If you’re doing the math, it’s been more than 20 years since Jenna Dewan started dancing onstage and in videos for the likes of Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Kelly Clarkson and NSYNC and 17 years since she starred in the breakout hit “Step Up.” It all adds up to the fact that she’s a pro when it comes to taking care of herself, both inside and out.
After developing melasma, a common condition that causes discoloration and dark, uneven patches on the face, the actress had to give her skin care and beauty routine extra consideration. “I needed to find products that were extremely effective on a lot of levels,” she explains.
Dewan says she noticed an immediate difference in her skin using Neostrata’s skin-renewing creams, washes and serums. “My skin started glowing, and there was a lot of tightening up,” she shares. Now she’s partnered with the brand to help empower others with similar conditions. “A lot of people struggle with discoloration,” she says, noting that pregnancy, hormones and stress are all risk factors. “You can do something about it.”
She also adds that prioritizing TLC goes well beyond the surface. “It’s not just topical,” she says. “It’s also about what you consume and how you move your body and manage stress. I hopefully eat healthy 80% of the time because it helps my energy and how I feel, and that translates to outer beauty.”
Ahead, Dewan shares seven of her favorite beauty products with CNN Underscored.
Dewan singles out this oil-free serum, which contains vitamin C, polyhydroxy acid and green tea, to brighten and even skin tone. “It gives you a boost right away and over time, it starts to help with pigmentation,” she says. She applies it every morning just before starting her makeup routine: “It’s really pretty under makeup and looks good on camera. You’ll get that glow.”
Related: The 32 best face serums for every skin type, according to experts
She jokes that she’d keep the nourishing tinted balm in her purse and car even if she weren’t friends with The Honest Company founder and fellow actress Jessica Alba. “It’s just a really good product, and the whole line is great,” she says.?
Related: Actress and founder of The Honest Company Jessica Alba shares her beauty and style must-haves
During the day, Dewan says she takes a "no-fuss" approach when it comes to her hair. (She chooses to glam it up at night.) After washing, she says she scrunches her hair with this rice protein-enhanced mist, then lets it air-dry. “You’ll have a nice wave in your hair, and it will last,” she says. It leaves hair shiny too.
Related: Actress Tia Mowry lists her hair and skin care must-haves
Because Dewan washes her hair every few days, she regularly cleanses her scalp with a dry shampoo spray that adds volume and texture. She also raves about its musky scent: “People stop me all the time and say, ‘What is that smell?’ I say it’s my dry shampoo!”
Instead of a traditional mousse, Dewan boosts her roots with a lasting-hold, sulfate-free spray. “It gives my hair a nice volume, which looks good before I go out,” she says. Blow-dry tip: Spritz five to seven times on towel-dried hair and flip the tresses upside down while drying for extra lift and hold.?
Related: Actress and YSE Beauty founder Molly Sims shares her holy grail beauty products
Dewan “swears by” this lightweight body oil, which helps lock in moisture and improve the skin’s tone and is rich in antioxidants. She keeps her bottle in the shower for instant access. “I’ll dry off and just quickly put it on,” she says. “I love that it’s so moisturizing.”?
Related: The 26 best body lotions for keeping skin healthy and hydrated, according to experts
Dewan splurged on an at-home laser treatment that helps with wrinkles, skin elasticity, texture, tone and anti-aging. “It’s a low-level light for your face,” says Dewan, adding that she uses it about twice a week to help with her discoloration.
