What Does it Mean to Have Glowing Skin?

When it comes to describing the way we want our skin to look, glowing or radiant is probably one of the most common adjectives people use. But what does glowing skin actually mean? What does it look like and what can we do to achieve it?

What is glowing skin?

In general, having glowing skin means that you are healthy inside and it shows on the outside or your skin. Healthy or glowing skin does not necessarily mean flawless complexion, but skin that is able to defend itself against external aggressors, including ultraviolet light, pollution, and stress.

Healthy or glowing skin usually has the following characteristics:

• Fewer blemishes or breakouts
• Sufficiently hydrated (not dry or oily)
• Fair complexion (instead of being red or inflamed)
• Smooth texture

Take note: Healthy or glowing skin does not mean perfect skin, as there is no such thing. Your skin can still be considered glowing while having fine lines and wrinkles, occasional blemishes, slightly visible pores, as well as birthmarks. 

The science behind glowing skin

There are two scientific reasons attributed to glowing skin: cell renewal and blood circulation. 

• Cell renewal – refers to the process of creating new cells to replace old and existing ones. Cell renewal is essential to keeping skin healthy and glowing. This process, however, slows down with age and several factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and hormonal fluctuations can negatively affect both cell renewal and skin health. A slowed cell renewal can lead to rough and dull skin.
• Blood circulation – provides your skin with blood that is rich in both oxygen and nutrients, which gives it a healthy look or glowing appearance. Working out, for instance, increases blood circulation, which causes the skin to glow or appear a bit rosy. Reduced blood flow can lead to pale complexion and is prone to premature aging.

It is also important to know that there are a range of factors that affect skin health and appearance. This can affect how easy or difficult it will be for you to achieve glowing skin. These factors include genetics, hormones, health conditions, environment, and lifestyle habits.

Your skin barrier has a role

Also known as the moisture barrier, your skin barrier plays an important role in the way your skin appears. This protective film on the skin’s outermost layer is responsible for keeping the aggressors out and the moisture in. A healthy skin barrier looks smooth and plump with an even skin tone, while a damaged barrier leads to dullness, breakouts, and skin sensitivity.

A number of factors, including UV radiation, pollution, over-cleansing, and lack of sleep can weaken or compromise your skin barrier. A damaged one can make you susceptible to dry or dull skin, skin redness, inflammation, and rough skin texture. This can then make you look older and take away your skin’s natural glow. 

For further reading: Skin Barrier: What is it and How Can You Protect It?

A few tips and tricks for glowing skin

Cleanse your face daily – Using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, wash your face morning and night, and after working out. Don’t rush into the process; try the 60-second rule and see how your face reacts. Follow up with a moisturizer afterward.

Protect your skin against the sun – Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher regardless of the weather. It is also advisable to limit your time in the sun (especially during peak hours), seek shade, and accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. 

Exfoliate – Do this once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a clearer, smoother complexion. Make sure not to overdo it or use harsh exfoliating products. Don’t forget to apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer afterward. Read our previous blog for important things to know when exfoliating your face. 

Use an eye cream or serum – Puffy eyes and dark undereye circles can make you look older and tired. A multitasking eye cream like Dr. Sylvia’s Brilliant Eye Complex wakes up the look of tired eyes by reducing the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and crow’s feet. It also hydrates the skin for a more youthful-looking area. 

Make lifestyle changes – Many of your habits can affect skin health and appearance. Some of the things that can help turn dullness into glow include:

• Eat a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats (nuts, olive oil, avocado).
• Quit or never start smoking in the first place. This damages collagen and elastin and leads to premature aging and diseases.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night to give your body enough time to recuperate and repair daytime damage.
• Drink more water or make H2O your preferred beverage. Limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, soda, and other sugary beverages.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (brisk walking, dancing, water aerobics) every week and 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (running, hiking uphill, jumping rope) every week.
• Manage stress and make time to relax. This can help you sleep better, control your weight, and positively affect your skin. You can reduce stress by practicing yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness.

Achieving glowing skin with Cutis

If you have skin concerns that are standing in the way of a clear, glowing complexion, we can help. We have medical-grade skincare products, as well as non-surgical aesthetic procedures that can revive your complexion and help you achieve that glowing skin you deserve. Here are a few treatments worth considering: 

• Laser skin rejuvenation – uses laser technology that heats the upper dermis and stimulates collagen growth. It can address or improve skin redness, facial veins, enlarged pores, pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Limelight Photo Facial – uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to address pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. It can also improve sun damage, facial redness, tiny facial veins, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Laser vein reduction – uses pulses of laser energy that target and treat tiny facial veins or broken blood vessels. It causes the blood within the vein to coagulate and destroys the vein, which the skin reabsorbs later. It redirects the blood flow deeper below the skin’s surface, where it is supposed to be.
• Crystal Carboxy CO2 Mask – infuses the skin with CO2 and triggers the red blood cells to release more oxygen. It improves blood flow and provides oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s deeper layers. It assists with cell restoration, while also providing anti-aging, brightening, and rejuvenating effects.
• Meso-Tox – combines Dermapen 4 microneedling and botulinum toxin mixed with formulated serums. The neurotoxin is delivered at an intra-dermal level, which provides pore tightening effects. Smaller doses can also relax the superficial muscles and deliver a natural-looking anti-wrinkle effect.
• Bioremodelling – contains 100% pure hyaluronic acid and is designed to restore hydration, address laxity, and improve overall skin quality. It can give you a firm and luminous complexion by stimulating collagen and elastin levels.

Need help in achieving your skin goals? Let Cutis Medical Laser Clinics be your beauty and skincare partner. Get in touch with us today to learn more or book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.