We partnered with Google to find out our beloved country's most-asked beauty questions and then turned to the nation's top skin, makeup, and hair experts for the answers.
Here, the two most searched for questions about all things "glow"-related.
And stay tuned for more! We'll be sharing more results from Google in the next few days!
HOW DO SKIN BRIGHTENERS WORK? (Most searched in Arizona, Georgia, and Kansas)
"Brighteners even out skin tone by improving hyperpigmentation and photodamage," says dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, who recommends looking for products containing azelaic acid, licorice, vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids— her favorites are SkinMedica Lytera Skin Brightening Complex and Dior Diorsnow Anti-spot Serum—to address specific spots as well as to boost overall glow. These ingredients break up pigmentation "by gently exfoliating darker pigment cells" and by blocking the action of tyrosinase, the enzyme in skin cells that causes melanin to go into overdrive. But take note: Brightening products can make skin even more sensitive to the sun, so don't skimp on SPF.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE AN ATHOME GLYCOLIC PEEL? (Most searched in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania)
"Home peel systems can be a great way to boost radiance, unclog pores, and fight lines when used, on average, once a week," says dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD. But don't forget to take your skin type into account: Those with acne-prone or oily complexions can use glycolic peels "up to twice a week,"
This originally appeared in the May issue of ELLE.
