We all want glowing skin however, topical skincare can only get you so far. There are certain lifestyle and diet changes that can make a big impact on improving the overall health and tone of your skin.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to get glowing skin with a few simple tips and recommend some of our favourite skincare products for achieving glowy, radiant skin.
Why does our skin become dull?
Before we jump into some tips on how to get glowing skin, it’s important to understand why we might have dull skin in the first place. To answer this, we spoke to Dr. Michele Koo, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Koo Private Practice Skincare.
There are a variety of factors that can cause the skin to become dry and lose its natural glow. Dr. Koo explained: “Decrease in water intake and our diet are often the primary factors that lead to dull skin. Additionally, environmental stressors such as sun/UV damage, cold, pollution and most of all smoking or secondary smoke – people often discount the detrimental effects of simply being exposed to secondhand smoke which can cause significant skin dullness”.
Your skincare routine (or lack thereof) can affect the health and luminosity of your skin. “The lack of appropriate skincare hydration (moisturiser), exfoliation and nutrition (topical Vitamin serums) and, of course, my absolute favourite, retinol can contribute to dull-looking skin” she added.
Before you run out to buy a whole new range of skincare, it’s important to note that skincare can only go so far. Getting the basics right (increasing water intake and diet) is key to achieving glowing skin.
8 Simple Ways to Achieve Glowing Skin
1. Start With Your Diet
One of the most important factors when it comes to healthy, radiant skin is our diet and the nutrients we are feeding our body. To understand how our diet plays into skin health, we spoke to nutritionist-in-training and gut health expert, Kelly Guerin (@gutsensenutrition).
“When looking to improve skin health, we have to consider what is going on within the whole body. Nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues, such as IBS, can all impact the health of our skin”. “When it comes to diet and specific nutrients, essential fatty acids are very important for creating healthy and well-hydrated skin. Some of the best sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids are oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, or vegetarian options such as ground flaxseed, chia seed or algal oil” she added.
Vitamin C is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare products because it helps to protect and nourish the skin, but equally consuming vitamin c rich food provides essential nutrients for healthy skin. Guerin further explains “Vitamin C is another very important nutrient that helps in the formation of our own natural collagen. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as kiwis, oranges, lemon and capsicums are some of the best dietary sources, but you can also supplement with natural food-based vitamin c powders such as this one by adding a tsp to your smoothie each day”.
Touching on our question above, Guerin explored the diet and digestive-related factors that could be causing dull skin in the first place. “Digestive issues are another common root cause of dull skin, and studies have linked IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to specific skin issues such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis”.
She further explained, “Research suggests that imbalances in our gut microbiome, and an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria and/or a lack of beneficial gut bacteria, can be a trigger for these inflammatory skin conditions. Intolerances to common foods such as gluten and dairy can also drive inflammation and contribute to skin issues for those who are sensitive. Taking a whole body approach and healing any digestive system imbalances is therefore very important in these instances to achieve healthy and glowing skin”.
2. Increase Water Intake
As we mentioned above, one of the most important, yet easiest ways to get glowing skin is to make sure you are drinking enough water. Water helps to flush out toxins from your body and keep your skin hydrated.
Guerin weighed in on the importance of not only increasing water intake, but also retaining hydration: “Hydration is a non-negotiable foundation for healthy skin, but drinking 2L of water a day is not enough. We must consume adequate electrolyte minerals in order for our bodies to absorb and maintain that hydration. A simple way to boost your electrolyte intake is to add a pinch of good-quality sea salt and 1/2 a lemon or lime to your glass of water. Coconut water is another great option to sip on throughout the day as it is a great source of potassium.”
3. Switch Up Your Skincare Routine
Another effective way to achieve healthy and glowing skin is to make sure you are using the right skincare products. More specifically, skincare products packed with active ingredients.
Dr. Koo shared some of the key ingredients to look for: “Vitamins C, E, F, D & K are all necessary vitamins to keep skin cell metabolism humming smoothly and effectively to fight age and environmental damage and dullness”. She adds: “Hyaluronate is a powerful water-binding ingredient that keeps skin plump and glowing. The more moisture a skin has the less damage and hence aging that occurs”.
Active ingredients explained:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and boosts collagen production for firmer, brighter skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid helps to keep skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinol: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to speed up cell turnover, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even out skin tone.
Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to reduce inflammation, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Additionally, make sure you are using sunscreen every day to protect your skin from sun damage.
3. Get Glowy with a Sheet Mask
We have discussed what ingredients to look for in glow-inducing skincare, but one of the most effective ways to deliver them to your skin and lock in hydration is with a sheet mask.
A sheet mask is a great way to achieve glowing skin because it helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. Sheet masks are also designed to help the skin absorb the beneficial ingredients more effectively, which can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Additionally, sheet masks are relaxing, easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Make sure you are exfoliating regularly. Dr. Koo reveals how regular exfoliation can help you achieve glowing skin: “Exfoliation acts to remove the dull dead outer layer of skin, the epidermis. This stimulates the skin to generate ‘new’ baby skin. It also allows for better penetration of all your expensive skincare to do their magic!”.
You can use a physical exfoliator such as a scrub or a chemical exfoliator such as an AHA or BHA product (like we mentioned earlier) to remove dead skin cells. Make sure you are not over-exfoliating as this can cause irritation and damage your skin barrier, particularly for sensitive skin types.
5. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Lack of sleep can not only affect our mental and emotional well-being but can also show up on our faces. This is because while you sleep, your body’s natural regenerative skincare routine gets to work, repairing and regenerating your skin cells and increasing melatonin and collagen production to fight signs of ageing. So to achieve healthy skin, it is important to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Additionally, try to avoid using electronic devices before bed as the blue light emitted from these devices can disrupt your sleep cycle and cause premature aging of the skin.
6. Taking Vitamins & Supplements
Vitamins and supplements can complement increased water intake, a healthy diet and a glow-inducing skincare routine by providing your body with essential nutrients that can help to improve the skin’s radiance.
Vitamins C, D and E are all important for healthy skin, as they help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production.
Additionally, omega–3 fatty acids (fish oil) can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration. Supplements such as zinc, selenium, and biotin can also help to achieve healthy skin by providing essential nutrients that can help to reduce acne and other skin conditions. Finally, probiotics can help to balance the gut microbiome, which can have a positive effect on skin health.
Collagen supplements are one of the most popular options for those looking to improve their skin. While there is some evidence it improves skin health, it’s important to take brands’ claims with a grain of salt. This is not the be-all, end-all solution to better skin and results with vary for everyone.
If you are unsure about whether to integrate a certain vitamin or supplement product into your diet, it is best to consult your doctor.
7. Boost Blood Flow with Exercise and Sauna
Exercising and visiting a sauna can help contribute to glowing skin by increasing circulation and promoting detoxification.
Exercise increases blood flow, which helps to nourish the skin and flush out toxins. Similarly, sweating in a sauna helps to open up the pores and remove impurities from the skin.
8. Faux Glow
In addition to skincare and lifestyle changes, you can also achieve a faux glow with a natural-looking self-tanner for your face.
Opt for a buildable and gradual self-tanner containing natural ingredients that won’t break your skin out.
A self-tanner for the face can be left on for anywhere up to 3 hours to overnight depending on what they advise and how fast they develop. The result is a natural-looking healthy glow.
Skincare Products for Glowing Skin
As we mentioned above, the right skincare products can provide a more immediate effect if looking to achieve healthy and glowing skin.
With that in mind, here are some of our favourite skincare products for a glowing complexion:
Alpha H Liquid Gold
Alpha H Liquid Gold is a cult favourite product that resurfaces and brightens dull–looking skin, rejuvenates ageing skin, smooths out the appearance of fine lines, strengthens the skin‘s barrier and improves the appearance of pigmentation, age spots and acne scarring.
This skin rejuvenating powerhouse contains 5% Glycolic Acid and Licorice Extract to exfoliate skin and reveal a more toned and satin–smooth appearance. It also contains Glycerin for skin hydration. After using Liquid Gold, your skin tone will become visibly brighter, smoother and clearer.
Go To Skincare Transformazing
The Transformazing Sheet Mask by Go To Skincare is the perfect way to give your skin a boost of hydration and brightness.
This serum–drenched sheet mask contains native botanical superstars Kakadu plum, finger lime and Tasmanian pepper leaf to help brighten and even out skin tone. It also features niacinamide, which is known for its brightening, hydrating and healing properties. Hyadisine helps to plump up lines and retain moisture, leaving your skin looking visibly glowier and brighter in just 10 minutes.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Drunk Elephant D–Bronzi™ Anti–Pollution Sunshine Drops is a powerful serum that helps protect your skin from environmental stressors and pollution. It is enriched with omega–rich virgin marula and black currant seed oil, as well as vitamin F, to support the healthy barrier function of the skin. The concentrated mix of protective antioxidants boosts defence against pollution and environmental stressors, while raw, unrefined cocoa powder adds good–for–skin polyphenols.
This bronzing serum is made without fragrance, silicone and essential oil, and results in a stunning natural–looking glow.
JSHealth Collagen Serum
30ml
⭐️ Global Green Beauty Awards 2022 - Winner
JSHealth Vitamins Pro–Collagen Vitamin Serum is a luxurious, age–defying serum that helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and uneven skin tone.
It is formulated with powerful actives such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to help brighten, hydrate and bring brilliance to the skin. This dermatologically tested and approved serum is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. It is designed to enhance skin barrier function and is formulated with a lightweight formula for high absorption to deliver ingredients deep into the skin. The heavenly–scented serum will leave your skin feeling refreshed and looking radiant.
Eco Tan Glory Oil
Glory Oil by Eco Tan is a nourishing treatment oil suitable for use day and night.
It has a lightweight texture that is ideal for all skin types, helping to reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines. It contains a blend of certified organic and natural ingredients, including super seed oils such as Inca Inchi, Acai and Pumpkin Seed Oils. This facial oil hydrates the skin and provides antioxidant protection, creating a gorgeous healthy glow without leaving your skin feeling too oily. It is vegan and PETA–certified cruelty–free.
Wrap Up
Hopefully, these tips help you have a better understanding of how to get glowing skin.
By following the simple skincare and lifestyle changes outlined in this blog post, you can achieve glowing skin in no time. Start by making small changes to your skincare routine and lifestyle habits, such as using natural products, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.
With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can have the glowing skin you’ve always wanted.
