Goodbye Haggard Face: 6 Ways Anyone Can Get Glowing

"You look tired” is one of the worst greetings any woman can receive. But what exactly do people see when they say this? A haggard face is usually characterized by a dull, dry, and uneven complexion, dark undereye circles, and perhaps some blemishes.

However, you don’t necessarily have to be exhausted to have a tired face. Sometimes looking haggard has nothing to do with your job or the kids – your lifestyle choices can be behind it. According to Harvard Health, forgetting to apply sunscreen can diminish your glow and give you dry, dull skin. It can also speed up the aging process and accelerate the state of fine lines and skin sagging.

It’s no secret that lack of sleep can give you eye bags, but did you know that your diet can give you dark circles? Iron deficiency can contribute to dark under-eyes. Drinking too much caffeine or consuming too much salt can lead to water retention in the area. Meanwhile, dehydration, an unhealthy lifestyle, and an inconsistent skincare regimen are some of the primary causes of dull, dry skin.

Luckily, all these haggard face traits are reversible. Here are some ways you can get your glow back.

One of the most common signs of dehydration is tiredness and fatigue, notes the National Library of Medicine. To prevent dull and dry skin, consume fluids throughout the day by drinking water or eating water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelons, lettuce, strawberries, and zucchini. Drink more fluids if it’s hot or if you exercise.

Too much sugar can wreak havoc on your skin. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that consuming sugary drinks more than seven times a week increases the risk of developing acne. It also decreases collagen production, which results in premature skin aging. It can give you a gaunt, dry, and haggard face. According to the World Health Organization, only 5% of your daily calories should come from sugar. That’s around six teaspoons total.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, fades dark spots, and protects against sun damage. Incorporating it into your regimen can help fight dullness and even out your skin tone. Vitamin C is your partner in achieving glowing skin. It works best when you apply it during the day.

Try POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Serum, which you can use after cleansing and before you moisturize. It brightens while repairing the skin barrier and protecting it against external aggressors such as free radicals and UV rays.

Niacinamide is another go-to ingredient for anyone who wants glowing skin. While best known for brightening the skin and fading dark spots, it also refines the pores and decreases UV damage. You might also notice some dullness in your skin from being in front of the computer a lot. It could be the effect of blue light, another contributor to photoaging. According to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, topical niacinamide also helps protect against blue light-induced hyperpigmentation.

Use POND'S Bright Miracle Night Serum as part of your night routine to rejuvenate skin and reverse blue light damage. With niasorcinol, this serum brightens the complexion and boosts cell renewal while you sleep.

Sometimes, pore strips are not enough to smoothen skin. Regular exfoliation is the best way to improve the texture and tone of a haggard face. You can do this in two ways. The first is using the mechanical method, which is using physical scrubs or undergoing microdermabrasion. If you do this, avoid scrubs with sharp, jagged particles (such as crushed nuts or shells) and, always use a light touch. Don’t scrub broken skin.

The second is with chemical exfoliation, which uses AHAs and BHAs. The former promotes shedding on the epidermis, giving you an instant glow, while the latter goes deeper into the pores to get rid of dead skin cells. BHAs such as salicylic acid also eliminate acne at the root.

You could also try cleansing your skin with Eskinol Deep Cleanser Papaya Smooth Glow, which has papaya extracts and vitamin B3 to brighten the skin.

If you do exfoliate, your skin would be sensitive and need extra protection from UV rays. Apply at least SPF 30 daily to prevent hyperpigmentation and sunburn. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day for continued defense against photodamage. Continue this habit even if you don’t exfoliate for a sustained, healthy glow.

No one is exempt from looking tired and occasionally having a haggard face. Luckily, the methods above can help anyone turn it around. Follow the basic rules of skin care – hydration, exfoliation, protection – to give your skin a glow.

Want to learn more? Check out this article on attractive facial features according to scientists and learn to highlight them for a next-level glow-up.