Goodbye Haggard Face: 6 Ways Anyone Can Get Glowing

ICYDK, a haggard face can result from more than just stress or sleepless nights. Lifestyle habits, such as skipping sunscreen, a poor diet, and dehydration, can dull your glow. According to Harvard Health, neglecting sun protection not only dries out your skin but also accelerates the aging process, leading to fine lines and sagging. TLDR, you don’t have to be exhausted to look it.

A haggard face is usually characterized by a dull, dry, and uneven complexion, dark undereye circles and eye bags, and perhaps some blemishes. When someone tells you, "You look tired,” chances are, that comment reflects what they see: fatigue written all over your face.

Looking haggard usually comes down to a mix of everyday habits catching up with you, including sleep deprivation, dehydration, and skipping sunscreen. These can leave your skin looking dull, dry, and tired, making those dark circles and uneven tone even more noticeable.

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

You don’t need an elaborate routine to look refreshed. Making just a few smart swaps in your day-to-day routine can make your skin look more alive.

Hydration keeps your skin looking fresh and energized. Tiredness and fatigue are two of the most common signs of dehydration. Drink water regularly and consume more fluids when it's hot or when exercising. Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelons, lettuce, strawberries, and zucchini to prevent dull and dry skin.

Too much sugar can wreak havoc on your skin. It can trigger acne and lower collagen levels, resulting in premature aging and a tired, dry, haggard look.

Getting enough rest and managing stress helps your skin look refreshed. Lack of sleep and chronic stress can trigger inflammation, worsen dark circles, and make your complexion look dull.

Make sleep a priority by aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night, and incorporate stress-relief habits like meditation, gentle exercise, or journaling.

Vitamin C and niacinamide are powerhouse ingredients that brighten your skin, fade dark spots, and even out your complexion. Vitamin C protects against free radicals and sun damage when applied during the day, while niacinamide reduces UV damage and shields against blue light from screens, helping prevent hyperpigmentation and dullness.

Regular exfoliation smooths skin, improves texture, and brightens a haggard-looking face. Mechanical exfoliation uses physical scrubs or microdermabrasion. Chemical exfoliation with AHAs and BHAs sheds dead skin on the surface and deep in the pores, with BHAs like salicylic acid helping to fight acne at the root.

For an extra boost, try cleansing with POND'S Vitamin Micellar Water Brightening Rose. Its cocktail of vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E helps cleanse and brighten skin. 

Daily SPF protects your skin from UV damage, preventing hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and premature aging. Exfoliated skin is especially sensitive, so applying at least SPF 30 helps maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Reapply throughout the day to stay protected, even when you skip exfoliation.

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.