14 Ways to Achieve That Natural Youthful Glow

by Lisa Garcia · Published April 21, 2022 · Updated April 21, 2022

selective focus portrait photo of woman with a towel on head looking in the mirror

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Skincare has evolved in recent years, especially after the influence of the Korean 12-step routine that highlighted the fact that mere face washing isn’t enough. Although the 12-step skincare routine is not required, nor does it work for everyone, it was a gamechanger for the skincare industry as more people took notice of their skin’s needs.

A critical component of healthy skin is a natural glow, and it is the skincare standard for which all other indicators are measured. Knowing the right way of having this glow is important, aside from relying on your skincare routine. Here are some expert skin and makeup tips, home remedies, and best skincare product recommendations to help you cultivate that natural glow from within.

14 Ways to Achieve That Natural Youthful Glow

Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize: While used interchangeably, cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are three different steps with different effects on the skin. Cleansers wash off any underlying dirt or impurities from the pores of the skin. Toners do the same, but they also balance the pH level and relieve the dryness of the skin.

Whether used at night or in the morning, moisturizers hydrate the skin. Following a proper CTM (Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing) routine aid in the reduction of breakouts and dullness and soothes the dryness of the skin.

Hydration: You’ve heard of various skincare products that promote skin hydration. But the best hydration comes from within: drink lots of water! While the standard drinking of eight glasses of water per day has been disapproved as a myth, it still pays to drink lots of water not just for health but also for its verified beauty benefits.

A well-hydrated body shows its health from the inside out with fewer breakout and dryness and a natural, healthy glow.

Get an adequate amount of sleep: There is a reason Sleeping Beauty is so beautiful; she has more than the required amount of sleep. Kidding aside, cell regrowth and repair occurs when you sleep. This regeneration of cells is responsible for fixing every little thing in your body, including your skin.

If you cannot get enough sleep, this may interfere with the regenerative cell process, making your skin look damaged and unable to repair itself sufficiently. A lack of sleep also stimulates the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can cause collagen breakdown. Getting enough sleep is the key to a radiant appearance.

Pause before sleeping: Whether you are a follower of the 12-step Korean skincare routine, it is important to wait a bit before going to bed. Always finish your nighttime skin routine and wait an hour before going to bed to allow proper product penetration and absorption.

Use an overnight mask: While your skin repairs and renews itself at night, it’s much better to apply a mask to aid in these metabolic processes. There are a variety of overnight masks with different functions, and any of them can enhance the appearance of the skin and instantly give a radiant, more youthful appearance.

For a natural glow, use a mask that contains retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids, which help increase cell turnover and stimulate the growth of new cells.

Wear your sunscreen: Ask any dermatologist—the sun is bad for your skin. Ultraviolet rays hasten the aging process and cause dark spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Apply sunscreen every time you go outside during the day, even if the sky is cloudy.

Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a PA+ (or higher) rating, as a simple SPF only protects from UVB rays. Sunscreens with PA+ ratings also protect against UVA rays.

Use products with anti-aging properties: Your secret weapon for keeping your skin glowing and radiant are retinoids and collagen-based skincare products. Retinoid (or retinol) is a vitamin A derivative with anti-aging properties. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles while increasing collagen production.

While retinol creams are widely available over the counter, retinoid-based products require a doctor’s prescription because they are more potent. You can also use collagen supplements or a collagen-boosting cream or serum. However, before taking any supplements, consult your doctor.

Moisturize and hydrate the entire body: Remember that it is not only the face that requires attention. The rest of your body should be included in your skincare routine as well. For example, the skin on the back of your hand is thinner than the rest of your body. Even if your face appears young, your hands can reveal your age!

Therefore, before going outside, apply sunscreen or hand cream onto your hands. This nourishes your nails and cuticles. Additionally, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your hands and legs at night. Then, once a week, exfoliate your skin with a body scrub to remove dead skin cells.

Do not forget about lip care: While your lips are a part of your skin, it does not secrete the natural oils needed to moisturize them, therefore making them susceptible to dryness, flaking, and cracking. If you have ever peeled off chunks of dried skin from your lips or had cracked, chapped lips due to cold or dry weather, you’d know how vital a lip balm is.

Dry, wrinkly lips can age you quickly, and applying a lip scrub or balm at night ensures they stay hydrated all night, and you’ll wake up with soft, kissable lips.

Exfoliate your skin: Exfoliation aids in the removal of dead skin cells, allowing your skin to breathe easier and look younger. You can use a scrub once or twice a week or opt for chemical peels. Most skin clinics offer chemical peel services that you can avail of to improve the radiance of your skin if your dermatologist recommends it.

Apply brightening treatments: Examine the packaging of topical skincare treatments such as serums and moisturizers and choose those that provide brightening and skin-tone-evening benefits.

Active ingredients, such as vitamin C (an antioxidant that brightens skin by blocking an enzyme that produces pigment) and niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, slow down pigment production to lighten dark spots.

Give your face a massage: A massage is beneficial for more than just relaxing your muscles. When you massage your face, especially during cleansing, the motion increases blood circulation, tones the facial muscles, and gives the skin a natural radiance.

Use a shimmery lotion for a natural glow: You can get a glow in seconds by using a glotion, a new type of skincare and makeup hybrid product with the hydrating benefits of a moisturizer and the radiance-boosting effects of a highlighter.

These formulas contain humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture into the skin to make it appear plump and smooth instantly. Finely milled minerals like mica, which reflect light, also give skin an immediate but subtle all-over glow.

Have a healthy, balanced diet: There is an old saying that you are what you eat. This is true, as what you consume affects the glow of your skin. Eat your fruits and veggies, as these are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help protect skin cells from UV damage such as hyperpigmentation. A well-balanced diet does not only help in improving your skin but also your whole body, so make sure to practice healthy eating whenever you can.

The Bottom Line

Having a natural glow and youthful skin requires discipline and commitment. While everyone wants young-looking skin, many fail to take care of it, whether it’s a lack of knowledge or being unaware of its needs.

Fortunately, maintaining an anti-aging skincare routine, getting enough sleep and hydration, and eating a healthy, balanced diet are all simple ways to transform dull and tired skin into luminous and glowing skin.

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Lisa Garcia

Lisa is a content marketing specialist for L’Oreal Paris - an everyday, luxury beauty brand that empowers women to effortlessly be their most beautiful and confident selves through its hair, skin, and makeup products. As an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, she is passionate about beauty and fashion as a form of art and self-expression. Outside the beauty world, you can find Lisa jamming to her favorite tunes, going on an online shopping spree, or spending time with her friends.