One of the most obvious signs of healthy skin is a glowing complexion. However, all too often a busy schedule gets in the way of our skincare (aka, well-deserved self-care) routine. While there’s no “quick fix” for an unhealthy lifestyle, some of the best and easiest ways to achieve a beautiful glow involve proper exfoliation, antioxidants, and hydration.
With that in mind, we’ve created your no-fuss guide for achieving radiant, glowing skin (literally) overnight!
Overnight Exfoliant Treatments
Overnight exfoliant treatments are a great way to give your skin the exfoliation it needs without any of the harsh scrubs or intense peeling. Leave-on exfoliants are usually chemical exfoliants, but don’t worry! These compounds are not harsh or dangerous to your skin. In fact, they are usually derived from fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources. We love overnight treatments because the active ingredients aid your skin’s much-needed nightly repair process. The best part of an overnight treatment (besides the result of course)? All you need to do is apply the product to clean skin and head to bed. That’s it!
GLYCOLIC ACID
One of the best chemical exfoliants for achieving a youthful glow is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, which means its molecular size is very small compared to other chemical exfoliants. This allows for deeper penetration into the skin and increased cell regeneration, which ultimately helps your skin let go of dead cells sitting on its top layer. It’s those dreadful dead cells that make skin look dull and fatigued.
We recommend Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight by SkinCeuticals. Better yet, layer the SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore on top of the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight to add a beautiful dewiness to your glow.
(Available for purchase at B12 LOVE in Walnut Creek, SF/Marina, and Livermore)
Glutathione IV
Glutathione is a master antioxidant that’s crucial to the well-being of our bodies in numerous ways, including slowing down the aging process. Specifically, glutathione reduces oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. Additionally, glutathione is known to reduce the skin’s production of melanin, which is good news for those suffering from discoloration, hyperpigmentation and melasma. It can also aid in brightening the skin and creating a more even skin tone. While it can take a few weeks for full results to show, the “glow” glutathione gives to the skin can be seen within 24 hours of receiving a high dose IV drip.
Our recommendation is to start with a low dose and increase it gradually (aiming for at least 2,000 mg for best results). Glutathione drips and injections can be given as frequently as once a week. A liposomal oral glutathione supplement can also be used to maintain the benefits between injectable treatments.
Give your skin that beautiful, healthy inside-out glow by getting a glutathione drip or injection at any B12 LOVE lounge. You can also purchase liposomal glutathione or glutathione capsules at our lounge locations.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Hyaluronic acid (H.A.) is a must-have for every skincare ritual, as it is one of the few active ingredients that benefits all skin types. Our skin naturally produces high amounts of hyaluronic acid to support water levels in the skin, giving it a plump and healthy glow. However, as we age, our hyaluronic acid levels start to decline. One of the best ways to counteract this process is by adding it to our morning and nighttime skincare routines.
H.A. works by binding to water in the skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its own molecular weight in water, which plumps skin and reduces visible signs of aging. We recommend using H.A. Intensifier or B5 Hydrating gel both from SkinCeuticals (Available for purchase at select B12 Love Lounges).
Want to know more about creating healthy, glowing skin? Stop by one of our Bay Area locations to speak with a licensed healthcare professional, or send us a message via Email, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Written by Sydney McClelland, Licensed Esthetician and Naturopathic Medical Assistant; Edited and Revised by Emily Crichton, Registered Nurse.