Getting Glowy Skin Is Easier Than You Think

Radiant, natural glowy skin: It's what so many of us want. But an overwhelming amount of products promise dewy skin all year long no matter the season, and not all of them are created equal. Luckily for you, there are ways to make your skin glow naturally and some products that stand out from the pack. There are some simple steps you can add into your daily routine to get your skin that natural glow you've been wanting — without breaking the bank.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you don't need to spend lots of money on expensive products to attain clear skin that seems to glow. In fact, the association recommends not using tons of products on your skin. "Limiting the number of products you use can also help, as using several different products can be costly. It can also irritate your skin and make signs of aging more noticeable."

So the first step to getting glowy skin: keep it simple. Here's a few other tips to keep in mind!

Your diet is where skincare really starts. According to researchers, there is a potential link between water intake and skin complexion. A 2015 study suggested there could be a relationship between how well you hydrate and your skin's health (via the National Library of Medicine). Drinking excessive amounts of water probably won't help, the study and other doctors note. "Excessive hydration is unlikely to benefit the skin," Kathleen C. Suozzi, M.D., told Everyday Health. But making sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day is an easy way to get closer to glowy skin.

Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet is another easy way to attain skin that has a natural glow. You'll want to focus on foods like berries, walnuts, and grapes that will help you load up with micronutrients called polyphenols. "Preliminary research has linked this type of antioxidant to helping protect skin cells from UV damage like hyperpigmentation," Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., told Good Housekeeping. In terms of your skin, you are what you eat.

Here's one thing that people with great skin do every day. Cleansing your skin regularly is an important part of any skincare routine, and it's necessary for getting dewy, glowy skin. Whether it's dead skin cells, bacteria, or pollutants, you'll need to get that debris off of your skin before putting on any other products. "Cleansing is the best way to prep your skin for other skincare products," according to Medifine Skin Clinic. If you have clogged pores, the other products that you're using won't be able to reach layers of skin below the surface.

"Congested pores can not only cause breakouts but also prevent the absorption of other skincare products, cleansing daily will help to clear your pores and ensure that the active ingredients in your moisturi[z]ers and serums can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin," according to the clinic's blog.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association has a guide for how to wash your face most effectively. You'll want to be sure you're using a gentle cleanser, one that doesn't include alcohol as an ingredient. Lukewarm water is best. Keep it simple by applying cleanser with clean fingers. Be gentle on your skin and avoid scrubbing. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry off with a soft towel. Then, apply moisturizers if you have itchy or dry skin. It's important not to over-wash your face, too. Only wash your face two times a day or after sweating.

Sunscreen should be a staple of your morning routine, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. In addition to protecting you from sunburns, skin cancer, and aging skin, wearing sunscreen can help you attain that glowy skin you've desired. When you're out in the sunshine, your skin absorbs UV light. Exposure to UV rays can speed up the aging process for your skin. John Hopkins Medicine recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every two hours.

But some may find sunscreen chalky, greasy, or heavy on their skin. While sunscreen plays an important part in making sure you're keeping your skin healthy — and subsequently glowy — there are some sunscreens that have a lighter formula that may make wearing them less of a chore. "The sunscreen that you will use is the one that is going to be most effective," New York City dermatologist Julie Karen, M.D., told Vogue. To attain and maintain glowy skin, sunscreen is a must.

When it comes to topical products like lotions and creams, some have ingredients that are scientifically backed to help you get glowy skin. Certain vitamins and bioactives play key roles in your skin's health and appearance, according to Mind Body Green. One go-to vitamin that you should look out for is vitamin C, which can help with collagen production and has other benefits. "Vitamin C defends the skin from free radicals, which contributes to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots," board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., told Mind Body Green.

Vitamin E is another vitamin that can play a role in getting that desired glow. This vitamin can aid in skin repair and help your body heal from sun damage or scars, according to Ava Shamban, M.D. "It assists in various kinds of cellular restoration from sun damage to healing support for scars or burns," she told Allure.

Another ingredient to look out for is vitamin A. Hailed by dermatologists for its versatility in the skincare world, vitamin A "stimulates the production of collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates cell turnover, decreases oil production, has an anti-inflammatory effect," according to Byrdie. Remember, collagen is that all-powerful protein that keeps skin looking youthful. 

With science on your side, it'll be easier to pick out products that will get you closer to natural, glowy skin.

Skincare and self-care have come to be synonymous. Face masks can be the quickest way to get your beautiful skin to glow. In fact, you can make your own DIY face mask to still get all the benefits without spending lots of money. Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas taught Good Housekeeping a simple recipe for your own at-home face mask. 

You'll need half a cup of yogurt, half a cup of mashed strawberries, and a fourth of a cup of honey. If you resist snacking on the combo, mix all the ingredients together and apply. You can rinse the mixture off after about five minutes. "It's soothing and tightens pores," Vargas told Good Housekeeping. "If you want extra exfoliation, add two tablespoons of almond power and scrub the formula onto the skin before leaving it on as a mask — your skin will be glowing!"

It only takes a few simple steps. Go on and get that glow.