Who doesn’t want to get glowing skin? Almost everyone! But if you think glowing skin is all about makeup and skincare, you are probably wrong! It is an overall result of your diet, exercise, and skincare routine.
Glowing skin is healthy, smooth, awake & adequately hydrated rather than being dry with a dull texture. Remember that glowing, healthy skin may have normal characteristics, like fine lines, birthmarks, or visible pores.
In this article, you will learn about what type of skincare routine to follow, home remedies, and healthy lifestyle changes to get glowing skin for both men and women.
Skin Care Routine For Glowing Skin
So, let’s start with the steps of the skincare routine for getting healthy & glowing skin.
Cleanse
Cleansing is the process of getting rid of unhealthy skin cells with the help of cleansing liquids. Cleansers also remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil from the skin that clogs pores.
While buying cleansers, choose the gentle, chemical-free, and pH-balanced based cleansers.
Make sure to cleanse your skin before going to sleep and after sweating with warm water. Hot water takes away the oil from the skin that can cause breakouts or acne. Avoid cold water, as it tightens up your skin pores and thus doesn’t effectively remove the dead skin.
DIY Method
If you want to follow the do-it-yourself (DIY) method, you can apply the paste of one tablespoon of milk with one teaspoon of honey on your skin & wash it off with warm water. The lactic acid of milk and honey cleanses and nourishes your skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the best way to brighten up your skin. It gives a long-lasting glow with immediate effect. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells of the outer skin resulting in smoother & clearer skin.
You can apply a face scrub (physical exfoliant) 2-3 times per week for oily skin or a face pack (chemical exfoliant) once a week for dry and sensitive skin. For combination skin, you can exfoliate three times a week for better results.
DIY Method
If you want to use home remedies for exfoliation, use the paste of one teaspoon of fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) and one teaspoon of gram flour (besan). The granules present in this paste act as a scrub and smoothly exfoliate the dead skin without irritation.
Moisturize
Moisturization hydrates the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends applying moisturizer after cleansing to trap the moisture in the skin.
Moisturized skin reflects light, making it appear more glowing. Lack of hydration makes the complexion dull. Studies indicate that face lotions and creams are much more hydrating than oils & serums.
Choose an oil-free moisturizer if you have oily skin and go for something heavier that contains oils or butter if you have dry skin.
DIY Method
If you want to go for a do-it-yourself (DIY) method for moisturization, apply aloe vera gel for oily skin, shea butter for dry skin, and jojoba oil for normal skin.
Protect From Sun
Excessive sun exposure can burn, damage, or age your skin. So, it will be best to apply sunscreen cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) before going out in the sun to avoid the risk.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 and suitable for your skin type. Apply to all the exposed skin areas, including the neck and eyes. So, make sure to stay in the shade and cover yourself adequately with light clothes while out in the sun.
Face Mask
Face mask plumps and boosts the skin glow. This process replenishes moisture in the skin & relaxes the tired skin. Select clay-based face masks, which clear the pores without skin irritation & make the skin glow.
DIY Method
You can make effective face masks at home for glowing skin.
First Method
Mix half cup curd (or yogurt) with half mashed strawberry and two drops of honey in a bowl. Apply this mix to the face and neck for 5-7 minutes till your skin feels dry. Rinse it off with water.
The lactic acid of curd helps tighten the pores, prevents wrinkles and fine lines from making your skin radiant. Honey moisturizes the skin without making it oily & strawberry helps remove the dead skin cells and cleanses the skin.
You can also add two tablespoons of almond powder to the paste to enhance exfoliating effects.
Second Method
Make a thick paste of 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) with one teaspoon of turmeric powder with the help of rose water. Now, apply this paste on your face till it becomes dry. Wash it off with water.
Fuller’s earth absorbs the oil from the skin, thus preventing clogging of pores and improving skin tone & complexion. Antioxidants from turmeric help prevent skin damage & provide luster to the skin.
Massage
Massaging the skin relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and gives skin a natural radiance. It also helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Use some amount of serum or oil & repeat some upward and downward circular motions over your skin with gentle but firm pressure. You can repeat each stroke five to seven times in every area.
Lotion
Nowadays, a hybrid skincare product (shimmer lotions) combines the nourishing effects of moisturizer and radiance-boosting effects of highlighters. These lotions contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which adequately moisturizes the skin and makes it smoother and plumper.
Check Skin Care Products’ Ingredients
Check for terms like ‘brightening’ or ‘even skin toning’ on the skincare product’s packaging for glowing skin. Daily application can boost your complexion over time and visible effects within a few weeks.
You can also look for active skincare ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin B-3. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, lights up the skin by blocking an enzyme that produces pigment. Vitamin B-3 slows down the rate of pigment production to lighten dark spots.
Home Remedies For Glowing Skin
Here are some home remedies you can include in your daily routine for glowing skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties of virgin oil, it protects skin from damage and heals skin infection.
How to Apply?
Take a small cotton ball, dab it in virgin coconut oil and use this cotton dip to take off your makeup. Cleansing with this oil ball moisturizes & soothes your skin, making it dewy-looking and healthy below the surface layer.
Try massaging your skin with virgin coconut oil for a few minutes before washing it off with a regular cleanser.
Note: Virgin coconut oil may not work for every skin; do not use it if you have allergies.
Aloe Vera
Rich in vitamin A, B12, C, and E, aloe vera has antioxidants that prevent inflammation & moisturize the skin without clogging pores. Aloe vera improves the elasticity of the skin & prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
How to Apply?
You can follow any one of the following methods.
- After washing your face, you can apply aloe vera gel directly, making circular movements every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, wash it off with cool water & pat it dry.
- You can make a paste of aloe vera gel with one teaspoon of milk & honey. Apply this paste on your skin for around 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. The lactic acid of milk and cleansing properties of honey also add to the nourishment of your skin.
Frequency
You can repeat these procedures once or twice a week for visible results.
Cucumber
Due to the anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of cucumber, it rejuvenates dull skin & thus glowing skin. Cucumber has the same pH level as your skin. It also reduces puffiness under your eyes to give you a healthy look.
How to Apply?
There are various ways of using cucumber.
- Grate one cucumber and mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of curd. Curd helps in moisturizing & bleaching the skin to lighten dark spots. Apply this blended mixture to your skin for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water.
- You can mix the pulp of cucumber with one teaspoon of lemon. Apply this mix to your skin for 10 minutes. Lemon helps in removing the dead skin cells. Rinse it off with water.
- You can place cucumber pieces on your eyes to relax your eye skin & reduce dark circles.
Frequency
You can repeat these cucumber home remedies once or twice a week for better results.
Papaya
Due to the enzyme papain present in papaya, it helps to lighten the skin’s blemishes. It acts as an exfoliator and removes dead cells & makes skin radiant.
How to Apply?
Make a paste of a few pieces of papaya, one tablespoon of both fuller’s earth and honey. Fuller’s earth and honey cleanses & nourishes the skin. Apply this paste all over your face and neck for around 15-20 minutes till it becomes dry. Wash it off with water.
Frequency
You can apply this paste once a week for better results.
Lemon
Rich in vitamin C, lemons act as a bleaching agent, remove tan, and make your skin brighter.
How to Apply?
You can mix two tablespoons of both lemon and sugar. Scrub this mix onto your skin in circular motions. Sugar granules act as an exfoliator, which helps remove the dead skin cells. After 10-15 minutes, rinse it off with warm water to get glowing skin.
Frequency
You can repeat the procedure twice a week for wonderful results.
Note: Please make sure to wear sunscreen after following this home remedy. The reason being lemon may make your skin reactive to sun rays.
Healthy Habits for Glowing Skin
Here are some lifestyle changes that will help you achieve supple and glowing skin.
Hydrate Yourself
Your skin cells need adequate water to function well. A 2015 study indicates a strong link between drinking more water & healthy drinks and having healthier skin.
Skin experts recommend drinking at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. Hydration also helps in preventing your skin from feeling dry or tight.
Exercise
Yoga, meditation, and moderate exercise open the skin pores, prevents clogging from oil or dust, and thus, helps in making the skin clear.
Adequate Sleep
Research studies have shown people sleeping less than 5 hours are more likely to fall sick & have dull skin than those sleeping more than 7 hours. While sleeping, your skin makes new collagen that prevents sagging effects.
Avoid Smoking
For glowing skin, you must avoid smoking. Even if taken passively, smoking can make a coat on your face with different types of chemical toxins. Smoking induces stress hormones in the body, leading to premature skin aging, thus making your skin non-lustrous.
Limit Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks are dehydrating in nature. These drinks increase the amount of water the body loses and reduce the body’s capacity to remove toxins. Hydration is essential for healthy and glowing skin. Thus, it is best to avoid or limit caffeine intake.
Eat Healthy Foods
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which rejuvenates your dull skin. Avocados are full of vitamin C and thiamine & riboflavin (B-vitamins) that enhance glow to the skin.
Fruits like papaya, banana, guava, mangoes, and oranges are suitable for your bright skin. Vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and green leafy vegetables are full of nutrients that prevent skin inflammation & promote glowing skin.
Dry fruits like almonds and walnuts are rich in antioxidant properties that prevent inflammation & improve skin health.
Probiotics
A 2014 study has shown that probiotic foods played a significant role in healthy skin & visibly bright skin too. Probiotic foods are fermented foods that enhance digestion, reduce bloating & inflammation. A proper digestion system makes your whole body healthy & glowing.
Curd, dhokla (gram flour dish with bread type texture), pickles, idli & dosa (rice cake & pancake) are some examples of probiotic foods. So, do include these foods in your diet.
Bottom Line
There is no one single magic solution to get glowing skin!
Many steps contribute to your skin tone- your skincare routine, home remedies & healthy lifestyle habits. Glowing skin is the result of all these efforts!
It will be best if you follow some or all these tips in your life. Many people have been following these tips for a long time, when will you be starting?
Please let me know in the comment section below.
