Get the glow - dewy skin tricks for summer and beyond

There’s nothing like super smooth, dewy looking skin to create an aura of youthfulness and vitality.  “My patients are always asking about how to achieve dewy skin,” says Dr Emmaline Ashley, award-winning Cosmetic Physician and Founder, Ashley Aesthetics. “A dewy complexion is radiant, fresh, and deeply associated with youth and good health. That soft, light-reflecting glow signals that the skin barrier is hydrated, healthy, and functioning well.”

Dewy skin also increases your attraction factor: in a Japanese study (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020) on 160 women, those with ‘radiant’ faces were judged to be more attractive and younger looking than those with oily or matte complexions. One theory is that skin looks more hydrated, finer textured and with a healthy circulation—all factors associated with good health. Those with matte skins, for example, were evaluated as older and more ‘tired’ looking.

What can you do then for a luminous look?  “The first step to achieving dewy skin is a consistent skincare routine,” says Julie Scott, Owner and Clinical Director, Facial Aesthetic. “Dewy skin doesn’t just happen—a solid skincare routine paired with targeted professional treatments can make a huge difference in maintaining long-term hydration and a healthy, radiant glow.”  

AT HOME

Cleanse and exfoliate

Cleansing and exfoliation are crucial for supporting the skin’s natural renewal cycle. “Cleansing allows active ingredients to penetrate more effectively,” says Scott, “while exfoliating the skin regularly with ingredients such as lactic acid or poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) helps to refine texture and maintain a smooth, hydrated and radiant complexion.”  

Try pairing a gentle cleanser with a hypochlorous acid-based skin purifier such as Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier. Hypochlorous acid is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, helping to calm, protect, and purify the skin without disrupting its delicate microbiome.
 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Hydration is the cornerstone of dewy skin, with Dr Ashley recommending serums that combine multiple hydrating and regenerative ingredients.  “One of my hero products is Cellderma GF5 Serum, which contains five essential growth factors that support cellular renewal. It’s particularly effective for improving skin texture, elasticity, and boosting radiance for that elusive glow-from-within.  

"Another favourite is Neostrata Skin Active Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum which blends hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and dewiness, with gluconolactone and amino acids to smooth, firm and rejuvenate the skin. Seal everything in with a moisturiser such as Epionce Renewal Facial Cream. Formulated with botanicals and lipids, to support the skin barrier and give a fresh, dewy finish, it provides lasting hydration, without clogging pores or feeling greasy.”

Facial massage

Regular facial massage helps to boost circulation, relax muscles and improve the appearance of the skin. Use a facial oil or serum, massaging gently into the face with your fingertips. Start at the neck and work upwards, using sweeping strokes.  Work along the cheekbones and gently around the eye area.  

Sun protection

No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen—UV exposure breaks down collagen, increases pigmentation, and instantly dulls the skin’s glow. For a dewy skin-friendly option try Heliocare 360º Sensation Sunscreen SPF 50+.  This oil-free, ultra-light sunscreen is easily absorbed into the skin and perfect for wearing under make-up.

Cultivate healthy habits

Complement your skincare with a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, protein (eg: quality meat and fish, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, tempeh) and drink plenty of water. Avoid ultra-processed foods and sugars. Get enough sleep, as this is the time skin repairs and regenerates. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, raises skin temperature and improves skin moisture.

IN CLINIC

Skin boosters 

“If you’re looking to elevate your glow beyond what skincare can offer, in-clinic treatments can deliver transformative results,” says Dr Ashley, who believes that one of the most exciting innovations in regenerative aesthetics is the use of plant exosomes. You can also try injectable skin boosters which offer intense hydration and skin rejuvenation benefits. “Polynucleotide-based boosters are gaining momentum for their regenerative benefits. These treatments don’t just hydrate—they repair and restructure the skin over time, making them ideal for delicate or photo-damaged areas, especially under the eyes and around the mouth."

• The Exo|E system is a three-phase topical system designed to prep the skin before treatment, enhance recovery, and supercharge results after procedures such as microneedling, RF, or laser.  Exo|E uses biomimetic nanoparticles and skin boosting exosomes—tiny extracellular vesicles packed with growth factors, peptides, and anti-inflammatory molecules that mimic our body’s own healing signals.
• Profhilo is an injectable skin booster that uses high concentration hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and bio-remodelling by stimulating collagen production, to improve firmness and elasticity.
• Volite is an injectable skin booster that delivers hyaluronic acid below the skin surface which enhances hydration and skin quality, and smooths and plumps the skin for a more glowing, radiant complexion.

Microneedling 

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure where tiny, sterile needles are used to micropuncture the skin.  This stimulates wound healing which triggers an increase in collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother, more radiant skin. Microneedling can be used in conjunction with skin boosters – eg: polynucleotides like Ameela which contains salmon DNA— combined with microneedling, the skin receives a potent boost of nutrients for enhanced regeneration and rejuvenation.

To help maintain results in between in clinic microneedling treatments, use an at home microneedling device. For safety, Dermaroller's surgical grade stainless steel needles are much shorter (no more than 0.2mm) than those used in clinic, so don’t go as deep into the skin. Used weekly, it can help to improve product absorption, boost blood circulation and promote enhanced skin texture, tone and rejuvenation. Soothe skin afterwards with a calming cream like XCellarisPro CC Cream, which contains snail secretion, clinically proven to enhance elasticity and diminish redness.

Targeted facials

The popular HydraFacial combines exfoliation, extraction, and serum infusion in one soothing, non-invasive procedure, for an instant hydration boost and glow.

For the ultimate dewy skin result, book in for a Glass Skin facial. This often involves the use of fine microneedles to perform micro-injections of ingredients, tailored to individual requirements, that may include botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides, nutrients, antioxidants and exosomes. This leaves the complexion with a radiant, ultra-smooth, dewy, hydrated, ‘glass skin’ appearance.