10 steps for glowing skin

Do you want your skin to glow from within, without the need for pricey skin products or layers of makeup? The good news is, perfect skin could be just 10 simple steps away. To get the complexion you’ve always dreamed of, check out our top tips for glowing skin.

Glowing skin tip 1: Eat face-friendly foods

One of the most important steps for getting enviably smooth, clear and glowing skin is to make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet rich in face-friendly foods, including nutritious fruits and vegetables and omega-3 rich oily fish. Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12 can lead to pale, sallow skin, so make sure you are getting enough of these nutrients in your diet. Nuts are also a great source of vitamin E, which can help the skin to retain its natural moisture levels and stay soft and hydrated

Glowing skin tip 2: Get outdoors

Rather than relying on makeup for glowing skin and rosy cheeks, why not get a natural glow with some outdoor activity? Sunshine (in moderation) and fresh air are both great for your skin, while exercise can improve your complexion by increasing circulation, which helps to nourish skin cells, and helping to alleviate stress. Combine these skin-boosting benefits with a workout in the outdoors such as a brisk walk, jog or cycle before work or a relaxing spot of yoga in the park.

Glowing skin tip 3: Exfoliate

Our skin continually produces new cells and, as these new cells appear, dead ones can accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to dull, dry skin. Regular exfoliation is important for removing these skin cells, which will not only leave your skin looking much brighter, but will allow skin products and moisturisers to penetrate the skin more effectively. Harsh exfoliation can damage the skin, so opt for a gentle exfoliator, such as ground oatmeal, or try removing your cleanser with a muslin cloth, which will lightly exfoliate the skin.

Glowing skin tip 4: Ditch the soap

Our skin has a natural protective barrier, called an acid mantle, which helps to keep in moisture and fight off bacteria. Overly cleansing your skin or using alkaline products such as soap can remove this protective layer of oils, which can dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles, and also remove the barrier between your skin and acne-causing bacteria. For glowing skin, trying replacing your soap with a gentle PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser and wash your face just twice a day.

Glowing skin tip 5: Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a leading cause of dull skin and wrinkles and, contrary to what you may think, dehydration does not just affect dry skin types but can affect oily skin too. To increase your skin’s elasticity and help it to stay healthy and soft, make sure that it is well hydrated by using a daily moisturiser suitable for your skin type and also drinking plenty of water each day.

 

Glowing skin tip 6: Get enough sleep
During sleep our skin cells renew themselves and collagen production increases, helping to keep your skin looking beautiful, healthy and youthful. Study results published in the British Medical Journal found that sleep-deprived people were rated as being less attractive than those who had had a normal night’s sleep, showing that the concept of “beauty sleep” is not a myth. To get glowing skin with minimal effort, try to establish a regular bedtime and get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

Glowing skin tip 7: Pamper your skin with natural oils

Many of us wouldn’t be keen on the idea of putting oil anywhere near our faces, particularly in the case of those who already suffer from oily skin. However, non-comodogenic oils can actually help to clear out pores, reduce sebum production and naturally moisturize the skin. Oils such as almond oil and grapeseed oil make great natural moisturisers, while jojoba oil is an effective multi-functional oil which is particularly beneficial for acne-prone and oily complexions as it can help to normalise sebum production. Jojoba oil can be used as a cleanser, using the oil cleansing method, and can also replace your regular eye makeup remover and moisturiser.

Glowing skin tip 8: Raid your kitchen

Spending a fortune on expensive skin products in your pursuit for the perfect complexion? The answers to all your beauty problems may already be in your kitchen.  Many common kitchen staples can double up as beauty products, such as olive oil – which makes a great natural body moisturiser – and brown sugar, which can be mixed with olive oil to make an exfoliator. For those suffering from acne, ice, honey and salt may be your skin’s new best friends. Run an ice cube over spots to help reduce swelling, follow with an antiseptic and soothing honey mask, then finish with a salt water toner. For those with eczema, try putting some oatmeal in your bathwater to help soothe your skin.

Glowing skin tip 9: Cut out alcohol and cigarettes

Want to ward off wrinkles? Who doesn’t?! For a glowing, youthful complexion, try to cut back on two of your skin’s worst enemies – alcohol and cigarettes. Smoking irritates the skin and deprives it of oxygen and nutrients, robbing it of its healthy glow and also causing premature ageing. Alcohol also robs the body of nutrients and causes skin to dry out and the eyes to become puffy. To retain your skin’s natural glow, try to quit smoking and only drink in moderation.

Glowing skin tip 10: Relax

Stress affects our skin in many unfortunate and undesirable ways. A study has shown that chronic stress can actually accelerate cellular ageing, leading to wrinkles. Stress has also been found to exacerbate many skin conditions, including eczema and acne, as well as robbing us of our much-needed beauty sleep. To help keep your skin glowing and beautiful, try experimenting with some stress-busting techniques to help you cope with stressful situations, such as meditation, exercise or yoga.
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