Not going to lie: “Your skin is glowing” is what we consider the highest praise for our skin. Yes, it means we look beautiful, but it also hints that our skin is healthy and happy. We’re healthy and happy. So, what makes skin glow? And how can we get a glow up, and keep it that way? Here are some tips on how to get glowing skin at any age. 

Glowing skin is healthy and happy

A glowing complexion isn't only a confidence booster – it also hints at healthy skin. Skin glows when all its natural processes are undisrupted and well-regulated. The acid mantle with which our skin protects itself is intact and thriving with good bacteria; dead, damaged cells are sloughed off efficiently; new, healthy cells that function properly are being produced; the nutrients and moisture that our skin cells need are readily available; sebum production is regular.  

The result of all that is ‘baby skin’: smooth, even, plump…and glowing. On the flip side, what is it that inhibits the glowing complexion we all want? Think of the opposite scenario. A glow is hard to get if the skin’s functions become disrupted, either due to dysfunctions inside the skin, or irritation from outside. 

Why doesn’t my skin glow?  

Our body naturally slows down its renewal processes as we age. Cells no longer get replaced in the consistent, efficient way they did in our youth. Not only that, the quality of the cells that our body produces decline—leaving the skin with the symptoms of aging. Lowered collagen production and elastin expression mean our skin begins to sag, wrinkle, and feel thin. A decelerated turnover of dead skin cells can present as dullness, depriving us of radiant skin. Free radicals also become more prevalent as we age, wreaking havoc on healthy cells and causing them to dysfunction.

Outside factors also disrupt our skin’s natural processes. The sun is our skin’s number one enemy—even if a tan can look “healthy” or radiant. Sun exposure and UV rays also create a profusion of free radicals, damaging cells and causing them to behave erratically. This is also the case with exposure to environmental stressors, like cold dry air, or pollutants. When our skin barrier is unable to repair the environmental damage efficiently, problems like hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, crepey skin, and chronic dehydration arise. 

Skincare products for glowing skin

To get skin that glows within and without, there are three tiers to consider: the surface, which is what we see; the deeper, cellular structures of the skin; and lastly, the overall health of the body. Using the right skincare ingredients and products that address each tier will boost your chances for radiant skin.

Texture

Since “glowing” is in large part a question of texture—the smoother and plumper, the better the skin reflects light—there are some superficial remedies that can optimize your glow. Applying emollients to the face, especially oils that are similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces, not only hydrates the skin but gives it a dewy look. While The SUPER Hydrator is formulated with deep hydration in mind, it also boasts a luxurious mix of oils and shea butter that smoothes perfectly over the face for a continuous, subtle iridescence. 

Large Pores

Large pores on the skin absorb light, getting in the way of a uniform glow. While pore size is determined by genetics, the appearance of pores can be improved with a product like The Resurfacing Compound, which is clinically proven to decrease visible pores and lauded by many in the beauty industry. 

Free Radicals

The duo of products addresses surface imperfections, but their true value lies somewhere deeper in the skin. Actives in The Resurfacing Compound, such as retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants, are delivered by SIREN Capsules to where free radicals gather—repairing the skin where there is most damage while leaving healthy skin alone. Similarly, the HYDRA-SIREN in The SUPER Hydrator brings long-chain hyaluronic acid where hydration is most needed, and peptides that instigate the renewal of cells. 

Unevenness and Dark Spots

Your journey to glowing skin can also be impeded by uneven skin tone and dark spots that get more stubborn as you age. While sunscreen can prevent future damage, existing damage to the skin prompts it to continue producing more melanin, oftentimes unevenly, even if you avoid the sun. The Multimodal Defender SPF 30 provides protection against UVA and UVB rays with a broad spectrum SPF30 zinc oxide formulation. What sets it apart from other sunscreen products is the SUN-SIREN’s groundbreaking ester that safely inhibits melanin synthesis, stopping discoloration in the deeper layers of skin before it occurs, and revealing brighter and more even skin in the future. 

Lifestyle choices for glowing skin

As we've seen, it's important to know your skincare ingredients and understand how to build a skincare routine. While you're busy cultivating good skincare habits, don't underestimate the impact that lifestyle habits can have on skin health.Turns out, the good old advice of staying active and eating well truly works. Exercise not only improves circulation (yes, on your skin too), it provides the stimulus for your body to produce new cells and repair itself. Keeping your body – and thus, your skin – hydrated is also key to dewy, glowing skin. That means drinking plenty of water, and keeping alcohol and coffee consumption to a minimum. Being the largest organ in the body, the skin is where deficiencies and malfunctions in the body often manifest themselves. Investing in your overall health will do wonders for your skin – and help you glow from within. 

Skincare shouldn’t differ too much whether you are young or mature. Being consistent is the key. By choosing products that support and stimulate the natural processes in your skin, and maintaining a healthy body, anyone can have glowing skin.