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Hello, glow: 5 tips for glowing skin
Everyone’s after that holiday glow right now - but maybe the office air-con or your dry patches have other ideas. No matter your skin type, it’s still possible to achieve that summer shine!
Radiant skin is a sign of good health and brings a natural, fresh appearance. The best changes come from a combination of skincare practices and healthy lifestyle habits, so we’ve put together 5 suggestions to work towards that sunkissed glow.
Whether they’re in your bathroom cabinet or on your plate, a diverse vitamin intake is one of the most crucial steps to glowing skin.
Vitamin A is famed for its contributions to youthful, supple skin. It’s an antioxidant, substances which disarm the harmful free radicals present in the body.1
Our vitamin A levels deteriorate if we don’t keep them up, so it’s important to consume a range of vitamin A-rich foods such as:
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens
When you eat foods with vitamin A, your liver transforms it into retinol.2
Retinol’s main appeal is that it can boost your skin’s appearance, keeping skin firm and helping to limit the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen is an essential natural component of skin, hair, and nails and can aid in a glowing, youthful appearance.
You can find retinoids ready to go in skincare products, too! Look for it in oil, cream, serum, and mask forms. The Vitaskin Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil is packed with retinoids and carrot seed oil to rejuvenate tired skin and maintain a silky complexion.
However, please note that retinol temporarily weakens your skin’s barriers, so you should only apply it at night. Then, use a high-protection SPF the next morning.
You also shouldn’t use retinol or consume too much vitamin A if you’re pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, as it can harm an unborn baby. The NHS has more guidance on vitamin A intake here. 2
2. Introduce an AHA
2. Introduce an AHA
Let’s face it: when we say “tonic”, our first thought may be a cool G&T. However, you might want to consider an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) tonic if you’re looking for a smoother, more lively complexion.
BYBI is at the heart of gentle, planet-conscious skincare, and their Day Glow Brightening AHA Tonic uses against animal testing and vegan lactic acid as its exfoliating base.
Lactic acid is one of the gentlest chemical exfoliators, and Day Glow is designed to lift dead cells and brighten dull, uneven skin.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
You might hate to hear it, but staying hydrated is the oldest trick in the book for radiant skin. Adults should aim to drink two litres of water from all sources each day. ³
The skin holds water in with a barrier of skin cells and lipids (a kind of fat). Holding water in this way gives the skin a full, soft appearance.
Those prone to dry skin lose water more easily and may find their complexion looking dull and feeling sensitive.
Hyaluronic acid is popular for its hydrating properties. It naturally occurs in the fluid that lubricates your eyes and joints. This slippery substance can hold nearly 1000 times its weight in water, so it can aid in keeping that water barrier intact. ⁴
A restorative serum like our Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum can help add shine to delicate skin.
If you struggle to keep up your water intake, natural teas can help make things a little more exciting. Alternatively, try incorporating a skin- and mood-friendly drink like Nexba’s Glow Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Nootropic.
While you may not feel as dry as in winter, summer can bring its own skin struggles. Sweat, swimming, fake tan, and SPF (though still vital) can all contribute to sensitive skin flareups. So, choose a moisturiser that nourishes the skin for a healthy, non-greasy glow.
Weleda is famous for its ultra-rich Skin Food. With Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung, and Claudia Winkleman singing its praises, what’s not to love?
Chamomile gently soothes, while rosemary leaf extract helps to revitalise the skin.
Skin Food is Weleda’s original star product, but there’s a new range out... and the only place you’ll find it on the high street is Holland & Barrett.
Pop a new and intensely nourishing day cream, dry oil, or lip balm in your bag to stay super-soft all summer long.
Big night? If you wear makeup, forgetting to take it off is your skin’s equivalent of a hangover. Sleeping with makeup on can trap pollutants under the skin and give your face a dull, lifeless appearance.
But accidents happen! Start your day with a gentle cleanser like the Skin & Tonic Get Up & Glow Jelly to help forgive skin sins. Its Prebiotic Inulin helps to balance the skin’s microbial life, and ultra-hydrating aloe nourishes parched complexions.
The gentle formula lifts impurities, leaving nothing but a natural glow beneath.
If your skin’s feeling stuffy, look for “non-comedogenic” on your skincare labels. This means the product is developed to avoid clogging pores and may prevent the buildup that leads to mild breakouts and dryness.
The great thing is that these practices are more than skin deep! Learning to hydrate and nourish your body will keep you ageing well and less likely to experience recurring skin concerns like dullness and dryness.
Find a skincare routine that works for you and you’ll be glowing inside and out.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any products.
