Before we move on to the radiating skin tips, let’s pause and reflect on our relationships with our skin. If you are anything like me, you have spent far too much time in the mirror judging and critiquing your skin. We scrub it, strip it, pick and prod. We tan it, disguise it and slather on makeup products to hide the tiniest imperfections.
Our skin is not the enemy. It’s our barrier to the outside world and the gateway to the internal world. It protects us from outside pollution and chemicals while nourishing us with essential nutrients and sunlight. The skin regulates the body, warming us up or cooling us off with sweat. It’s how we touch and how we feel. Our skin is in constant communication with us, and if we know it well enough we can try to understand what is going on inside the body that’s being reflected on the outside.
Since our skin does so much for us, below are a few of my favorite tips to give your skin some consistent and much-needed love, from the inside out. I by no means do NOT have perfect skin, but I am happy to share my personal tips.
Again, skincare can be a complicated topic. We all have different skin types, genetics, and lifestyle choices. It fluctuates depending on the season, your cycle, age, sun exposure, etc. Many times, imbalances in the skin can also be related to hormonal imbalances and dietary intolerances. To tackle skin issues at the root, please see your primary care provider and seek out necessary referrals from there, especially if you already suffer from skin issues like persistent acne, rashes, eczema, or dermatitis.
How to Get Glowing Skin
1. Use Clean Products...In the Right Order
As you may have noticed, using clean products is a major theme you will find here throughout my posts. Starting the day with formaldehyde, artificial fragrance, dyes, and preservatives in my AM moisturizer? No thanks. The secret is out that certain ingredients common in beauty products can wreak havoc on the skin, in the body, and on the environment.
Now that you have your clean products, unless you use one specific brand for everything that gives you a convenient step by step guide, sh*it can get real confusing on how and when to apply. To make sure you are absorbing all those great nutrients and experiencing all the benefits, using products in the right order is crucial. Check your brand(s) website for instructions and know the general order for your AM and PM routine. Of course, not all of these are necessary in your routine, just know that order matters!
2. Wash Your Face. Every. Single. Night
This was a habit I somehow mastered in my 20s and it should definitely be on your to-do list. It didn’t matter if I came home at 4 o’clock in the morning from the club. I would unzip my thigh high heeled boots, rip my fake lashes off and wipe every bit of shimmery shadow and bronzing contour off my face.
Even if you don’t wear makeup, the skin accumulates microbes, debris, bacteria, sweat, and natural oils all day long. It’s also exposed to pollution and chemicals in the air you don’t want to build up on your skin. Besides potentially absorbing these nasty things into the body, not washing can cause skin irritation, inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging.
How do I wash my face? Well, I’m glad you asked, that answer comes next.
3. Embrace the Oil
Gone are the days of harsh makeup wipes and surfactant, detergent-based cleansers that disrupt the skin’s natural pH and microbiome. Oil cleansing is taking over and here to stay. Remember that rule you learned in sophomore year chemistry - “like dissolves like”? Well, most makeup and gunk on your face is oil-based, so it makes sense to remove it (dissolve it) with an oil.
In other words, the idea behind oil cleansing is to use natural oils to cleanse the skin and remove impurities, while naturally restoring balance and moisture.
4. Refresh with a Hydrosol
If you want to up your toner game it’s really time to consider nature’s best: a hydrosol. Hydrosols are a natural alternative to traditional alcohol-based toners, which work to rebalance pH and rehydrate the skin. They are vitamin and mineral-rich, made of pure and natural water that is produced during the steam distillation of plants, flowers, berries, or other plant matter from mother earth. Think of them as your generic toner’s cooler, hippie older sister.
Spray your face with a hydrosol spray right after cleansing and before any moisturizer, facial oil or serum to allow for greater absorption.
5. SPF, Your BFF
Incorporating an SPF of at least 30 is vital for any skincare regimen, year-round. In order to prevent premature aging, sunburn, sun spots, and sun cancer, look for a mineral-based product that protects you from UVB and UVA rays. I keep my SPF on the bathroom counter out in plain site to make sure if I remember anything in the morning, it’s that.
6. Say Hello to Vitamin C
Also known as the holy grail of skincare ingredients, the legendary vitamin C has shown to have tons of benefits for the skin. Its potent antioxidant level helps offset daily aggressors like exposure to UV damage and air pollution. So whether you are looking to balance the skin, tackle hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, or overall dullness, try incorporating a vitamin C serum into the mix.
7. Roll it Out
I have a real soft spot for ancient traditions making a comeback, so you bet I am obsessed with jade rolling and gua sha. The magnesium richness in jade is said to relax the muscles to reduce inflammation. Slow and mindful rolling in the morning or night (or both) helps reduce tension in the face, encourage circulation, and boost lymphatic drainage.
I keep my jade roller in the freezer overnight and in the morning rinse my face off with water, add my morning serum or oil and mindfully roll out any puffiness. Pairing the roller with oil is essential for smooth rolling, and it helps your skin really absorb the goodness in your product!
8. EAT for Glowing Skin
To me this is actually the most important tip by a landslide, so listen up. The first and most important step to cleaning up your skin is cleaning up your diet. As we already talked about, your internal health shines through the skin. Feeding your body with nourishing fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A & C, anti-inflammatory foods, and food with tons of antioxidants and healthy fats will show on your skin. A few of my favorites I regularly incorporate are lemons, carrots, chia seeds, avocado, berries, tomatoes, and green tea.
On top of a well-balanced diet, take time to understand what foods your unique body may be sensitive too. Avoiding sugar, trans fats, and fried foods is a pretty standard rule for everyone, but if you are having skin issues you may be sensitive to gluten, dairy, any other foods. Pay attention and take this up with your primary care provider or dermatologist!
In terms of supplements, I always say start with a healthy diet first. Collagen, however, is now all the rage as it’s the foundation of connective tissue in the body and essential for skin, hair, and nail strength/growth.
If you do want to incorporate supplements, just proceed with caution. Make sure they are properly and purely manufactured and free of additives, colorings, flavors & allergens. Find brands you trust, sources you trust, and talk to your primary care provider before making any changes before adding supplements or changing your diet!
9. Holy H₂O
Insert quote, “your body is made up of 60 percent water and you need it to survive”. I know this one is obvious, but take a moment to really think if you are getting enough water every day. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day for women and 15.5 cups (3.7L) of fluid a day for men, more if you exercise! Not only is it crucial for plump skin, but adequate hydration also maintains digestion, energy, and plays a key role in flushing toxins out of the body.
10. Get Your ZZZ’s
Swollen eyes, puffy skin, dark circles under the eye, and dull skin. We have all seen the almost immediate effects of putting off sleep. Over time, remember a sleep-deprived body means a stressed body, which can add years to your skin. Aim for 7 to 8 hours (or whatever works best for your individual rhythm) to make sure you are getting that essential repair and regeneration.