6 easy steps to get dewy skin

Sure, you can use makeup to get that dewy skin whenever you want. But wearing makeup all the time is not practically possible. 

This is why you need a skincare routine that gives you that coveted dewy skin that feels as flawless as wearing makeup. 

But what is actually dewy skin?  

Dewy skin simply means hydrated, well-nourished skin that allows the natural glow to shine through. 

With concepts like no-makeup makeup look and dewy makeup, achieving a fresh, glowing, and dewy look is the talk of the town for a while now.  

But how is it done and what do you need to change in your present routine to achieve that?

All questions are answered in this blog. 

Read on.

What is dewy skin?

When your skin looks hydrated, plump, healthy and with a natural glow, it can be termed as dewy skin. 

When you have dewy skin, your skin shines from within without the need to apply makeup to enhance its features. 

However, there is a difference between the shine emanating from healthy skin and the one radiating from oil on your face. 

Oily skin and dewy skin are not the same, even though both may appear shiny. 

Sometimes when oily skin produces an excess amount of natural oils, it is reflected on the skin as a subtle shine or sheen. This is not dewy or healthy skin. 

Instead, dewy has a natural radiance of its own that is a result of well-hydrated skin with a healthy glow. 

The key is to balance your skin so that it is neither dry nor oily but perfectly moisturized to radiate a natural glow

What is the importance of hydration in achieving dewy skin?

Well-hydrated skin often looks plumper, even toned, and healthier than dehydrated skin, which may look dull, flaky, and rough— precisely not the kind of skin you desire. It all depends on the hydration levels in your skin. 

While it’s important to keep your body hydrated, it is equally important to maintain the moisture level in your skin. Some skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin, provide the required hydration to your skin. Similarly, other ingredients such as Panthenol, Betaine, etc., lock in the hydration. 

While choosing your skincare, ensure that these ingredients are present. 

Hyaluronic Acid: It can hold 1000 times its weight in water and can draw water from environmental sources to provide hydration.

Niacinamide: It helps boost moisture retention in your skin cells.

Glycerin: It is a moisture booster that draws moisture into skin from the environment, keeping the skin soft and smooth.

What is the most effective skincare routine for dewy skin?

Dewy skin is nothing but healthy skin that is deeply hydrated from within. A consistent and dedicated routine will help you get softer, brighter, and dewier skin 

1. Gentle Cleanse:  

Start by using a gentle but hydrating cleanser that does not dry out your skin or strip off its natural oils. Opt for cleansers that have hydrating ingredients like vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc. to give your skin an added boost of hydration, right from the beginning. 

2. Exfoliation: 

Regular gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing your natural glow. Opt for chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs found in ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These are gentle on the skin but effectively exfoliate to reveal fresh and smooth skin. 

Avoid over-exfoliating the skin as the friction can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. During a normal routine, exfoliating two times a week is enough.. 

3. Tone:

Once you have cleansed your face, applying a hydrating or anti-inflammatory toner minimizes pores and balances your skin’s pH, preparing it for the next steps. A toner with soothing properties, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and green tea, will calm and hydrate sensitive skin while providing a layer of additional moisture on your skin.

4. Treatment: 

Serums are the most potent and effective skincare products for faster and better results. 

You can opt for the following kinds of face serums for a dewy look -

• A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide for an additional boost of hydration into your skin. Niacinamide also helps brighten the skin, giving that extra glow to your skin.  

• A vitamin C serum is a great option to boost glow while addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also improves your overall skin texture. 

• A retinol serum (if you are above 25) to reduce signs of aging while improving the texture and complexion of your skin. Restrict it to nighttime use. 

• An alpha-arbutin serum to reduce tanning and hyperpigmentation to give you even- toned skin  

Opt for a serum based on your skin concern and use it consistently, as directed.  Always do a patch test before adding any product to your skincare routine. 

Also read: How to use face serums

5. Moisturize:

A moisturizer is not only a hydrating agent– it also locks in all the benefits of the serum, making it an important step in skincare. A moisturizer keeps your skin deeply hydrated and nourished, ensuring it stays soft and smooth.

Look for moisturizers containing:

• Ceramides to help with the strengthening of the skin barrier.

• Vitamin E,  an antioxidant to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.

• Active moisture-binding hyaluronic acid to keep your skin deeply hydrated.

• Retinol for cell regeneration and diminish the signs of aging.

• Niacinamide to fade blemishes and brighten the skin by evening out skin tone. 
  

6. Sun protection:

Dewy skin does not last if proper sun protection is compromised. With premature aging and skin damage caused by UV rays, make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even on cloudy days. Some sunscreens contain hydrating ingredients that keep the skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. 

At night, opt for night repair creams with actives such as resveratrol (if over 25), retinol, and vitamin E to aid the skin's restorative night cycle.

What is the best skincare to achieve dewy skin for different skin types.

Everyone's skin is different, which is why personalizing your regimen as per skin type and age is crucial. Here is what you need to consider while choosing your skincare formulations to get dewy skin

For dry skin:

If your skin is dry, then deep hydration and nourishment is the key. 

Look for richer emollient-rich moisturizers with hydrating actives like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane that provide lasting hydration. Follow up with a thicker, creamier night cream in the PM routine for excessive dryness or flakiness.  

For oily skin: 

Acquiring dew-like skin with oily skin may feel counterintuitive, but the trick is using lightweight, non-comedogenic products that hydrate without clogging your pores.

Choose gel-based moisturizers and lightweight serums for oily skin. Opt for effective ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to ensure the skin feels oil-free yet hydrated and soothed.

If you have acne-prone skin, you can opt for cleansers infused with salicylic acid and glycolic acid for a gentle exfoliation. 

For sensitive skin:

For those who have sensitive skin, the need of the hour is always to manage skin reactivity. 

It is best for you to use a product containing soothing, calming, and mild ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, oats, allantoin, etc. 

Opt for moisturizers that will target the cause of skin sensitivity, such as damaged skin barrier. Green tea is also good for sensitive skin because it is anti-inflammatory. 

For mature skin:

As the skin ages, it loses its moisture-locking properties. To achieve that dewy and youthful glow, ensure your skin is adequately hydrated at all times. Opt for products enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, and antioxidants to enhance cell turnover and elasticity. 

AM/PM skincare practice:

• Always do a patch test before adding any ingredient to your skincare routine.

• Avoid applying more quantity than required. Restrict serums to 2-3 drops and cleanser and moisturizer to coin-sized amount.  

• Always ensure to apply sunscreen; reapply as required.

• Be consistent with your routine.

Many people confuse dewy skin with oily skin, while others believe that the dewy look is only for younger skin. But it's time to bust all myths!

A complete, well-rounded skincare routine consisting of high-quality products will have you glowing in no time. So go ahead, glow it up - dewy skin is always in! 

FAQs

How can I make my skin dewy?

By following a consistent skincare routine that focuses on nourishment and hydration, you can get dewy skin. 

What does dewy skin mean?

Dewy skin means a skin that is so well nourished and hydrated that it glows from within. 

Is dewy skin more attractive?

Yes, dewy skin is definitely more attractive as it represents nourished and healthy skin. A no-makeup makeup look and a dewy look are not the same. 

Can oily skin be dewy?

Yes– all you need to focus on is using non-comedogenic products that hydrate your skin without clogging the pores.