New year, new glow: Your guide to healthy, radiant skin

Everyone wants the look of glowing skin, but healthy looking skin goes well beyond good looks. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important that we support and help protect it. There are five main components to healthy-looking skin:

1. Hydration to promote comfortable skin
2. Strong support structure for skin that feels smoother and firmer
3. Strong barrier to help maintain moisture balance
4. Even, consistent cell turnover ffor a smooth texture and radiant appearance
5. Even-looking skin tone

Clinique developed one of the first customizable skincare systems built for different skin types and issues. Think of this three-step routine as our ultimate skincare synergy with each step complementing the next:

Cleaning your skin is a crucial first step. It helps get rid of oil, dead skin cells, and other dirt that builds up during the day or overnight, plus it also sets the stage for exfoliation. All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap, our dermatologist-developed liquid facial soap, cleanses gently and thoroughly. It's quick-rinsing, non-drying, and loosens surface flakes, removes dirt and debris, and helps protect skin's natural moisture balance.

How to use: Morning and night, lather between palms with lukewarm water. Massage over face and neck. Rinse thoroughly, and pat skin dry.

Even after cleaning, there might still be some oil in your skin's glands and some dead cells on the surface. There are two kinds of exfoliation: chemical (generally liquid and by use of exfoliating ingredients), and physical (typically with small particles like salt or sugar).

Exfoliating is beneficial because it removes dead cells and pore-clogging impurities like dirt and oil, leaving skin cleaner and clearer. It also preps skin so it can absorb and benefit from the rest of the products in your skincare regimen.

For a gentle exfoliating lotion, opt for Clarifying Lotion 1.0 Twice A Day Exfoliator. This dermatologist-tested favorite was designed for dry, sensitive skin to gently and effectively sweep away dry flakes and other impurities to reveal smoother skin. It's also a great way to prep skin so it can better absorb a moisturizer.

How to use: Apply morning and night with a cotton ball, sweeping gently over face and neck. Avoid eye area and lips.

All skin types can benefit from exfoliation, especially when dryness occurs in the wintertime. Choose the right Clarifying Lotion for your skin type:

Thirsty skin needs moisture. Applying a moisturizer is the can't-miss third step of your routine, day and night.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ is the dermatologist-developed lotion that is Clinique's #1 face moisturizer. (If you have oily or combination skin, choose the Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Gel instead.) In two hours, it strengthens skin's moisture barrier by 21%^* and delivers eight-hour hydration. Infused with a blend of barley, sunflower, and cucumber, as well as pure urea and glycerin, this formula works to replenish the skin's oil-water balance for healthy skin.

How to use: Apply all over face, neck, and chest area twice daily, or wherever needed.

If your skin needs a boost of long-lasting hydration, try Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, our oil-free, gel-based moisturizer that’s good for all skin types. It sinks in and lasts 100 hours (yes, really). Plus, it locks in moisture for an endlessly plump, dewy glow all day (or all night) long. Aloe bioferment and hyaluronic acid come together to bring your skin a lusciously hydrated feeling.

How to use: Apply just like you would any other moisturizer.

To address specific skin concerns, consider adding a serum before your moisturizer. Serums contain a potent blend of ingredients that target issues like dark spots or fine lines. Our Moisture Surge™ Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate is infused with antioxidants, it’s a water-gel formula that quenches dry skin by boosting moisture.

How to use: Apply to clean skin before moisturizer, morning and night.

The superstar must-have to close out your skincare routine is SPF. This will help protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Consider SPF your secret skincare defense and number one essential.

Superdefense City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector is an energizing, go-anywhere, daily SPF protector. It's sheer and weightless, designed to be worn over or under makeup. Sunscreen ingredients, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and octinoxate help protect against harmful UV rays. And it even boasts a hint of tint for makeup-free days.

How to use: Apply in the morning as the final step in your skincare routine and before applying makeup. If you're outdoors, reapply after two hours.

Above, we’ve outlined a solid daily skincare regimen, but applying a face mask at night is the bonus step that can fast-track your skin to that healthy glow you crave. We suggest:

• Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask. Use in the evening after completing your skin care regimen. Apply all over face and throat or where needed while avoiding the eye area
• Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask. Apply to face and neck nightly after your cleansing routine. For an added boost, apply a thicker layer of product as a leave-on mask.

A consistent regimen is key for healthy looking skin. As a Clinique Guiding Dermatologist once said, “Daily skincare pays off. And over time, your skin is going to look healthier."

Aside from using the right Clinique products for your skin type, there are other good habits that will support your body’s largest organ

• Stay hydrated. Increasing your daily water intake helps skin maintain hydration, supporting skin’s healthy glow.
• Get rest. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing. Nighttime is when skin is naturally in repair mode, so getting enough shut-eye every night is important in supporting your skin. It’s also an optimal time to use products with powerful ingredients––a boost from one of Clinique’s overnight masks goes a long way.
• Manage stress. A good skincare regimen, combined with habits to reduce stress, can make a difference. Self-care can include exercise, meditation, or quiet time. During your skincare routine, take a few deep breaths and acknowledge that you’re taking time out of your busy day to do something beneficial for yourself.