Having glowing skin, regardless of age, is a factor that influences a person's well-being: having radiant skin, in fact, can help increase self-confidence, while having tired and stressed skin can lead to a feeling of discomfort.
It is important to note, however, that it is not only a question of appearance and aesthetics, but also and above all of general well-being. The skin, in fact, is our largest organ and its condition often serves as a litmus test for an evaluation of internal and external health.
Here, then, is a series of considerations on the importance of having a glowing skin; in this article we will examine some of the main tips and good habits recommended by experts to obtain a beautiful and glowing skin.
Why having glowing skin is important
Having glowing skin is important in many ways, starting with the fact that – as we have anticipated – it is a true indicator of good general health. When our body is well hydrated, well nourished and free of skin diseases, the skin is a direct beneficiary: in turn, healthy skin is able to perform its protective functions more effectively, helping to prevent damage from external agents such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution and microbes.
The contribution of healthy and luminous skin, however, is not limited to the physiological protection of the body and organism, but also has an important impact on psychological well-being. It is a cause-effect relationship that is quite simple to understand, and proof of this is the moment in which we all, more or less daily, look at ourselves in the mirror: what does the image we see reflect? Aren't we perhaps happier and more satisfied with our appearance when we see radiant, rosy skin, with a nice color, not marked by dark circles and other imperfections? This is how luminous skin contributes to the general state of mind, self-esteem and a correct perception of the body and appearance.
It should also be remembered that glowing skin is often associated with youth, with youthfulness: on the other hand, well-hydrated and cared for skin is less likely to show signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, dark spots or loss of elasticity. For this reason, in reality, it is important to take care of your skin more carefully in specific periods of life, for example - as far as the biological cycle of women is concerned - during menopause [1]: a time when the reduction in estrogen levels can influence the production of hormones on which a toned and luminous skin depends. For this reason, it is important to balance the physiological loss of collagen and elastin with greater hydration and with the use of makeup and cosmetic products suitable for mature skin.
Last but not least, glowing skin is generally seen as a sign of personal care. Taking care of your skin through a regular cleansing and moisturizing routine shows that you care about yourself and your health; it also shows that there is no carelessness and sloppiness in your daily habits. Giving a neat and well-groomed image of your appearance can help improve the overall impression we give others about ourselves, especially in formal or work contexts.
What to do to get glowing skin
Achieving glowing skin requires constant care, attention and commitment; a large part of the success in being able to show off a healthy, radiant and wholesome complexion depends on some habits, daily choices and the lifestyle adopted daily.
First of all, a luminous skin that stays that way over time requires a routine and daily skincare , especially in some periods of the year (such as summer, when the skin needs to be protected from the sun and hydrated, and winter, when you need to pay particular attention to atmospheric agents) [2]. Here is a series of steps and beauty tips to follow:
- Morning and evening cleansing. The most important tip – and at the same time an essential condition – for glowing skin is cleansing your face with a delicate cleanser, done every morning and evening, to remove make-up, dirt, dust, excess sebum, dead cells and impurities. However, it is necessary to use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type (oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin) and, if in doubt, it is better to choose a mousse or gel formula based on natural ingredients, or use micellar waters with natural prebiotics (substances that can help balance the skin microbiome, or the skin's outermost barrier against external agents). [3]
- Exfoliation. To effectively eliminate impurities and stimulate natural cell recycling, it is advisable to gently exfoliate the skin, on a weekly basis, to remove dead cells from the surface. It is empirically proven, as well as evident, that a delicate exfoliation helps to make the skin brighter and more uniform: for this purpose, it is useful to use scrubs or exfoliating products with formulations that are not too aggressive, better if made at home with natural products. An ideal solution for various skin types, for example, can be obtained by mixing honey, lemon juice, shea butter and granulated cane sugar: this mixture, spread on the skin of the face (avoiding the eye and lip contour) and gently massaged, helps natural cell turnover. In case of dry skin, however, we suggest reducing the frequency of the facial scrub to 2 times a month [2].
- Toners, serums and specific products. After cleansing, it is a good idea to apply an alcohol-free toner to restore the skin's pH and prepare it for absorbing other products; it can be useful, especially in the presence of mature skin, to use anti-aging serums and gels specific to your skin type [3]. For example, using a serum to improve hydration, or specifically to increase skin brightness, can be really effective, and it is easier to obtain top skin with hyaluronic acid and collagen, ingredients widely used in formulations of this kind [4]. Among the specific products, you can also include purifying or hydrating beauty masks.
- Moisturizer. No less important – and crucial at all ages and for all skin types – is the daily application of a moisturizer, which should be used regularly to keep the skin well hydrated. As we mentioned, hydration is essential for glowing skin, so it is good to make sure you drink enough water during the day [5].
- Sunscreen. Finally, it is recommended to always wear a sunscreen with an adequate SPF (better if combined with aftersun) to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and prevent premature aging. Adequate facial protection is not limited to the summer months and the hottest moments of the day: on the contrary, it is advisable to protect the skin even when you are not at the beach or in the months before and after summer.
In addition to a good cleansing and skincare routine, there are other tips for achieving a healthy, glowing complexion. In particular, a balanced diet is recommended, which follows a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fatty acids and antioxidants. At the same time, the consumption of sugars and highly processed foods should be reduced [6]. If your eating habits are unable to meet the minimum intake of essential nutrients for healthy skin – and in particular vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins and omega-3 or omega-6 [5] – it is advisable to evaluate, together with a doctor or a nutrition specialist, the use of specific supplements such which ensure a complete nutritional intake.
No less important, to obtain a luminous skin, is to have a sleep adequate to your lifestyle: rest is, in fact, fundamental for cell renewal. Sleeping at least 7 or 8 hours a night has almost immediate effects on the skin, making it less tense, less marked and visibly more luminous and rested. This naturally also involves good management of chronic stress, which negatively affects the quality of sleep and, therefore, the luminosity of the skin. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can therefore have positive repercussions in the attempt to maintain luminous and relaxed skin.
Periodically, you may also want to consider undergoing professional skin care treatments, such as facial cleansing or peeling treatments [2], for an instant brightening effect.
Sources
[1] IRCCS HUMANITAS Research Hospital, Skin health: advice during menopause, https://www.humanitas.it/news/salute-della-pelle-i-consigli-in-menopausa/
[2] Gruppo San Donato, Skin and summer: tips to prepare it at its best , https://www.grupposandonato.it/news/2023/maggio/cura-pelle-per-estate-consigli
[3] Olga Noel Winderling, Skincare, the 10 mistakes to avoid and how to choose the right products , https://www.repubblica.it/moda-e-beauty/2022/06/03/news/skincare_passaggi_prodotti_pelle_sensibile_secca_grassa_acneica_mista-350886836/
[4] Swisse, Skin at its best with hyaluronic acid and collagen , https://it.swisse.com/blogs/cura-della-pelle/pelle-al-top-con-lacido-ialuronico-e-il-collagene
[5] IRCCS HUMANITAS Research Hospital, Taking care of your skin through nutrition , https://www.humanitas-care.it/news/prendersi-cura-della-pelle-attraverso-lalimentazione/
[6] Blog of dermatologist Antonino Di Pietro, Nutrition and beauty: foods that are good for the skin, https://www.antoninodipietro.it/2012/11/i-cibi-della-bellezza/