How to Get Healthier Skin in 1 Week
11 Ways to Get Prettier, Healthier Skin in Just 1 Week
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What if we told you that a week from today, you could be sitting across from your computer with noticeably healthier, better-looking skin? It might sound a little far-fetched, but it's an achievable goal if you employ the right tools and products and if you adhere to a certain regimen. We spoke with several dermatologists, who offered up their expert advice on this very topic. Whether you do just one, a few, or all of these suggestions, your skin will be glowing in seven days flat!
1 Wash Your Face Like You Mean It
Whether it's 2 a.m. and you just sauntered back into your apartment or you're dripping in post-workout sweat, don't forget to wash your face. "Sleeping with makeup is a no-no, and rinsing both before and after exercising is a must," said Dr. Shari Marchbein, the clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. "This ensures that sweat, dirt, pollutants — anything and everything that can cause acne or skin aging — is rinsed off the skin to allow for healthy skin regeneration. If you are consistently keeping your skin clean without overstripping it, you will see improvements."
One of our favorite cleansers is Sunday Riley's Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser ($45). It's made with French green clay and Rhassoul lava clay, and it's infused with vitamin C.
2 Encourage Your Collagen
"Encourage collagen production inside and out," said Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatological surgeon. "For a patient of mine who had really bad scarring, I suggested an ingestible collagen as well as a topical retinoid to encourage collagen production both topically and orally. It is actually very simple, and within two months he saw amazing results in his skin remodeling."
She's adapted that approach for her other patients who want to quickly add brilliancy and suppleness to their skin. "This is what you do: mix in one scoop of Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder ($16) with your juice or smoothie daily; as this product is specially formulated in a flavorless powder to dissolve instantly, you won't even notice it's there," she said. "The reason why I like this brand in particular is because it has Verisol collagen, which is only one of two types of collagen that shows scientific results in two weeks."
3 AHA and BHA Exfoliation
Incorporate alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) into your skincare routine stat. "Even if your skin can only tolerate a [physical] scrub once a week, it can benefit from more frequent chemical exfoliation," "Even if your skin can only tolerate a [physical] scrub once a week, it can benefit from more frequent chemical exfoliation," said Zoe Weisman, the director of product development at Advanced Clinicals. "AHAs and BHAs loosen hardened keratin, improve hyperpigmentation, and draw moisture to your skin, all without scrubbing. Look for glycolic acid for wrinkles; lactic, malic, phytic, and mandelic acids for hyperpigmentation; and salicylic acid for acne."
One of our favorites, for price and function, is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7).
4 Meditate More
"Stress and anxiety can definitely take a toll on the skin. One of the biggest triggers in acne is stress," said Dr. Matthew Schulman, an NYC-based plastic surgeon. "When stress and anxiety levels increase, cortisol rises, which can increase oil production and lead to acne breakouts." Make sure you're taking time every day for yourself — even if it's just a few minutes of quiet breathing or listening to your favorite music — and know that it's OK to say no to a few things!
Might we suggest throwing on some Headspace or indulging in a bubble bath or at-home spa night on the regular? Pictured is Art Naturals Blue Tooth Oil Diffuser ($39), which instantly starts emitting a cool, relaxing mist and allows you to play your favorite calming tunes at the same time.
5 Try Dermarolling/Microneedling
"Taken to its most basic level, dermarolling introduces tiny punctures to the skin, which makes the skin think it has been damaged," said Dr. Elisa Bennett, a board certified PA-C specializing in dermatology. "This will, in turn, send collagen and elastin in to 'save the day' to heal this 'damage,' which can decrease the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and more. In other words: it addresses the concerns of almost every patient that walks through my door."
You can microneedle at home with a tool like the GloPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool ($199) or have it professionally done. "The 'immediate' effects of dermarolling is, in fact, not a long-term change of the skin. Instead it is edema swelling, which can make the skin look more plump and therefore decrease the appearance of fine lines. The more long-term effects will take up to four to six weeks, as well as multiple treatments."
Microneedling can also make the skin more receptive, so apply your products shortly after for better absorption. Dr. Bennet noted, "It is said that dermarolling can increase the absorption of products by up to 30 percent. The most important products to use after the procedure are hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E."
6 Watch What You Eat
"Everyone's acne triggers are different, and finding yours can be difficult," noted Dr. Shulman. "Refined carbs, fried foods, dairy, and processed sugars can trigger acne, but it doesn't necessarily mean it will trigger your breakouts. Follow your instincts and pay close attention. If you suspect a specific food is your trigger, eliminate it out of your diet and monitor. I always encourage my acne patients in keeping a skin journal to pinpoint triggers."
Pictured are Juice Generation's Blend It Yourself (BIY) Beauty Blends, which are smoothies formulated by Salma Hayek that can either be consumed or slathered on your face! They're loaded with nutritious ingredients your skin will love.
7 Cover Up
"A little bit of sun damage goes a long way," said Weisman. "It only takes 15 minutes to induce inflammation and trigger a melanin response in your skin. Translation? Dark spots and collagen degradation — AKA wrinkles — and it shows fast, especially as you get older."
Throw on a floppy hat, wear long sleeves, apply sunscreen consistently (even in the Winter), and stay in the shade when you can. Keep sunscreen handy — in your purse, on the entry table, in your car — to make it easier. A tried-and-true fave is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Lotion ($7).
8 Hit the Gym
"Exercise can improve your skin, as long as you are breaking a sweat," said Dr. Jeanine Downie, a board certified dermatologist. "What that means is that you must raise your heart rate and boost your circulation. Boosting your circulation is what improves your skin tone on a physiological basis — that is why they call it 'working up a good sweat.'"
She said that exercise improves your heart, skin, lungs, and, of course, the function of your body's largest organ: the skin! Pictured above is Sugarmat Blue Orchid Botany Yoga Mat ($72), which is pretty enough to inspire anyone to assume the Downward Dog position!
9 Drink All the Water
You've been hearing this bit of advice since grade school, but it's really good advice! "Drinking water is a lifetime good habit," said Dr. Downie. "For every one cup of coffee or tea you drink, you should compensate with two eight-ounce glasses of water, as caffeine dehydrates you."
You'll start feeling better right away, with max effects really taking place within three months, she said. Having a stylish water bottle on hand — like this S'Well Mother of Pearl ($35) number — can help keep you motivated and on track!
10 Light Therapy
Light therapy refines skin texture, evens out your complexion, improves radiance, and can help skin absorb active ingredients more efficiently. For an at-home option, we recommend Skin, Inc. Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light ($265), an award-winning tool that was even used backstage at NYFW on models before they hit the runway. It uses three different LED lights, combined with Chromatherapy technology.
Another option is an in-office baby fraxel treatment. "A Clear and Brilliant Fraxel will have your skin looking radiant one week after treatment," said Dr. Stefani Kappel, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. "This laser is often referred to as 'Baby Fraxel' since it is very superficial and [there's] little downtime. After treatment, you may appear a little 'sun kissed,' with a glow that actually looks good and like a natural. One week after treatment, the dead skin layer that was there before will be gone, leaving an even tone and a beautiful glow."
11 Double Down on Your Moisturizer
"Hydrating the skin is crucial, [which includes] drinking the recommended amount of water a day. Just as important is making sure our skin is hydrated by using things such as hydrating masks," said Dr. Debra Jaliman.
After cleansing and toning, always apply a moisturizer. You can even take this a few steps further by applying a preserum, following with a serum or oil, followed by a heavier cream. Overnight hydrating masks can also do wonders for your skin. Try Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask ($22), which combines sweet almond oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. By moisturizing consistently, you'll see a difference in as little as a day.
