Summer is all about getting a healthy, natural-looking glow going. While a good, consistent skin-care routine can accomplish this, there are a handful of in-office treatments that could give skin a quick glow-up. “Radiant, healthy skin is a coveted aesthetic outcome, and while diligent at-home skin care is essential, in-office procedures can provide a powerful boost,” says board-certified New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD.
Dermatologists often like to do combination treatments to address multiple skin concerns at once, with the plan depending on the patient’s goals. Board-certified Campbell, CA dermatologist Amelia K. Hausauer, M is one such expert who likes to create multi-tiered plans for patients to deliver well-rounded, comprehensive results with customized treatment for redness, textural improvement, acne scars and more while boosting glow. “Glowing skin can be achieved depending upon your needs via many different treatments and price ranges,” says board-certified Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias. Whether you mix and match treatments or give just one a try, experts say you’re sure to gain a gorgeous glow from these in-office options.
Glow-inducing in-office treatments
1 / 10
Hydrafacial
Dr. Kung bills Hydrafacial as a “multi-modality approach to deep cleansing and hydration. This “multi-step treatment employs a vortex technology to achieve several goals simultaneously. This technology utilizes a swirling current of water and a gentle exfoliating tip to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells,” she explains. This process promotes better penetration of key active ingredients delivered in subsequent steps.
“Following the deep cleanse, a customized serum cocktail is tailored to address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation or fine lines,” says Dr. Kung. The serums feature ingredients with well-established scientific benefits like kojic acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, depending on your needs.
The enhanced exfoliation promotes “smoother texture and better light reflection, contributing to a radiant glow,” says Dr. Kung. The jolt of hydration also contributes to a more luminous appearance.
Getty Images
Average cost
$150-$300
Who it’s best for
People with dry or textured skin or those new to cosmetic treatments
When you’ll see results
You can see some benefits immediately after and others within a week of the treatment
2 / 10
Sculptra
“For a natural glow that really lasts, I always recommend Sculptra, an injectable that stimulates Type 1 collagen. This leads to natural-looking results, including improved skin quality and facial glow,” says board-certified New York plastic surgeon Sachin Shridharani, MD. One of the biggest benefits is that while patients find the treatment to be impactful, they still maintain their own aesthetic, notes Dr. Shridharani.
“As an injectable collagen biostimulator, Sculptra works to gradually help restore your skin’s natural collagen growth, typically over the course of three treatments,” explains Dr. Shridharani. “Because of this, results develop over time, leading to natural-looking facial firmness, smoothness, and glow that can last up to two years.
Getty Images / Image Used for Illustrative Purposes Only
Average cost
$800 – $2,700
Who it’s best for
People with mature skin and loss of volume
When you’ll see results
Within a few weeks
3 / 10
Morpheus8 + Exosomes
Board-certified New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD recommends using Morpheus8 with exosomes immediately following. “Morpheus8 is a microneedling and radio frequency device that penetrates the skin to give it a smoother and sleeker appearance,” she explains. After the treatment, Dr. Peredo applies ExoCel Bio Exovex Serum “to rejuvenate the skin, reduce redness and downtime and the post-laser burning sensation.” Glowing results can be seen within a few days, with the most noticeable results after one month, says Dr. Peredo.
Award Photo: Morpheus8
Average cost
$1,000 – $2,000
Who it’s best for
People with aging skin and skin laxity
When you’ll see results
Results can be seen within a few days, with the most noticeable results after one month
4 / 10
Microneedling
“Microneedling creates small micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and helping with skin texture,” explains board-certified Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD. It can help address fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring and pore size. The improvement in skin tone and texture provides an undeniable glow.
Getty Images
Average cost
$500-$600
Who it’s best for
People with textured skin
When you’ll see results
You will see optimal results after a series of three to five sessions. Results develop over time as collagen stimulation occurs.
5 / 10
Juvéderm SKINVIVE
This FDA-approved hyaluronic acid microdroplet injection is getting rave reviews from many dermatologists. “The first intradermal microdroplet injection approved in the U.S. to improve skin smoothness,” SKINVIVE offers next-gen skin improvement and radiance that is proven to last up to six months.
Getty Images / Image Used for Illustrative purposes Only
Average cost
$650 – $750
Who it’s best for
People with dry, textured skin
When you’ll see results
Some results can be seen immediately, but optimal results take about four weeks to appear.
6 / 10
Geneo Glo2Facial
This multi-targeted approach combines three technologies to provide a comprehensive facial rejuvenation experience, says Dr. Kung.
“The first technology utilizes OxyGeneo technology to deliver exfoliation and oxygenation for a brighter complexion. The second technology uses ultrasound waves to deliver gentle vibrations that promote microcirculation and enhance the permeability of the skin,” says Dr. Kung. “This increased permeability allows for deeper penetration of the topical serums delivered during the treatment, potentially maximizing their efficacy.”
The result is improved skin texture and elasticity, minimized pores, improved skin tone and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. As for the glow-inducing benefits—the combination of exfoliation, oxygenation and hydrating serums can promote a dewy, radiant appearance.”
PeopleImages / GettyImages
Average cost
$250-$500
Who it’s best for
Those with dry, dull or mature skin
When you’ll see results
You can see some benefits immediately after and for 14 days following treatment
7 / 10
Clear + Brilliant
This light resurfacing laser can “target superficial pigment and pore size, with either intense pulse light if sunspots are a major concern or with microneedling/PRP to provide a deeper level of collagen stimulation and airbrushing of the skin,” says Dr. Hausauer.
Award Photo: Clear + Brilliant
Average cost
$200 – $750
Who it’s best for
People with early signs of aging and skin concerns
When you’ll see results
Some results can be seen immediately after, but optimal results appear after a few treatments
8 / 10
Microdroplet botulinum and hyaluronic acid
Dr. Hausauer says this is a popular option in her practice. “We deposit the products very high up in the skin to minimize the appearance of pores and redness or flushing (can be great in rosacea),” says Dr. Hausauer. The treatment also helps boost hydration. “This process is called skin boosting in other parts of the world and is a mainstay in complexion routines. It is not like traditional neuromodulator or filler treatment because it targets actual skin quality,” she explains.
Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images | Image Used for Illustrative Purposes Only
Average cost
$300 – $850
Who it’s best for
People with red, dry or irritated skin
When you’ll see results
Within the week
9 / 10
HydraClear
Dr. Cox loves combining HydraFacial and Clear + Brilliant, which she calls HydraClear, to achieve a glow. “The Hydrafacial is used first to extract and exfoliate, allowing the Clear + Brilliant Laser to penetrate deeper and deliver a more effective treatment,” she explains. “Combining these treatments provides benefits for hydration, pore size, tone and texture, leading to a more youthful, glowing complexion.”
Award Photo: DiamondGlow
Average cost
$500 – $650
Who it’s best for
Those with dry, dull skin
When you’ll see results
You will see optimal results after a series of three to five sessions. Results develop over time as collagen stimulation occurs.
10 / 10
Ultraclear Clear + Avava Miria + GlacialRx
Dr. Elias says his favorite way “to yield glowing glass skin is to combine treatments for truly beautiful results.” Combining Ultraclear Clear, Avava Miria and GlacialRx “all in one treatment can yield the most refined skin one has ever seen on their face.”
