What Does “Healthy and Glowing Skin” Really Mean?
Some people may think the healthy and glowing skin is just about a radiant complexion, however, it reflects your skin’s overall health instead. In fact, the truth is that healthy and glowing skin involves even skin tone with minimal redness or dark spots, smooth texture, balanced hydration, which is neither overly dry nor excessively oily, and lastly, resilience which indicates that a strong skin barrier can protects against environmental stressors.
On top of that, glowing skin goes beyond aesthetics — it is a sign of hydration, effective care and balanced nourishment from both your skincare routine and lifestyle.
Science-Based Skincare Routine
Creating a skincare routine based on science is essential to achieve and maintain healthy and glowing skin. Here are some tips that works to build your skincare routine.
1. Build a simple yet effective skincare routine
Simplicity is key to consistency. Here are some skincare steps you can follow for a well-structured skincare routine, it involves:
- Gentle Cleanser: Start and end your day by removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
- Regular Exfoliation: Incorporate chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs once or twice a week to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.
- Hydration Booster: Use a hydrating serum or moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture.
- Daily SPF Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.
2. Dermatologist-recommended active ingredients for glowing skin
Active ingredients are inevitable for skincare routine. Here are some dermatologists recommended ingredients for healthy and glowing skin:
- Vitamin C: Brightens skin, evens skin tone, and reduces hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
- Retinol: Boosts cell turnover, smoothens texture, and minimises fine lines. (Read more about Retinol)
- Niacinamide: Enhances the skin barrier, reduces redness, and balances oil production.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Improves texture and brightens dull skin.
- Peptides: Promotes collagen production for firmer, plumper skin.
3. Lifestyle factors
Healthy and glowing skin is not just about skincare products — your lifestyle also plays an important role in how your skin looks and feels, including diet, sleep and stress are all the factors that may impact your skin health. Here are some suggestions for healthy lifestyle that can help your skin glow again.
- Diet: A nutrient-rich diet with vitamin E and omega-3 can combat inflammation and promote a glowing complexion. Besides, limit processed foods and sugar also exacerbate acne and dullness.
- Sleep: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) allows your skin to repair itself, reducing signs of fatigue like dark circles and puffiness.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can trigger acne, sensitivity, and redness. So, incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can improve your skin and overall well-being.
Top Pick: Dermatologist Recommended Skincare Products
Gentle Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid and 3 Essential Ceramides, designed to cleanse without stripping moisture. Moreover, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin. In addition, this gentle cleanser is developed by dermatologists and uses CeraVe’s patented MVE Technology for 24-hour hydration while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is Dermalogica’s #1 selling cleanser. This cleansing gel is soap-free and foaming to cleanses all skin conditions. It helps refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave skin feeling smooth and clean. This cleansing gel is a lightweight gel that mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.
Regular Exfoliation
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an iconic global bestseller, this clinically proven daily exfoliating toner is infused with salicylic acid which can quickly unclogs pores and controls oil for clear, healthy, and glowing skin.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines chemical (salicylic, lactic, glycolic acids) and physical (jojoba beads) exfoliation to remove dull skin, promote cell turnover, and enhance treatment absorption. This cleanser enriches with sodium and liquorice extract, which hydrates and soothes for smoother, fresher, plumper skin. Ideal for use 2-3 times weekly.
Hydration Booster
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a lightweight gel-cream serum for normal to dry skin, providing 24-hour hydration. This serum infuses with 3 essential ingredients, which are Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin B5. It protects the skin barrier, retains moisture, and soothes skin. Also, this skincare product is a gentle and dermatologist-developed serum, and suits all skin types and works alone, under moisturiser, or as a makeup base.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is specially designed for dehydrated and aging skin. It can improve elasticity, hydration, and reducing wrinkles. Moreover, this serum enrich with two active ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5, to plump, repair, and firm skin to healthy and glowing. Most importantly, this serum is dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Daily SPF Protection
Altruist Face Fluid SPF30
Altruist Face Fluid SPF30 is developed by dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr Andrew Birniethis. This SPF30 sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with Vitamin E antioxidant support, and is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and water-resistant—ideal for sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF50+ is a dermatologist-recommended SPF, which is lightweight for oily and sensitive skin. Besides, it offers advanced UVA/UVB protection, which can blend throughout the face and body seamlessly without white marks.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 is a daily lightweight facial moisturiser, with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection, hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides, helping to protect the skin’s natural barrier and leave skin feeling soothed and hydrated for up to 24 hours.
