What Does It Mean to Get Brighter Skin & How?

With so many terms in the world of skincare, it's easy to confuse one for another. And with new products launching daily promising to help you achieve different goals, keeping track of what your products do and what results you can expect adds another layer of complication.

Take "skin brightening," a term you've probably spotted on your favorite vitamin C or exfoliation product. Though the two words sound similar, skin brightening is not skin lightening. Brightening refers to a combination of effects to give your skin a radiant glow. Brightening has less to do with pigment and more to do with vibrancy, whereas lightening refers to reducing discoloration and skin pigmentation.

Ahead, we break down what skin brightening is and how you can achieve brighter skin.

What Is Skin Brightening?

Skin brightening refers to reducing dullness of the skin and making it more radiant. But as our experts note, technically, the term is subjective.

Skin brightening refers to the process of enhancing the radiance and clarity of the skin without altering its natural color. Brightening products aim to improve the texture and tone of the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells, promoting cell renewal, and increasing hydration. They can help reduce the appearance of dullness, fine lines, and acne scars, and enhance the penetration and efficacy of other skincare products.

As brightening agents do not affect melanin production, they are generally considered safer and milder than skin-lightening products. However, some people may still experience sensitivities or allergic reactions to certain brightening ingredients, so you have to be careful when mixing too many agents. To ensure skin safety, you must pair these products with sunscreen.

How to Brighten Your Skin

Develop a Daily Skincare Routine

You have to start with the basics, step one being developing a healthy daily skincare routine. It's essential to follow a consistent skincare regimen that includes cleansing, serums focused on maintaining your skin, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen without fail every day. Moisturizing the skin regularly can keep the skin looking healthy, hydrated, and vibrant.

Use Ingredients Like Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and plays a crucial role in skin health. It can help to brighten the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Other helpful ingredients include alpha-hydroxy acids (like glycolic and lactic acid) that gently loosen the bonds between dead skin cells and aid in the exfoliation process; retinols, which regulate cell turnover and help prevent the accumulation or buildup of dead skin cells that might otherwise contribute to a dull complexion or acne formation; and niacinamide, a versatile skincare ingredient that can improve the radiance of skin through upping hydration and minimizing inflammation.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a crucial step in skin brightening—but should be done with caution. Exfoliating can improve skin brightness by facilitating the natural process by which skin cells are shed from the skin. Removing the dull, dead top layer of skin will reveal a healthier, more vibrant layer of skin.

However, there is such a thing as too much exfoliating, and it's important not to go overboard. Exfoliating one-to-two times per week to get rid of dead skin cells and leave the skin looking refreshed. That said, while it may be tempting, it is important to avoid exfoliating too frequently as this can disrupt the skin barrier and leave the skin red and sensitive.

Get Good Sleep

As with many things in life, sometimes the key to improvement is just a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health, including skin health. When we sleep, our body repairs itself, and this includes the skin. Inadequate sleep can lead to dull, tired-looking skin.

Eat a Balanced Diet

The myths are true: A balanced diet can work wonders, whether it be feeling better mentally and physically, or, in this case, improving your natural glow. A healthy and balanced diet can help to promote healthy skin. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help to maintain a bright complexion.

Use Effective Skin Care

To help keep your skin bright and clear, your skin care regimen is just as important. Working with ingredients that nourish, repair, and protect are vital for maintaining healthy, bright, glowing skin! At Wild Naturals, our skin care products are made without harsh preservatives, chemicals, mineral oil, or fragrances. 

For the right skin care without a hefty price tag or full of fillers, shop Wild Naturals today!