8 Natural Ways to Get Gorgeous Glowy Skin

Most recently updated 1/12/21

Everyone wants radiant, luminous skin – but not everyone naturally has it. Here are 8 easy ways for you to get the glow you’re going for.

Protect your skin from sun damage: eat dark chocolate

You thought we were going to tell you to wear sunscreen, didn’t you? Well, you should definitely do that (more below), but you should also indulge in dark chocolate.

Raw cacao contains anti-aging antioxidants, which may protect your skin from UV damage and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discolorations [1]. Make sure to choose raw instead of processed cacao because the heat treatment that occurs during processing can destroy the antioxidant benefits.

Sip water to keep your skin hydrated

How many times have we been told to drink 64oz of water a day? And how many times has that actually happened?

In our work-hard, play-hard culture, most of us fail to drink enough water because we over-caffeinate, over-soda, or over-booze instead. Thing is: too much caffeine, sugar and alcohol can dehydrate our skin, break down collagen [2] and elastin over time, and dull our complexions.

We’re not going to tell you to stop drinking coffee or wine. But consider alternating water before and after your beverage of choice.

We like to gussy up our water with mint, cucumbers, or lemons to make every day feel like a spa day.

Make your cleaning ritual more routine

We tend to buy quite a few products and not use them regularly. Get the most out of your cleanser, face oil, and eye cream by using them every day.

It’s also a great idea to exfoliate once a week to slough off dead skin cells, which pile up and make skin appear dull. By exfoliating, you’ll help smooth your skin, reflect more light, and look more radiant.

You can also add a blast of major moisture by using a simple, refreshing sheet mask once or twice a week.

Also, avocados. Ah, avocados.

Packed with omega 3-fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin C, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, and even folate [3], avocados help boost moisture and softness in your skin, counteract some of the negative effects of the sun, and help reduce acne lesions [4].

Eat them in guacamole, spread them on toast, spoon them right out of the rind, or slather the pulp directly on your skin (unless you’re allergic, of course).

Wear sunscreen.

You knew this one was coming. Protect yourself from sun damage by wearing sunscreen every day. Even if you’re only outside during your walk from the parking lot to the office, your skin can still suffer from the sun’s harmful rays [5].

Rather than add another step your morning regiment, buy a face moisturizer or CC Cream that includes sunscreen so it becomes part of your routine.

Go nuts for nuts and berries.

Walnuts and almonds are not only delicious, they also contain vitamin E, which is vital to skin health [6]. And berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamin C [7] to keep your skin firm and protect you from premature aging.

Kill two birds with one breakfast and throw some berries and nuts on top of greek yogurt for a healthy start to your day.

Head to bed a little earlier.

Beauty rest is real! Skin cells regenerate when you sleep, so consider skipping that last Netflix show you’re tempted to squeeze in and hop into bed instead. Not only will you be better rested the next day, you’ll look it too.

Fake your glow with BB cream and highlighter.

Hey, we’re busy people who don’t always eat right, sleep enough, or have the time to use all five of our face products.

Sometimes you’ve got to just fake the glow. That’s when a sheer BB cream and a highlighter come in handy.

Just smooth the BB cream over your skin, and apply a cream or powder highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, and tip of your nose. And call yourself a dewy goddess on the go.

Any other simple, quick glow-getter tips? Share them in the comments below!

Get “shockingly accurate” clean beauty picks. Take your beauty assessment.

Shop the story:

• NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil 😌

This article has been scientifically reviewed by Tim McCraw, PhD chemist and CEO of Skin Science Advisors.