5 Hacks for Glowing Skin

Glowing skin is the pinnacle of skincare goals. Who doesn’t want a fresh and luminous complexion?

As the body’s largest organ, skin noticeably changes when we treat it right. Hydrated skin looks bright and feels soft; on the flip side, skin that needs some love can be dry and somewhat dull. Although most of us may know the general basics of what healthy skin needs, it can be trickier to understand the specific steps we need to take to achieve that dewy look. 

Luckily for those of us with hearts set on enhancing our natural radiance, there are some tried-and-true methods that can help to get our skin glowing. 

5 Steps for a Radiant Complexion

1. Exfoliate, Cleanse, Moisturize

We’re starting with the basics! No matter how many steps you have in your skincare routine, these three essential practices are the foundation for healthy skin. 

First, we start with exfoliation. Exfoliate regularly to remove the dead skin cells that sit on top of your skin (that’s what makes your face look dull) and create a smooth and neutral base. Skincare experts recommend exfoliating two to three times a week, but take care not to overdo it. Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and cause redness. If you’re unsure where to start, try natural exfoliants like oatmeal or sugar to ease your way into this routine.  

In addition to exfoliating, experts recommend cleansing your face at least two times a day — once in the morning and once at night. Choose a facial cleanser that’s right for your skin type, and don’t be afraid to try different cleansers as your skin’s needs change. (If you suffer from dry skin in colder weather, check out our blog post on preventing cracked skin during the winter!)

And most importantly, never forget to moisturize. Moisturizer relieves skin dryness and helps encourage a healthier appearance; dermatologists even recommend daily moisturization to those with oily skin. For hydration that absorbs into skin layers beneath the surface, try indulging in a face mask!

2. Steam Your Face

Want to level up your skincare with an at-home spa experience? Boost your glow by treating your skin to some steam.

Steaming is one of the easiest ways to give your face some TLC. If you’re not familiar with this concept, face steaming is just what it sounds like: directing steam from hot water onto your face for brief intervals of time. 

When you steam your face, you promote healthy blood flow, which is necessary for the production of an essential protein called collagen. Collagen is the structure that maintains skin’s elasticity and smoothness, two qualities that build a glowy complexion. Of course, this isn’t the only way to promote normal collagen levels in your body. Collagen supplements, like NatureWise Enhanced Collagen Peptides, support skin’s structure and texture too.* Add steaming AND supplements to your routine to multiply the benefits!

3. Enjoy Some Green Tea

If you experience skin irritation or other inflammatory issues, you may benefit from incorporating green tea into your skincare routine. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe minor reactions, but if you have a condition like eczema it’s best to talk to your doctor.

How you add green tea to your skin routine is up to you. There hasn’t been a study comparing topical benefits to oral benefits yet, but you can find plenty of guides and recommendations for both oral consumption and topical application of green tea for the skin. You can even try making a DIY green tea face mask. 

Bottom line, green tea can help you establish a clear foundation for a bright complexion. 

4. Take Your Vitamins

Skin, like any other part of the body, needs proper nourishment. Let’s break down the top vitamins that help you achieve healthy, radiant skin: 

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is important for the production of retinol, which promotes skin cell reproduction. In fact, topical retinol has been recommended for acne treatment and is linked to collagen production.
• Vitamin C: When applied topically, vitamin C may improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, encourage an even skin tone, and promote the reduction of acne. Vitamin C is also needed to make collagen! 
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system, a necessary component for healthy skin. Imbalanced immune systems are linked to inflammation, which can cause skin irritation.
• Vitamin E: Like green tea, vitamin E can help to relieve skin conditions caused by inflammation. Not to mention, it's also a powerful antioxidant!

In addition to these individual vitamins, a multivitamin like NatureWise Women's Multivitamin with Hair, Skin & Nails Support can help to provide comprehensive support for healthy, glowing skin. 

5. Don’t Underestimate Skin Protection

Getting glowing skin isn’t only about implementing healthy habits; it’s about preventing damage, too. And one of the biggest threats to a fresh, ageless complexion? Sun damage. 

It may not come as a surprise that solar radiation can damage your skin deeply. UV rays from sunlight can cause sunburns, redness, dryness, and the breakdown of collagen in your skin. Prolonged sun exposure can leave your skin feeling rough and raw. All the efforts you put into obtaining glowing skin won’t be as effective if you don’t protect it from sun damage!

So, don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30, and you should make sure to reapply at least every two hours. 

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Remember that glowing skin is ultimately about the quality and health of your skin, rather than one specific look that you need to achieve. The process of getting radiant skin benefits not only your complexion but your overall health, too. And ultimately, how we look is an extension of how we feel — and these tips will help you feel good about taking care of yourself!