Ask a million people how to get glowing skin, and you’ll get a million different answers. There isn’t a single skincare potion, lotion, mask or formula that isn’t conspiring to provide you with the glowiest skin of your life. Here are some products and lifestyle changes that you can implement as part of your beauty and skincare routine.
1. Honey
Honey is a great moisturizer and helps to keep the skin well-hydrated. Honey’s anti-bacterial properties help to ward off infections and also reduce blemishes and acne at home. Honey ensures spotless skin. It is rich in bleaching properties and helps in fading of the pigmentation and scars. You can directly apply honey on your face and neck area but ensure that your skin is clean and damp. Massage for a few minutes, allowing it to get absorbed by the skin. Now, wash off with lukewarm water.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil acts as an antioxidant for the skin. It helps in preventing early ageing of the skin. Putting olive oil on the skin after exposure to the sun is known to fight cancer-causing cells. Olive oil is known to repair skin damage. It’s not only great for the skin but also gives it a nice shiny glow. Every night before hitting the bed, take a few drops of olive oil and apply them all over your face and neck. Massage in an upward direction for about two to three minutes. Now, dip a towel in warm water, squeeze off the excess water and place it on your face and neck for about a minute. Dip the towel again in warm water and use it to gently wipe off the excess oil on the face and neck. Now, with another clean towel dry off the face and neck area.
3. Besan
This has been a tried and tested agent in homes over the years. Besan hasn’t failed when the desire for healthier and shinier skin has come calling. Besan or gram flour acts as a natural exfoliator and helps in removing dead skin cells. you don’t need to buy fancy cosmetics or face packs off the shelves. Besan works wonders by bringing to the surface healthier and newer skin. Besan is used by mixing it with water, milk or any other ingredients. It is applied like a pack on the skin. Sometimes, sugar is also added to help in exfoliation.
4. Use toner before serum or moisturizer
Using a moisturizer is a no-brainer for getting glowing, healthy skin, but what you use before it is just as important: toner. Toners get a bad rep for either doing nothing or totally stripping your skin, but the new generation is essential for hydrating and prepping your skin. “Think of it as a glass of water for your skin,” says Nachi Click, owner of Mist beauty. “Serums and creams can penetrate deeper if your skin is hydrated.” Shop some of our favorites below, and see here for some of the best toners we can’t live without.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are good for our skin. Aloe Vera keeps skin glowing and soft. It also prevents acne. Aloe Vera application on sunburns helps in faster healing. Aloe Vera application on the skin helps to keep skin hydrated, improves elasticity and prevents the development of wrinkles. You can make aloe vera juice at home or add aloe vera gel to smoothies and other drinks. It can also be applied directly to the skin. Gently scrape out aloe gel from the leaves and apply it to your skin. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse your skin with cool water and pat dry.
6. Don’t skip on yoga hour
And while you’re adding facial yoga to your daily routine, a couple of pranayamas wouldn’t go amiss. Beyond physical and mental well-being, Sandeep Agarwalla, head of yoga at Ananda in the Himalayas, believes that consistent yoga practice can pave the way for glowing skin. He says, “When an individual is stressed and leads an unhealthy lifestyle, the body tends to age faster. This is usually seen on the skin in the form of wrinkles and other skin issues.” He recommends a combination of asanas, pranayama, shat kriyas and meditation for youthful, supple skin.
7. Lemon
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It boosts collagen production, maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It also helps to lighten our skin tone and moisturize our skin. It works amazingly on darkened knees and elbows. Lemons are antibacterial and prevent infections and acne. They also detox our bodies. Drinking a glass of lemonade every day boosts immunity, detoxifies our body and keeps our skin glowing and hydrated. If you wish to apply lemon on your skin, please perform a patch test initially. Make a solution of lemon juice and water in the ratio of 2:3 and gently apply to your skin using cotton. Leave for 10 minutes and wash with cool water. Then pat dry.You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to other homemade face masks.
8. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid which is good for our skin. Yoghurt moisturizes our skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps in reducing tan and dark circles. It improves skin elasticity and keeps it glowing. Yoghurt also helps in soothing sunburns. It prevents the development of acne. Consuming yoghurt is good for our skin. You can also apply it directly on the skin using cotton, leave for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash with cold water. Yoghurt can also be used on our skin by making a variety of face packs. Ingredients like lemon, oats, honey, etc. can be used to make face packs with yoghurt.
9. Find a cleansing routine that works
You don’t want to rob your skin of moisture by washing it too often, and you don’t want to encourage your pores to produce too much extra oil to compensate for too much washing. Washing your face after you’ve worked up a sweat, first thing in the morning, and right before bed is typically the sweet spot for healthy skin.
10. Banana
Bananas are great for our skin. They are rich in potassium, vitamin A and B, etc. They hydrate and moisturize our skin. They also have powerful anti-ageing effects. They help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Bananas are great for treating acne and pimples. They also help in treating acne scars and pigmentation. Mash a banana, apply on your skin and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash with lukewarm water. You can also make a facemask using 1 ripe banana, 1 tsp honey and lemon juice. Banana peels also help in lightening our skin tone and dark circles. Gently rub banana peels on your skin. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash with water. Pat dry.
