Not so long ago the latest skin trend was to be as matte as possible, but now a new trend has taken over, “glazed donut” skin. Does this mean women across the land want to look as shiny and oily as possible? Well no, thankfully!
This trend took off in 2022 thanks to celebrities such as Hailey Bieber who shared her glazed donut skincare routine with her fans, since then Tik Tok lovers have made it viral. Although it’s taken on several new aspects the main takeaway in 2024 is that we still all want healthy, glowing skin.
This trend focuses on achieving a smooth, hydrated, and glowing complexion that resembles the glossy finish of a glazed donut. Demand for hydrating, illuminating and brightening skin products is on the rise and I for one am glad. This trend and most others that have followed are about healthy luscious-looking skin and not the bland matte look that made us look as though we wore a mask.
Whether you are interested in the trend or not, promoting well-hydrated, plump and luminous skin is only a good thing. How you achieve this is down to your skin type but we do have a few tips that can help you get there.
How Do You Get Glowy Skin?
Hydration is key, not to be mistaken with ‘oily’. There are a few essential products you will need to achieve a fresh ‘glazed’ appearance, the key thing to remember is to start small. Don’t add a ton of products to your routine in one go as you are more likely to overload your skin and it will be hard to pinpoint which products are causing any problems.
Hopefully, your skincare routine already includes cleansing and moisturising so to begin with only add around two extra products. A serum or specific treatment for the day and a mask or retinol for the night-time is a good place to start. This will make it easy to see how your skin reacts and whether you need to change them. Over time you can add more products when you see the desired results.
Here are some essential products that can help to achieve a fresh, ‘glowing’’ appearance:
Brightening Face Products
Hydration is key, but moisturisers won’t remove sun spots, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars. Only active ingredients have that power. Targeted products that include vitamin C or E can be added to your morning skincare routine to get a brightening effect. This could be through a specific moisturiser, toner or serum.
Tip: If the product does not suit you or if you do not use it correctly, you may feel some irritation. When using vitamin C products you will need to wear SPF sunscreen afterwards, it may be best to use at night when you will not expose your skin to the sun.
Retinol
Retinol stimulates the production of collagen and acts preventively against the signs of skin ageing. It increases skin firmness and tone while neutralising spots. It is recommended to start using retinol as soon as you notice the first small wrinkles to start the anti-aging process.
Tip: There is no clearly defined time to start using retinol in your skincare routine. However, retinol can be very irritating in high doses. You will need to start with a low percentage and work up to a higher one over time. Give your skin time to adjust and monitor results.
Moisturise
Moisturiser is the most essential skincare product. Choose one that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and natural oils. Apply it to slightly damp skin for best results.
Tip: Avoid artificial fragrances and opt for natural ingredients. Most importantly, the product should be well-formulated and suitable for your skin type.
Eye Cream
The eye area requires products tailored to your skin type. For oily skin, use lightweight ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid; for dry skin, use oils. For mature skin, look for eye creams with retinol or natural alternatives.
Tip: Eye serums or creams should be lightweight and easily absorbed. Apply them morning and night after cleansing.
Exfoliants
Exfoliants will help to remove dead skin cells and brighten skin tone. Look for exfoliating toners that include niacinamide, BHA, or AHA acids
Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use sparingly to begin with. You may only need to use a toner two or three times a week to exfoliate and then use cleanser to clear those pores.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin, creating a protective film that prevents evaporation. Use it on damp skin for maximum hydration .
Tip: Apply after cleansing and before moisturiser for the best results. Check the ingredients of your moisturiser as many now contain Hyaluronic Acid and you may not need a separate product.
Products for Redness
For sensitive skin, try Azelaic Acid. It can soothe redness and help prevent acne when combined with other products such as vitamin C and SPF that care for the skin barrier.
Tip: Avoid mixing with other active ingredients like glycolic acid or retinol as this can cause increased sensitivity.
Tips for a Healthy Skincare Routine
- To achieve healthy fresh-faced skin combine your products wisely and avoid overdoing it with harsh ingredients.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and listen to your skin’s needs. Certain products are intended exclusively for the night routine because they must not come into contact with the sun – such as retinol and BHA acids.
- Although we have access to a huge number of high-quality products and treatments the best practice will always be prevention. That means SPF, every day, even when it’s cloudy. Protecting your skin from the sun is the easiest way to prevent premature ageing and wrinkles, as well as sensitivities.
- Be mindful of your lifestyle and diet. Putting lots of lotions and potions on your face is not going to make much difference if you eat poorly and don’t get enough sleep.
- Find a short and simple skincare routine that is easy to implement into your day.
Conclusion
The products you’ll need to achieve “Glazed Donut”, ‘Glassy’ or youthful fresh skin depends on your skin’s needs and preferences. Universal ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and AHA/BHA acids can significantly improve your skin but need to be used with caution, don’t be tempted to try all of them at once and always use them sparingly. Glowy can be achieved without drenching the skin in product.
If you focus on product formulas, user reviews, and your skin’s feedback, you’ll be surprised how quickly your skin can change.
