Looking for that perfect skin glow? You’re not alone! The pursuit of radiant, glowing skin is a common skincare goal for most people. Therefore whether it’s the use of skin glowing creams, specific treatments or simple lifestyle and health hacks, there’s a world of options to explore. As such, you need a bespoke approach tailored to your skin type and goals to get the best results! In today’s post, we review the best products and treatments that will help you achieve a facial glow and boost the health of your skin.
Why You Don’t Have Glowing Skin
You might have dull and lifeless skin for a number of reasons. For example, it might be that your skin has suddenly or slowly lost its natural glow or it could be something that you never had in the first place. Understanding the underlying causes of this is crucial for tackling this issue directly and picking the right products and treatments for your skin.
Dehydration
Lack of hydration can make the skin appear dull and lifeless. As such, without enough moisture, the skin cannot reflect light in the same way, leading to a loss of glow. This dehydration might be intrinsic if you have dry skin as your baseline or it could be acquired. In the case of the latter, lifestyle is usually a key cause and can be addressed by drinking more water as well as cutting back on caffeine and alcohol which can dehydrate the skin. Skin ageing, harsh skincare products or treatments can also damage your skin’s barrier and increase trans-epidermal water loss which lead to dry skin.
Sun Damage
Excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to uneven skin tone, age spots and a rough texture. All of these can dull the skin’s natural shine and limit your ability to get a facial glow.
Poor Diet
A diet lacking in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats can deprive the skin of the nutrition it needs to repair itself and reduce its ability to make enough collagen and elastin. This impairs your skin’s hydration, pliability and radiance.
Lack of Sleep
Insufficient rest can cause the skin to appear tired and pale. In addition, it also reduces cell turnover and skin regeneration. This robs your skin of its natural radiance.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Similarly, both smoking and excessive alcohol can affect blood flow and dehydrate the skin. This leads to a lacklustre appearance.
Stress
Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and blood supply. This impacts the skin’s ability to renew itself and can also reduce the skin’s luminosity and radiance.
Over-Exfoliation and Harsh Skincare Products
Using overly aggressive exfoliants or harsh skincare products can strip the skin of its natural oils. This causes irritation, skin thinning, dryness and dullness.
Environmental Pollution
Exposure to pollutants and free radicals in the environment can lead to oxidative stress. These can lead to dry, dull and aging skin.
Aging
As we age, the skin’s natural regeneration process slows down, and the production of collagen as well as elastin decreases. This can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, hydration and natural glow.
Medical Conditions
Certain underlying health issues, such as anaemia, hormonal or thyroid problems, can affect the appearance of the skin. This can make it appear dull.
The road to restoring skin’s natural glow starts with identifying the underlying causes. By recognising and addressing these factors, whether through changes in lifestyle, diet, or skincare routine, you can work towards rejuvenating your skin’s natural luminosity. If you have medical problems or severe concerns about the health of your skin, consult with a doctor. They can help manage the underlying problem and recommend the best course of action based on your unique skin type and specific concerns. .
The Best Skincare Products for Glowing Skin
Glowing skin is a sign of good health and is often considered the hallmark of an effective skincare routine. Achieving natural radiance is possible with the right products tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Cleansers Can Do More Than Clean Your Skin
Unfortunately, cleansing is often neglected but it is the foundation of achieving smoother and more glowing skin. A good cleansing routine will help clear makeup, dirt and pollutants that can damage the skin, cause breakouts and lead to dull skin. Moreover, it should also hydrate the skin and not strip it off its oils. You should ideally double cleanse your skin in the evenings to achieve the balance of nourishing and soothing your skin whilst giving it a good clean. Start with a gentle cleansing balm to clean deep into the pores and purify your skin. Follow up with a hydrating foaming cleanser if you have oily skin or a cleansing jelly or lotion if you have dry skin. Use this second cleanser on its own in the mornings.
Exfoliating Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid remove dead skin cells and help fade hyperpigmentation. This reveals the fresher, brighter and smoother skin beneath. These products are best used as a toner after you cleanse and dry your skin. If you have sensitive skin or skin of colour, you can opt for gentler options like azelaic, lactic or polyhydroxy acids. Hence to avoid irritating your skin, you can also start with low concentrations and a slow frequency until your skin adjusts to them.
Humectants
Products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid and glycerin can help your skin attract and retain moisture. This will give a plumped-up and glowing complexion. Generally, these products are best used as serums but you can miss this step and look for a moisturiser that contains them. You can use humectants in the morning and the evening depending on what your skin and the time you have.
Antioxidants
Serums and creams packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and E protect against antioxidant damage, brighten the skin and reduce dullness. This will help you achieve a healthier looking glowing complexion.
Emollients
Ingredients like ceramides smooth the skin’s surface and help seal in moisture. As such, this not only nourishes and hydrates your skin but reflects light in a way that enhances your natural glow.
Retinoids
Retinol and stronger prescription-strength retinoids like Tretinoin stimulate cell turnover, treat acne, fade hyperpigmentation and encourage your skin to make more collagen and elastin. These products reduce fine lines, smooth texture and boosts your skin’s overall radiance to make your skin glow.
The Best Skin Treatments for Facial Glow
There’s no shortage of professional skin treatments to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. The key here is to seek a qualified and experienced medical practitioner who will ensure that you get the best treatment and reduces the potential risks and side-effects. Here are some of the best skin treatments that will enhance your skin’s radiance.
Chemical Peels
Chemical exfoliation using peels removes the outer layers of dead skin. As a result, this reveals a new layer of fresh skin and helps smooth texture as well as even out your skin tone. A course of peels can help you improve the quality of your skin and achieve a radiant glow.
Profhilo
Interestingly, hyaluronic acid injectables like Profhilo and skin boosters like Volite are also known as facial glow injections. They stimulate your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. This increases your skin’s hydration, plumps it up and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. With time, you can achieve smoother and more radiant skin.
Microneedling
Like Profhilo, microneedling and RF microneedling stimulate collagen production by your skin. This leads to firmer and more glowing skin over time.
Laser Treatments
Specific laser skin treatments can target rough skin texture, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. This helps achieve a softer complexion and even skin tone which can give a facial glow. The type of laser and number of treatments will depend on your skin type, how much down time you can tolerate and skin goals.
Lifestyle Tips to Improve the Health & Radiance of Your Skin
Your lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the overall health and radiance of your skin. In addition to the triggers for dull skin mentioned earlier, there are a few simple things you can do to enhance your skin’s natural glow.
Diet & Hydration
Water replenishes the skin, keeping it supple and smooth. As such, aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Additionally, herbal teas and fruits with high water content can also contribute to hydration and help you achieve facial glow.
Similarly, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can nourish the skin from within. Try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Additionally, sugar can also lead to premature aging so try to limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Exercise
Regular exercise is not only good for your overall health but it also increases blood flow, nourishing skin cells. Find a physical activity you enjoy and gets your heart rate up a little. Walking, housework and dancing are all good options if running or going to the gym aren’t your bag. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep
Stress can interfere with your hormonal balance which causes breakouts and dull complexion. Implement stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing or hobbies. Similarly, getting a good nights sleep is equally important as your skin repairs itself during sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Sun Protection
UV rays can cause premature aging and damage. Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun will keep it looking radiant and healthy. Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Specifically opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Achieving that coveted glowing skin isn’t about a single magical product or treatment. It’s a holistic approach that includes the right skincare products, professional treatments and lifestyle choices. As such, start by tackling problems that are damaging your skin as this will improve it and stop further problems. Additionally, implement a good skincare routine with skin glowing products. For most people these two measures are enough to achieve healthy glowing skin over time. Moreover, if you need a boost or have persistent skin problems then opt for a professional skin treatment to accelerate your progress. These treatments are most effective if you already have a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Since nothing works over night, give your skin the time and nurturing it requires and you’ll be well on your way to that beautiful facial glow.
We are passionate about personalised skincare and believe that the best way to achieve glowing skin is through treatments that are tailored to you. As such, our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective products like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone for skin glow and treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Book a virtual consultation with one of our doctors today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
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