Get your bikini on and grab those fancy shades of yours! The best time of the year is (finally!) here and you want your skin to look the best it can be.
Roll on disco ball vibes.
Carry on reading if you want to know my top tips on how to make your skin glow!
10 top tips on how to make your skin glow
1. Maintain a happy skin barrier
Think of the skin barrier as your face’s shiny armour, protecting your skin from external factors.
Unhappy skin barrier manifests by burning, itching, redness, and, at times even bleeding. You will be more susceptible to having a dull look rather than the glowy look you are dying to have.
Use good moisturisers to seal all the goodness that you are feeding your skin with. Look for ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, etc.
My fave pick – Byoma Moisturiser Rich Cream
2. Protect your skin from burning and dark spots
Let’s be honest , you were already expecting this one, right? There is no surprise that I am going to mention the good old sunscreen.
SPF 30 or 50 with broad protection is essential to glow up. This is also the perfect time to take your fancy shades and sun hat out of the wardrobe!
Quick top tip – it’s really important, especially during sun exposure, to reapply your SPF. You can instead opt for sprays, sticks or powders as their application is easier. I would suggest though for the initial application before you leave home to apply your traditional SPF.
My fave pick – Mary & May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++
3. Hydrate
The hyaluronic acid cream is not going to do it on its own.
Your lifestyle plays a BIG role in how your skin looks. There is no skincare product you can buy that will hydrate you as much as drinking plenty of water.
Hydrating from the inside is key to plumped, glowy skin!
4. Exfoliate (AHA)
There is a controversial opinion that you shouldn’t exfoliant during the summer as you are more exposed to the sun and exfoliant makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Nonsense!
Make sure you apply the right exfoliant for your skin type, that you apply it in the correct order, the right frequency for you (please forget exfoliation twice daily!) and that you protect your skin during the day with SPF.
I will never ditch my loved 10% lactic acid (AHA) twice weekly. My skin has never been so smooth and glowy.
Bing Bing! I can already see that shimmer from here!
My fave – The Ordinary Lactic acid 10% + HA
5. Get a professional treatment
You could try the treatment route before your summer holiday or attending a summer festival! A skin peeling could be a good choice.
Make sure though that you do your research before the treatment and that you visit a professional certified clinic.
Forget the home-based peelings or needling you see in TikTok videos! Let’s use our common sense and leave it to the experts.
Follow all their aftercare advice or you will end up regretting it every minute!
6. Daily dose of Vit C
Vit C is known for its brightening effects. Pick a serum that suits you and make it part of your morning routine.
But which one is best for you? There is so much choice and so many different types of vit C in the market.
I would advise you to try a serum with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. It is more efficient than the active form of vit C itself – L ascorbic acid – and you are less likely to get irritation from it. Yaaaas!
Learn all my tips about the best vit C here.
My fave – Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Antioxidant Serum
7. Reeelax
Once more, I will reiterate how much lifestyle can make a difference in your skin appearance.
Simply chill.
Say it with me whilst taking a deep breath in and out: Reeeeelaaaaax.
Whether you are planning a low-key holiday break or a big holiday abroad make sure you sleep well, spend time doing things you love and be present. Take it all in.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Your skin will thank you.
8. Niacinamide
This active is vit B3 and is essential for the skin to reduce redness, control oil production and reduce dullness.
Say buh-bye to dull skin.
If you are the oily skin type girlie, this is your best friend.
Do you know that feeling when the weather is quite humid and your feel like French fries? Not cool.
Niacinamide will help control oil production and reduce redness. Look for it in a toner, serum or even in your moisturiser.
My fave - PURITO Centella Unscented Serum
9. Face massage
This is your spa me, myself and I moment reminder! Take some time to look after yourself.
A simple face massage can do wonders to have a glowy look. Massaging your skin is going to improve your circulation and consequently make your skin glow more. It also helps with lymphatic drainage.
Make sure to wash your face and hands before doing this.
Do you need a specific product for massaging? Nah! Save your mons and take your pick whichever skincare product you want to use: serum, moisturiser or face oil.
Learn here step by step how to do it.
10. Makeup
This last tip is not very typical of me. I normally don’t mention makeup as I am a true believer that your skin alone is good enough to make you look beautiful and healthy.
However, you might want that extra bing-bing glow on your summer holiday evenings. Instead of spending time (and money) on the foundation, why not try a sheer tinted moisturiser or even a liquid highlighter?
For the latter, simply apply a few drops and let the magic happen. Girl, you will look fabulous!
My fave – Estée Lauder Day Wear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15
Let's sum it up!
If you are ready to get that glowy look you have been dying for remember you need more than just brightening skincare actives.
Do not forget the impact your lifestyle has on the way your skin looks as well as making sure you pick the right skincare products that suit you.
Regular face massages, a professional brightening treatment and a little help from a tinted moisturiser can make wonders too.