Having glowing skin always tops the list for skincare goals. It is something that most people would wish to have, as either a sign of good health or a boost on their outward appearance. And there are various ways on how to get glowing skin and you are about to find out what!
What is glowing skin?
There is no definite definition of the term “glowing skin” as it can mean differently to people. Many would use the term to describe healthy skin, which means it is not dry, dull, or unevenly textured. While others use it refers to someone’s skin that has a natural sheen, shine, or “glow” on them.
If you take measures towards glowing skin, you are assured to have a skin that is:
- Smooth, with few blemishes
- Hydrated, not too dry, dull-looking, or oily
- Even in color, no redness or inflammation
However, take note that healthy, glowing skin does not necessarily mean perfect and flawless. It’s not just possible to have 100% extremely smooth skin. It can still be glowing and healthy even under normal conditions, such as:
- Visible pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Birthmarks
- Occasional blemishes
What influences skin health?
Everyone’s skin is different. Some people achieve glowy and healthy skin easier than some because of different factors. These factors include:
Genetics. Genes play a vital role as to why a person has dry or dull skin. Skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, are linked to genetics.
Hormones. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to acne breakouts and changes in the skin condition. Mind you that this is regardless of age and usually hits a person during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Medications. Sometimes, medications have side effects that impact the health of the skin. A prime example of this is hormonal birth control, which could either give the user a positive or negative skin result.
Environment. Frequent exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, dry air, and pollution can harm the skin. So if you are someone who is often exposed to these environmental factors and has dry skin, question no more.
Lifestyle. Lifestyle plays a huge part in skin health. No amount of beauty products can ever influence how your skin reacts internally. Sufficient water intake, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can positively impact your skin.
Most of these factors are unavoidable and uncontrollable. Genetic conditions, for example, are something we have no hold over. But there are multiple ways a person can achieve healthy skin. Read all about them below!
Glowing skin through simple skincare
One of the primary backbones of glowing skin is skincare products. However, this can be challenging because all products claim that they are the holy grail to get that glowing and healthy skin. With hundreds of skincare products on the market, choosing can be a complicated process.
However, the Academy of American Dermatology (AAD) believes that skincare doesn’t have to involve dozens of beauty products, nor does it have to be complicated and expensive. Most skin can gain a lot of benefits from a simple skincare routine that consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Know how to get glowing skin with 3 products below!
Cleanser
Cleansing products’ main responsibility is to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil. It’s important to pick one that is gentle to the skin, pH-balanced, and is free of any harsh chemicals and soap.
Upon waking up, before going to bed, and after sweating, cleanse the skin with warm water and softly pat is try with a clean towel.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer hydrates the skin. It is recommended to apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing. This is to trap the moisture inside the skin. There are different types of moisturizers on the market and choosing one depends on preference.
Those with oily skin prefer oil-free moisturizer while people with dry skin might prefer moisturizers with heavier consistency and that contains oils or butter.
Sunscreen
Sunlight has UV light, which is harmful to the skin and can cause burning and signs of aging. So make it a habit to apply sunscreen whenever you go outside as this reduces the risk of UV light exposure.
When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to pick one that has:
- Broad spectrum
- SPF 30 or above
- Suitable for your skin type
Make sure to apply on all areas that are exposed to the skin. If the sun is too strong, it is ideal to pair your sunscreen with other sun-protection accessories, such as a hat or umbrella.
Food for glowing skin
Aside from feeding your skin with the appropriate amount of beauty products, it is also important to take care of it from the inside through a healthy diet. This is vital because a person can have the perfect skincare routine but will fail to achieve that desired glowing skin, all because they’ve failed to take care of themselves internally.
For healthier skin, avoid food high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Instead, you should consume fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Certain food also gives your skin important nutrients like:
- Vitamin A, that can be consumed through beef liver, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Vitamin B2, from fortified breakfast cereals, dairy, mushrooms, and almonds
- Vitamin B6, from chickpeas, salmon, potatoes, bananas
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps with skin barrier and collagen. These vital nutrients can be taken through citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, and strawberries.
Other proven methods for glowing skin
Here are some proven ways that you can use to work through that glowing and healthy skin!
Supplementing collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, this includes our skin. Unfortunately, collagen depletes as we age. Fear not for there are numerous collagen supplements in the market that you can always purchase at a snap of a finger. It contains amino acids, which are good for hair, skin, nail length.
Facial massage routine
A facial massage is another way to increase blood circulation and thus keep the skin cells healthy. Make time for yourself in a day where you can commit to a gua sha routine for a few minutes.
Stay active
Another way to increase blood circulation is through exercising and staying active. With an increase in the blood flow, important oxygens, nutrients, and minerals are distributed throughout the entire body. So the next time you’d think twice about sweating or going to the gym,
Lifestyle changes
First, avoid smoking. Smoking contains elements that harm the body. This restricts oxygen supply, which births damaging free radicals and increases the risk of skin cancer.
The second is a healthy diet and avoiding irritating food, such as packaged, processed, and high in sugar and dairy food. These foods can lead to inflammation and acne breakouts.
The third is to drink lots of water. You must have heard this a million times and we will never get tired of telling you. Drinking a sufficient amount of water positively impacts not only your overall health but your skin as well.
The fourth is getting an adequate amount of sleep. It might seem like a small thing but not getting enough sleep is more than enough to negatively impact your skin. Poor sleep quality is believed to increase the signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Minimize stress
We know how stress can be unavoidable at times and it is easier said than done. But truth to be told, chronic stress can damage the skin and even trigger different health issues. And while stress is almost impossible to rid of, try your best to minimize it as much as you can and make time for exercising, getting enough sleep, and making yourself a healthy meal.