Glowing skin is THE obsession in the beauty world right now. Seriously, who doesn’t want that dewy, fresh-faced look?
With the right skincare routine and knowing the best products, anyone can rock that glowing complexion.
I’ve been there too—chasing that radiant, lit-from-within vibe. And let me tell you, it’s totally doable.
No matter your skin type or how tired you might feel, with a few tweaks to your routine, you can achieve that glow-up you’ve been dreaming about.
Ready to find out how to make your skin glow?
1. You Need a Perfectly Clean Canvas
Let’s get real: you can’t have glowing skin if it’s covered in breakouts.
Pimples can be caused by a million things, but there are a few skincare habits that can make a HUGE difference.
Here’s the lowdown on how to clean up your routine and start with a fresh, clear canvas.
Change Your Sheets and Pillowcases Regularly
Your pillowcase is like a sponge that soaks up everything—sweat, oil, makeup residue, and bacteria.
So, yeah, if you’re not changing it often, all that gunk is getting transferred right back onto your skin while you sleep.
Aim to change your pillowcases at least once a week (or more if you’re prone to breakouts). Fresh linens = fewer pimples.
Clean Your Makeup Sponges
Okay, confession time: when was the last time you washed your makeup sponge?
If you’re using the same sponge over and over without cleaning it, you’re basically pressing bacteria into your skin every time you do your makeup. Yikes!
Make it a habit to clean your sponges and brushes regularly. Use a gentle cleanser or a brush cleaner and let them dry completely before using them again.
Clean Your Phone
Your phone is practically glued to your hand all day, right?
Well, it’s also a magnet for dirt, oil, and bacteria, and then you’re pressing it right up against your face. Not exactly a recipe for glowing skin.
Wipe down your phone with an antibacterial wipe at least once a day to avoid transferring all that grime onto your skin.
Learn to Cleanse Your Skin Properly
Let’s be real—if you’re not cleansing your skin properly, you’re not getting that glowing skin look.
Clogged pores, leftover makeup, and dirt build-up lead to breakouts, and nobody wants their glow ruined by a pimple parade.
The first step to glowing skin is a clean, clear face.
Here’s how to cleanse like a pro:
- Start with an oil-based cleanser like a cleansing balm to melt away makeup and sunscreen.
- Rinse with lukewarm water—hot water can strip your skin, and cold water won’t break down the oils properly.
- Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
- Dry your face with a disposable face towel or a clean microfiber cloth. If you’re using microfiber cloths, swap them out daily to avoid bacteria build-up. Pro tip: grab a multipack so you never run out.
2. Many Layers of Hydration
Glowing skin is ALL about hydration. Sure, moisturizer is your BFF, but if you really want to boost your glow game, it’s all about layering.
Drinking water is essential, of course, but your skin needs more than that. Enter: hydrating toners and essences.
After cleansing, a hydrating toner is like giving your skin a big drink of water.
It preps your skin for the next steps in your routine and adds an extra layer of moisture that helps you get that dewy look.
Essences work the same way, adding a burst of hydration and helping your skin absorb all the goodness from your other products.
Layer it on, and your glow will be next level!
3. Serum Is Where It’s At
If you’re serious about glowing skin, you NEED a good serum in your routine. This is where the magic happens.
Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns, and they’re the true game-changer when it comes to that glass skin look.
Look for serums with ingredients like:
- Vitamin C for brightening and evening out your skin tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture and plump up your skin.
- Niacinamide to reduce redness and improve texture.
- Peptides to boost collagen production and give your skin a firmer, bouncier look.
A few drops of the right serum can seriously take your skin from dull to glowy.
4. Use a Good Moisturizer
After you’ve layered on all those hydrating goodies, you need a solid moisturizer to lock it all in.
But not just any moisturizer—look for ones that contain hydrating ingredients like:
- Urea – A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, softens rough patches, and gently exfoliates for smoother, glowing skin.
- Peptides – Boost collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity, giving your skin a plump and youthful glow.
- Hyaluronic Acid – A moisture magnet that’s a very important skin care ingredient, keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and radiant.
- Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and protect against environmental damage, leading to healthier, more resilient glowing skin.
- Squalane – Mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing lightweight hydration and sealing in moisture without clogging pores, resulting in a dewy, glowing complexion. You can also use a pure Squalane oil – just a small drop spread on your face after moisturizer will give you a SUPER glowy look.
- CICA – Also known as Centella Asiatica, it calms inflammation, promotes healing, and soothes sensitive skin, leaving it balanced, hydrated, and glowing.
These ingredients will keep your skin plump, hydrated, and help you achieve that sought-after glowing skin look.
5. Exfoliate (Gently)
Exfoliation is key to achieving glowing skin, but you need to be careful.
Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull, but if you overdo it, you can damage your skin barrier.
And trust me, you do NOT want that. Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation, redness, dryness, and breakouts—basically the opposite of glowing skin.
Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin sensitivity, and use chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, or gentler PHAs.
If your skin is sensitive, opt for PHAs, which are less likely to cause irritation while still giving you that fresh, smooth glow.
6. Use a Face Mask
For an extra boost of glow, a face mask is where it’s at.
Whether it’s before a special event or just a self-care Sunday, using a mask can give your skin that instant radiance.
Look for masks that hydrate, brighten, and soothe the skin. You can use them once a week or whenever your skin needs a little extra love.
7. Sunscreen
We all know that sunscreen is non-negotiable. But did you know it can actually help to achieve glowing skin on top of its other benefits?
It may not be contributing to the glowy complexion directly, but it protects your skin from sun damage, which can cause dullness, dryness, and premature aging.
The sun can undo all your hard skin care work, so don’t skip this step! Protecting your skin from damage is the cherry on the top when it comes to a glowing skin routine.
Enjoyed this? Also read:
Simple and Affordable Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine
Top 10 Morning Beauty Hacks for a Quick and Beautiful Start
15 Game-Changing Body Care Tips for Your Best Skin Ever
8 Skin Care Myths You Need to Stop Believing Now!
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