Over time, a person’s natural skin tone may darken. Achieving a fair complexion has been a beauty standard since ancient times, as can be seen in this oshiroi powder from Nara period Japan (710-794). Today, there are countless lightening products on the market that have a range of benefits from brightening to evening out your skin’s color. The key is to make sure you choose a safe product for your specific skin type. Here are our favorite tools that can help you achieve a brighter, more luminous glow without having to resort to harsh chemicals and procedures. 

Dull, tired skin is a common skin concern that often occurs as a result of a long night or poor sleeping habits. Other factors that contribute to dullness include a decrease in collagen production, which can result in fine lines and wrinkles; the natural loss of hydration as we age; and a buildup of dead skin cells. 

While a variety of treatments can brighten your skin, we’re partial to these simple steps: 

Regular exfoliation is an essential element in any skincare routine—and it’s especially important when you’re trying to revive dull, tired-looking skin. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or glycolic acid serum to get rid of dry, dead skin cells, allowing newer, fresher skin to come to the surface. 

Another way to re-energize your complexion is to apply a skin brightening serum or moisturizer with a built-in glow booster. Look for one that contains ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, or hydroquinone to fade dark spots and brighten skin’s appearance. 

Lastly, don’t forget to apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV rays. Sun damage is a major culprit when it comes to dull, tired-looking skin, so applying SPF daily can help prevent future discoloration. 

While many people rely on DIY face masks made of lemon juice, Holecek recommends using a device that can target certain problem areas and treat them more quickly (simply hold the device over each area for three minutes). She loves this set because it includes a mask, serum, and moisturizer packed with brightness boosting ingredients such as niacinamide, encapsulated retinol, and glycolic acid. 

We all have those days when we wake up with a tired, lackluster complexion. Whether it’s the results of a late night or a lack of hydration, these tips can help give your skin that healthy-looking glow you’ve been craving. And don’t forget to stay hydrated, by making sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping your skin hydrated will not only brighten your complexion, but it will also reduce eye bag, fine lines and wrinkles. The best part? You’ll be able to do it all from the comfort of your own home!