What Causes Healthy, Glowing Skin?
People sometimes say beauty comes from within, and in a way, it does. Those who are considered beautiful are often described as having a radiant or glowing appearance.
We often focus on certain superficial qualities such as symmetrical features, smooth skin, and nice hair. These desirable things can often come from within. After all, pregnant women are often regaled for their marvelous, glowing complexions.
What Causes Glowing Skin
So, what is it that causes glowing skin? Where exactly does this “glow” actually come from? There are three main reasons for the extra glow we see in people.
It’s all about letting your light shine in your reflection.
Cell Renewal
The first is the simple physics of cell renewal. Skin glows when it’s smooth enough to reflect light. On the other hand, skin becomes dull when rough, dead skin cells pile up and diffuse light. Children and teenagers glow more easily because their skin cells turn over, or renew themselves, every 28 days on average.
As we age, this process increasingly slows down, and is it is also always affected by other factors like overall health, diet, quality of sleep, medication, or hormonal changes that can cause cell turnover to take up to a few months. The result is that your skin becomes duller and loses some of its reflective qualities.
Circulation
Increased circulation is another factor that contributes to glowing skin. Ever notice how you glow more after a workout, even after you’ve showered? That’s because the increased blood supply to your skin flushes blood to the surface of the skin and makes it appear rosy or glowing when reflected in the light.
Increased blood flow also regulates temperature and may carry more waste or toxins to the sweat glands to where they can be cleared and cleansed through sweat.
Pregnant women also have naturally increased circulation and that is one of the reasons they seem so radiant.
How can you get both cell renewal and circulation?
Exfoliation
Last but by no means least is exfoliation. It helps remove dead skin cells that dull your reflection, and by helping the skin’s natural renewal process, helps improve circulation.
What’s the best way to exfoliate?
Double Cleansing is the answer. It’s the best way to exfoliate without irritating your skin. This method first removes surface oil and dirt and softens the dead skin cells for ease of removal. The second cleanse helps remove any remaining dead skin cells and any excess bacteria that can disaffect your skin’s natural biome – your skin’s protective acid mantle.
As your skin sheds its skin cells (mostly during your sleep) it works to renew itself. The double cleansing done in the morning helps remove dead skin cells and the double cleansing done before your sleep helps the skin renew itself. By working with the skin’s natural system and cycle, the double cleansing method helps the skin renew – helping the skin to wrinkle less by helping it stay resilient and produce and maintain its natural collagen production. It’s the fundamental, often missed important skin care process that necessary in any effective anti-aging skin care.
Learn more about the importance of double cleansing twice daily here!
Also, especially as you age, adding in specific exfoliating treatment products to your skin care routine is an effective way of accelerating your skin’s exfoliation regularly. Glycolic acid is a powerful AHA that breaks down the top layer of the skin by dissolving sebum and other substances binding the cells together. This helps the skin renew itself!- Hello renewed glowing skin!! Learn more about Metrin’s Revitalizing Glycolic complex here!
Adding glycolic acid in your skin care routine as a special treatment 1- 3 times per week can help reduce acne by accelerating the healing and recovery cycle from pimples and other skin issues. By helping the skin accelerate the removal of dead skin cells and natural sebum secreted by your skin, the application of this acid as part of your skin care routine, helps reduce acne and pimple causing bacteria, helping the skin stay as clear and healthy in its appearance.
Additional tips to achieve glowing skin
While that natural glow is a result of certain natural factions we just discussed, there are ways you can maintain or keep that glow for longer.
Lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing you can do for radiant skin. A glowing complexion really does reflect a healthy body within. Give up unhealthy habits like smoking and take up healthy ones such as drinking water regularly and eating nutritious, balanced meals.
Diet
In addition to just plain eating better and healthier, foods like tomatoes, berries, fish, seafood, brown rice, green tea, and other foods rich in nutrients like Omega-3s can help your skin look its best.
Sleep & Exercise
Making sure you get enough sleep and exercise do more for your skin than you may think. When you sleep, your body releases something called the human growth hormone. This hormone is responsible for cell turnover and production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its suppleness and elasticity. Regular aerobic exercise will improve your circulation and leave you more glowing as a result.
Stick to a Proven Skin Care Routine
Adopt a simple, regular skin care routine and avoid using too many products. Lots of ingredients can irritate your skin, and throw off your skin’s ph balance. Do your skin care products work together? How do you know? Choose a proven skincare routine that includes a cleanser, exfoliant, toner, and moisturizer, then stick to it. Regular, every day skin care routine that works with your skin’s natural functions will help you achieve and keep that healthy glow.