Guide to Your Best Skin

Waging war against the perils of blah skin (fine lines, breakouts, puffiness) typically involves an arsenal of big-gun anti-agers and a minimum of six to eight weeks. But in a world of instant gratification—and last-minute invitations—sometimes a girl just needs a right-now payoff. So, how to boost your glow without the wait? We asked our favorite experts to break it all down. Your road map to better skin in three days starts here.

If your complexion's dull, dry and/or generally meh, opt for a double dose of moisture morning and night by using a serum with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a magnet drawing moisture deep into the skin, followed by a hydrating cream. For easy application, try a two-in-one formula like L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Intensive Skin Revitalizer Serum + Moisturizer. According to L'Oréal Paris scientific skincare expert Dr. Rocio Rivera, it's the easiest and quickest way to give skin a boost. In fact, up to "30 percent of fine lines and wrinkles can disappear [or at least look a lot less noticeable] simply by applying a basic formula." It's important for those prone to oily skin too, Dr. Rivera says, because without it skin goes into "drought mode and starts overproducing oil."

No amount of night cream can counteract the skin-damaging effects of a poor diet. Meaning what you eat always has a way of showing up on your face. For the best skin possible, New York nutritionist Brooke Alpert recommends a healthy-fats strategy focused on omega-3 fatty acids, which, she says, "encourages the body to produce anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce skin redness, breakouts, and puffiness." The usual suspects—salmon, cod, and halibut—are packed with the stuff, but if you're not into fish, try a handful of walnuts or a cup of chia pudding instead.

Sucks, we know, but for a consistently clear complexion, Alpert advocates cutting dairy from your diet completely. Here's why: "Hormones like progesterone and insulin found in cow's milk increase levels of inflammation, which can trigger acne." While not everyone's face blows up from a cheese board, if you struggle with breakouts, you'd be wise to go lactose-free to see how your skin responds, especially if traditional topical options haven't worked. "It's surprising how many people see an improvement," she says.

The benefits of exercise are well known: strong heart, more energy, cute butt. But working out can also do amazing things for your skin, says Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D., a professor of exercise science at Jacksonville University. "Exercise flushes out toxins and encourages proper blood circulation, which, in turn, improves skin as it feeds oxygen and nutrients to your cells." Do anything that gets your heart rate up for 60 minutes, like a light jog, yoga session, or spin class. Just prioritize washing your face afterward, says Hausenblas, "so gunk doesn't get sucked back into your pores."

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: A healthy diet is critical for healthy skin. Manhattan-based cosmetic facial acupuncturist Shellie Goldstein adds: "Just like you want your serums and creams to be high in good-for-skin vitamins, so should the foods you eat." What to target in particular? First, look for wrinkle-fighting vitamin A—AKA the derivative known as retinol—which you can find in carrots, pumpkins, and dark leafy greens. Then add in free radical-scavenging vitamin C, which, Alpert explains, is essential for "producing collagen and helping blemishes heal properly." Blueberries, kiwis, and sweet potatoes are all great sources. Finally, round out your menu with vitamin E-rich foods like spinach and avocado to halt inflammation and help skin retain moisture.

Even if the rest of your face is in pretty good shape, chances are you haven't escaped the occasional (or constant) curse of under-eye bags. That's because they're part of our genetic heritage, says Dr. Rivera, and virtually everything—stress, soy sauce, allergies, all-nighters—manages to send them into a tizzy. If you're prone to waking up a little puffy, try a caffeine-spiked eye cream to help minimize swelling and constrict blood vessels. (Bonus points if it has a cooling metal tip like L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Eye Treatment.) For big-time bags, double down on DIY acupressure massage. "Working on the pressure points is great for immediate benefits in circulation, decreased puffiness, and draining of excess fluids," says Goldstein. To do it, place your thumb between your eyebrows and massage for 10 seconds. Then starting at the inner corners of the eyes, use your ring fingers to lightly trace a circle over the brows, around the orbital bones, and underneath the eyes; repeat two or three times.

It's public enemy number one for clear skin. When you're stressed out, your body produces excess adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause a whole host of skin issues, like acne, irritation, and hives, says Alpert. Meditation not your thing? Try a soothing cup of tea rich with magnesium: It'll help regulate the nervous system and relax anything that's tight—muscles and mind included, she says. Look for a rooibos or white tea to sip before bed.

And let all the restorative goodness sink in while you catch some Z's. Look for formulas with hydrating glycerin and Hyaluronic acid, says Dr. Rivera, like L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask. A sleep mask's wrinkle reducing effects are two-fold: First, cells repair at night, allowing turbocharged ingredients to penetrate deeper and work more efficiently. It also helps seal in precious moisture, which tends to escape during the regenerative process. Try exfoliating first for better absorption. What you'll see when you wake up? A brighter, dewier, smoother-looking complexion.

Because hydrating your body on the inside is just as important as moisturizing it on the outside. When you're dehydrated, Alpert explains, "your skin cells shrivel up, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable." Whereas well-hydrated skin looks "dewy, plump, and more youthful." If that's not reason enough to start guzzling, here's another: Drinking a sufficient amount of water also helps prevent sugar cravings throughout the day, which means less inflammation in general. But don't just slam a gallon back and call it a day; sip on a liter every few hours to give your body time to actually absorb it.

This is the red carpet trick that will help cheat dry skin instantly, says makeup artist Daniel Martin. "The emollients in the oil break down the pigments in the foundation creating a smoother coverage and dewier finish." His how-to: Mix a drop of face oil with one pump of liquid foundation and tap the mixture on with a damp sponge or a flat-top foundation brush. Let it sit for a few minutes before dusting the area around your nose and T-zone with a touch of translucent powder.