Get glowing skin with the dermatologist's tips and tricks of a good hydrate skin care routine. Make your radiant skin dewy, healthy, and glowing without makeup.
Glowing skin is something many people strive to have. For some, radiant skin is an outward sign of health, while others wish to achieve this look for cosmetic reasons. There are many ways to improve the skin’s radiance. People can improve the health of their skin by making diet and lifestyle changes. There are also many skincare and makeup products on the market that can give the appearance of glowing skin. In this post, we will look more closely at what glowing skin is, the factors that influence it, and how to work towards it.
What is glowing skin?
Glowing skin means different things to people. Many people use the term to refer to skin that looks healthy and “awake” rather than dry, dull, or unevenly textured. For some, healthy skin results in a natural sheen, or “glow.” Healthy skin is something that most people can work towards. Typically, healthy skin will appear:
- smooth, with few breaks or blemishes
- adequately hydrated, being neither too dry nor too oily
- fairly even in color, rather than red or inflamed
It is important to note that healthy skin does not mean perfect skin. Perfect skin is not attainable. Skin can be healthy and glowing, while also having normal characteristics, such as visible pores, fine lines, wrinkles, birthmarks, and occasional blemishes. Everyone’s skin is different. Some people may be naturally more able to achieve a glowing appearance than others due to a range of factors.
Learn more about Anti-Aging Beauty Tips That Will Improve Your Skin Care.
The factors that influence skin health include:
Genetics: A person may be more likely to have dry or dull skin due to their genes. Some dry skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, are related to trusted Source genetics.
Hormones: Fluctuations in hormone levels can trigger breakouts of acne and change how oily or dry a person’s skin is. This is true for people of all sexes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Health conditions and medications: If a person has other coexisting health conditions, or takes medications, this could impact the health of their skin. For example, hormonal birth control can have either a positive or negative influence.
Environment: Exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, dry air, tobacco smoke, and pollution can all have a negative impact on the skin.
Behavior: Water intake, diet, sleep, stress, and exercise can influence the skin. The products a person uses on their skin can also either help or hinder skin health.
It is not possible to control all of these factors, but there are many a person can change in order to promote healthy skin. We will look at some of these in the following sections.
Skin care for glowing skin
Many people start working towards healthy-looking skin with skin care products. This can feel complicated, as there are many companies that claim their products will help someone achieve glowing skin. However, the Academy of American Dermatology (AAD) states that skincare does not have to be complex or expensive. Many people benefit from a simple routine that consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Cleansing
Cleansing products help remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the skin. When choosing a cleanser, it is important to look for one that is gentle, pH-balanced and does not include harsh chemicals or soap. A glowing complexion doesn't have to come with a steep price tag and celebrity aesthetician
Cleanse the skin upon waking up, before going to sleep, and after sweating. Use warm water rather than cold or hot, and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
A squeaky clean skin is the first step in any skincare routine for glowing skin. Cleansing helps your skin ward off dirt, excess oil, makeup residue, and dead skin cells. It also prepares your skin for the remaining steps in your skincare routine. Exfoliate Your Skin Once A Week. One of the best ways to brighten skin and boost its glow both immediately and long term is by exfoliating. We can recommend
Moisturizing
Moisturizers add water to the skin. For best results, the AAD recommends applying topical moisturizer immediately after cleansing in order to trap moisture in the skin. People with oily skin may prefer an oil-free moisturizer, while those with dry skin may prefer something heavier that contains oils or butter.
Keep a mist handy so that your skin’s hydration levels don’t plummet during the hot weather.
Sun protection
Sunlight contains UV light, which can cause burning, sun damage, and visible signs of aging. Applying an SPF product before going outside is an easy way to reduce the risk. When choosing an SPF product, look for one that is: broad spectrum, SPF 30 or above, suitable for a person’s skin type.
Apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin, including around the eyes and neck. When the sun is at its strongest, stay in the shade or wear lightweight clothing and a hat to cover the scalp. The skin on your face, ears, and neck is very sensitive to UV rays and other environmental hazards.
Maintain collagen levels in the skin
When collagen levels are high, the skin is soft, smooth, and firm. It helps the skin cells renew and repair themselves. Both the levels and quality of collagen affect the skin. As a person ages, their body produces less and the quality of collagen in the body reduces. Genetic factors and nutrients, such as vitamin C, are essential for its production. Functions of collagen include keeping the skin smooth and elastic, keeping the joints flexible, and enabling wounds to heal.
Various products and chemicals may help enhance collagen production as Retinol and other carotenoids, antioxidants, Ginseng, Aloe vera gel, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid
Other products
There are additional products that may help with attaining healthy skin, depending on a person’s specific concerns. For example, chemical exfoliants are popular products that dissolve the top layer of skin cells, making way for new cells underneath. People can use these to improve skin texture and appearance.
Apply chemical exfoliants after cleansing but before moisturizing.
Chemical exfoliants are not always suitable for those with darker skin. They can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Always wear SPF when using a chemical exfoliant. Vitamin C and vitamin B decrease free radicals in the skin, which helps eliminate brown spots and dull, flaky skin.
Shaving and nourishing your skin
Hair removal can easily cause irritation, ingrowing hairs, or a shaving rash. To avoid this: wet the skin and hair, use a shaving balm or cream to lubricate the skin,
shave in the direction the hair grows with a clean, sharp razor, rinse the razor after each pass, and allow the razor to dry completely after use.
Foods make your skin glowing
A healthy diet benefits the entire body, including the skin. Even if a person has a good skin care routine, they may not find their skin looks healthy if they do not take care of themselves internally.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Certain nutrients are especially important for skin health.
Lifestyle changes for healthy and glowing skin
Altering even the simplest aspects of one's routine can have a significant effect on both the health and appearance of the skin.
Stopping smoking, stopping skin diseases
Smoking can contribute to several skin problems, including premature aging, the appearance of wrinkles, slow wound healing, skin infections, and some skin disorders, including psoriasis. Smoking also increases the risk trusted Source of squamous cell skin cancer, particularly on the lips.
Relieving stress
Stress can impact the skin in a number of ways. Scientists believe that it can raise inflammation levels, decrease blood flow to the skin, and delay skin healing. Reducing stress and making time to relax is generally beneficial for the body and mind. People can do this by reducing any stressful activities they do not need to do, such as delegating them making time for activities they enjoy or find stress-relieving, winding down before sleep every night, practicing yoga, breathing exercises, or mindfulness.
Getting enough sleep
Sleep can help support mental health and allow the body to heal from damage, which can benefit the skin. A small 2015 study found that a lack of sleep was associated with skin aging, reduced barrier function, and dissatisfaction with the skin’s appearance among 60 white women. However, because the study did not include people of other genders, ethnicities, or races, this may not reflect a broad range of opinions. Aim for 7–9 hoursTrusted Source of sleep every night.
Drinking water and reducing alcohol consumption
The body requires adequate water intake to stay healthy. While there is limited evidence that drinking more water directly improves the skin’s appearance, a 2015 study found that drinking enough does help the skin function. In contrast, alcohol can trigger or worsen: facial redness, flushing, rosacea, dermatitis, skin infections
Exercising
A 2015 study looking at sedentary older adults found that regular aerobic exercise for 3 months significantly improved skin structure. The researchers suggest that regular exercise may therefore improve age-related skin deterioration. Physical activity improves general health, so aim for 150 minutesTrusted Source of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week. Alternatively, aim for 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week.
When to seek help from a doctor
These aforementioned tips may help some people work towards healthier skin. However, people with underlying skin conditions, such as persistent acne, discoloration, dryness, eczema, or other rashes may require treatment from a dermatologist. People should speak with a doctor promptly if they notice: changes to a mole, sudden or persistent rashes, hives, or other forms of skin irritation, or signs of skin infection, such as pain, swelling, or oozing sores, and severe or slow-healing wounds.
Summary
Naturally, glowing skin is typically skin that is healthy and hydrated. People can work towards this by gradually implementing a skin care routine, as well as by making changes to their diet or lifestyle where necessary. Smoking, alcohol, and UV light can all damage skin health, so avoid these where possible.
Learn more about Anti-Aging Beauty Tips That Will Improve Your Skin Care.