8 Ways to Get Even, Great Skin

Age and sun exposure slow down your skin's exfoliation, leaving fresh cells buried beneath a layer of dry, dead ones, says Fredric Brandt, MD, a dermatologist with offices in Miami and New York City. This cloudy buildup reflects light unevenly, robbing you of your glow.

Skin Rx
Rely on retinol: "It speeds up cell turnover and thins out the dead layers of skin," says Dr. Brandt. Find retinol in Roc Multi Correxion Skin Renewing Serum, $25, which also has reflective silk pearls to perk up skin tone.

Hydrate and exfoliate: A multitasking daily moisturizer like Avon Anew Rejuvenate Day Cream SPF 25, $32, smoothes away roughness with salicylic acid and protects your skin from sun damage.

Don't overdo it: When you're using serums and creams with a lot of active ingredients, it's best to stick to a gentle cleanser like Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser, $7.