Everyone dreams of having glowing skin that looks healthy and radiant. But how do you achieve it? Many factors affect your skin’s appearance, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, environment, and skincare routine. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your skin’s condition and make it glow.
Here are 10 easy steps by Shuai Wang to achieve glowing skin:
Cleanse your skin twice a day
Cleansing is the first and foremost step in any skincare routine to get glowing skin. It removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from your skin, which can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, and avoid harsh or abrasive products that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can make your skin look dull and flaky. Without exfoliation, glowing skin could be lost. Exfoliating can also improve your skin’s texture, tone, and clarity, as well as unclog your pores and prevent acne. You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) product. Be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating, which can irritate your skin and cause redness or inflammation.
Moisturizing for glowing skin
Moisturizing is the step that hydrates and nourishes your skin, which can make it look plump and smooth. Moisturizing can also protect your skin from dryness, irritation, and environmental damage. Use a moisturizer that suits your skin type and contains ingredients that benefit your skin, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants, or peptides. Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in the moisture and enhance its absorption.
Wear sunscreen every day
Sunscreen is the step that protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, which can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, sagging, dark spots, and skin cancer. Sunscreen can also prevent your skin from getting sunburned, which can damage your skin cells and impair your skin’s ability to heal. Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim.
Drink plenty of water
Water is the step that hydrates your skin from the inside, which can make it look fresh and dewy. Water can also flush out toxins and waste from your body, which can improve your skin’s health and appearance. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day or more if you exercise or live in a hot or dry climate. You can also drink other fluids, such as herbal teas, juices, or smoothies, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or sugar, which can dehydrate your skin and cause inflammation.
Eat a balanced diet
Diet is the step that nourishes your skin from the inside, which can make it look healthy and vibrant. Diet can also affect your skin’s function and structure, as well as your hormones and immune system, which can influence your skin’s condition and quality. Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and probiotics. Avoid foods that are processed, fried, spicy, or high in sugar, salt, or saturated fats, which can harm your skin and cause breakouts.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is the step that repairs and rejuvenates your skin, which can make it look rested and refreshed and is ultimately the secret of glowing skin. Sleep can also regulate your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s natural clock that controls your skin’s functions and cycles, such as cell renewal, collagen production, and inflammation. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night or more if you need it. Avoid staying up late or using electronic devices before bed, which can disrupt your sleep quality and affect your skin’s health.
Manage your stress
Stress is the step that affects your skin’s mood, which can make it look dull and tired. Stress can also trigger or worsen skin problems, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, by increasing your cortisol levels, which is your body’s stress hormone that can cause inflammation, oil production, and blood vessel dilation and as a result you loss your glowing skin. Manage your stress by practising relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or aromatherapy. You can also reduce your stress by doing activities that make you happy, such as hobbies, sports, music, or spending time with friends and family.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is the step that improves your skin’s circulation, which can make it look glowing and radiant. Exercise can also boost your oxygen and nutrient delivery to your skin, which can enhance your skin’s function and appearance. Exercise can also release endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers, which can make you feel good and reduce your stress. Exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes or more, depending on your fitness level and goals. Choose an exercise that you enjoy and suits your abilities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing.
Treat yourself to a facial
A facial is a step that pampers and beautifies your skin, which can make it look glowing and flawless. A facial can also address your specific skin concerns, such as dryness, dullness, oiliness, or ageing, by using customized products and techniques that suit your skin type and needs. A facial can also relax your facial muscles and stimulate your lymphatic drainage, which can improve your skin’s tone and elasticity. Treat yourself to a facial once a month or more often if you can afford it. You can go to a professional salon or spa or do it yourself at home with your products and tools.