“A surefire way to glow day and night sporting a naked face is to use the right combination of skincare and versatile at-home devices,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist.
Let’s explore all the expert-approved ways to achieve bright, radiant skin without reaching for your makeup bag.
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How To Get Glowing Skin Without Makeup, According to a Dermatologist: 18 Ways
1. Sunscreen Protection
“Sunscreen is one of the most critical steps in maintaining glowing skin, and without a doubt the most effective way to achieve glowing skin,” shares Dr. Marie Jhin, board certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Musely.
She recommends using a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applied every day—even on cloudy days—and reapplying throughout the day if you’re outside. For an added boost, try MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF 50, which provides time-released hydration while leaving skin with a sheer, natural glow or SOL Labs mineral sunscreen which includes astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Related: 7 Reasons To Add Aloe Vera to Your Skincare Over 50, According to Dermatologists
2. Morning Antioxidant Treatments
Serums not only defend against environmental aggressors but also help wake up your skin for that morning glow.
Dr. Shamban recommends starting your day with a serum—she likes Althaea Skin’s Day Serum, a silky, antioxidant-rich formula that supports the skin’s 24-hour cycle.
Our experts also recommend MUTHA’s Hyaluronic Serum, ALASTIN’s HA Immerse Serum, SkinPharm Youth Serum, and OLAY’s Super Serum.
If you’re over 45, All Golden has a line of advanced skincare that’s perfect for achieving radiant skin as you age.
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3. Evening Repair Routines
“In the evening it’s all about rest and repair,” says Dr. Shamban, who recommends using products with mushroom extract, meadowfoam seed oil and peptides.
The nighttime hours are crucial for skin regeneration, making this the perfect time to apply intensive treatments—like MyChelle’s Deep Repair Cream, Augustine Bader’s The Rich Cream, or FutureWise’s Slugging Set—that work while you sleep.
“For at-home care, I recommend starting with a good vitamin C serum—Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is a tried and true option—combined with a BHA peel for exfoliation and a retinol/retinoid at night,” shares Dr. Timothy Tran of Westlake Dermatology in Houston, Texas.
4. Hydration Strategy
Multiple approaches to hydration are key for glowing skin, according to dermatologists—including moisturizers that repair and restore your skin barrier.
Our experts like products like Thursty Skin Hydrating Fluid, which uses five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid combined with nutrient-rich fruit extracts for comprehensive moisture at every skin level.
Other recommended products included Nakery Peptide Surge Intensive Collagen Concentrate, DEINDE Barrier-Building Moisture Cream, Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer, elf Holy Hydration! Face Cream and Joanna Vargas Daily Hydrating Cream.
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5. Natural Oils and Masks
“Regular use of moisturizing masks and high-quality facial oils can intensively nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow,” Orec shares.
She particularly recommends products containing samphira oil, which is rich in antioxidants and helps to soothe and regenerate the skin, serving as a fantastic retinol alternative.
6. Lasers
Our experts like lasers as a way to unearth glowing skin.
“I love [Hollywood Spectra Carbon Laser Peel] because it is quick and has no downtime,” shares Dr. Nicole Lee, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology. With this one, she says patients leave the office with an instant glow that continues to improve over the next week, making it perfect for before a big event.
Dr. Lee also recommends Clear & Brilliant Touch as her “go-to treatment for patients of all ages, from younger individuals seeking preventative care to busy professionals who can’t afford the downtime of traditional treatments.” This versatile treatment effectively addresses various concerns, including photodamage, skin dullness, pigmentation, melasma and acne scarring.
Related: The 20 Best Facial Cleansers for Aging Skin, Tested by Dermatologists and Makeup Artists
7. Injectable Treatments
“New injectable treatments are showing promising results for skin hydration and glow,” says Dr. Tran.
He highlights SkinVive as an innovative option for enhancing skin hydration and achieving a radiant complexion.
8. Chemical Peels
Dr. Jhin explains that chemical peels offer a fantastic way to boost your skin’s natural radiance by deeply exfoliating and encouraging new, healthy skin cell turnover.
While a light peel can refresh your complexion by removing dull, dead skin cells, a medium or deeper peel can target more stubborn issues like hyperpigmentation and fine lines, with prices ranging from $150-500 per session.
9. IV Therapy and Internal Treatments
“Deep hydration and cellular rejuvenation are crucial for achieving glowing skin from the inside out,” explains Hamed Afshari, BSN, RN, and founder/CEO of Dripology.
He recommends specialized IV treatments like their Beauty Drip, which combines Vitamin C and B vitamins, and glutathione, particularly when paired with NAD+ shots for enhanced results.
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10. At-Home Devices
Dr. Shamban recommends devices like the Althaea Skin CᐧAᐧRᐧA Multi-Modal Tool, which combines red/blue/violet light, radio frequency and microcurrent technologies. These technologies work synergistically to promote collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soothe breakout-prone skin, and visibly plump facial contours.
Our experts also like the SolaWave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand & Activating Serum Kit, which delivers combines LED technology with a specialized serum to tackle wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, blemishes and dark spots while depuffing and energizing the skin. QMS Medicosmetics’ DERMA EXPERT LED Light Treatment harnesses clinically tested wavelengths to stimulate collagen and elastin production in just 10-minute sessions, five times weekly, effectively creating glowing skin. There’s also microcurrent technology like the MyoLift Mini Microcurrent Device, which stimulate collagen and smooth skin’s texture and tone. Of course, it’s always smart to consult a dermatologist before starting any treatments.
11. Massage Techniques
“Massages can enhance skin glow by promoting blood circulation and increasing oxygen delivery to skin cells,” explains Senka Orec, esthetician at ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND. She particularly recommends using gua sha stones with rich products to enhance skin radiance, saying that regular use acts like a face gym, supporting the skin’s luminosity.
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12. Prescription-Strength Treatments
“One of the most effective ways to achieve glowing, healthy skin is by incorporating prescription-strength treatments into your routine,” says Dr. Jhin.
These treatments, formulated with potent ingredients like tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and estriol, are clinically proven to improve skin texture, diminish fine lines and brighten the complexion.
13. Plant-Based Solutions
Consider incorporating plant-based products like Phils’ 100% Plant Squalane, which uses single-use seaweed capsules that easily absorb into the skin. Natural active ingredients, such as mullein, support the skin in regenerating itself and provide a fresh, radiant complexion with a luminescent effect that reflects light.
14. Quality Rest
You’ve heard it a million times but that’s because it’s true! Adequate sleep is crucial for skin cell regeneration and repair. During deep sleep, your body produces growth hormones that help repair damaged cells and create new ones, leading to that fresh-faced morning glow.
Related: 26 Best Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Estheticians
15. Regular Exercise
Physical activity increases blood circulation throughout your body, including your skin. This enhanced circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while helping flush cellular debris and free radicals, promoting a natural, healthy glow.
16. Nutrient-Rich Diet
“A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants is essential for healthy skin,” shares Orec. Focus on incorporating berries, nuts and green leafy vegetables, which can help your skin glow from the inside out while supporting overall skin health.
17. Combination Approaches
The experts we talked to believe the best results often come from combining different treatments.
For example, Afshari recommends pairing internal treatments like IV therapy with external procedures such as microneedling and PRP treatments to boost collagen production. This multi-faceted approach helps create a healthy, long-lasting glow while addressing skin health both internally and externally.
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18. Consistent Skincare Routine
Orec is big on the importance of a regular skincare routine that includes “cleansing appropriate to your skin type, strengthening with serums, fluids, or tonics, and moisturizing.”
Using products tailored to your skin type and containing natural ingredients helps maintain long-term skin health and radiance.
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Sources
- Dr. Ava Shamban, board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Marie Jhin, board certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Musely
- Dr. Timothy Tran of Westlake Dermatology in Houston, Texas
- Dr. Nicole Lee, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology
- Hamed Afshari, BSN, RN, and founder/CEO of Dripology
- Senka Orec, esthetician at ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND
