Key takeaways
- Glowing skin typically refers to healthy-looking, hydrated skin. People can work toward this by looking after their skin inside and out.
- There are many skin care and makeup products on the market that can give the appearance of glowing skin, but hydration, sleep, and diet are also important.
- It is important to remember that, even with good skin health, it is typical to have visible pores, freckles, and other markings. However, contact a doctor if at-home care does not help with medical conditions, such as acne.
Glowing skin is something many people strive to have. For some, radiant skin is an outward sign of health, while others seek it for cosmetic reasons.
In this article, we will look more closely at what glowing skin is, the factors that influence it, and how to work toward it.
Glowing skin means different things to people. Many people use the term to describe skin that looks healthy and “awake,” rather than dry, dull, or unevenly textured. For some, glowing skin means it has a sheen or radiance.
Usually, healthy skin will appear:
- smooth, with few blemishes
- adequately hydrated, being neither too dry nor too oily
- fairly even in color
However, it is important to note that healthy skin does not mean perfect skin. Skin can be healthy and glowing, while also having typical characteristics, such as:
- visible pores
- fine lines and wrinkles
- freckles
- birth marks
- occasional blemishes
Everyone’s skin is different. The factors that influence skin health include:
- Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in how the skin looks and ages, with one 2025 review stating that genetics accounts for 60% of the variation over time.
- Hormones: Fluctuations in hormone levels can alter a person’s skin’s oiliness or dryness, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Health conditions and medications: If a person has other coexisting health conditions or takes medications, these factors may affect their skin health. For example, hormonal birth control can have either a positive or a negative influence.
- Environment: Exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, dry air, tobacco smoke, and pollution can all negatively impactthe skin.
- Behavior: Diet, sleep, stress, and exercise can influence the skin. The products a person uses on their skin can either help or hinder skin health.
It is not possible to control all these factors, but there are many things a person can change to promote healthy skin. We will look at some of these in the following sections.
Many people start working toward healthy-looking skin with skin care products. This can feel complicated, as many companies claim their products will help someone achieve glowing skin.
However, the Academy of American Dermatology (AAD) states that skin care does not have to be complex or expensive. Many people benefit from a simple routine that consists of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Cleansing
Cleansing products help remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the skin. When choosing a cleanser, look for one that is gentle, pH-balanced, and free of harsh chemicals or soap.
Cleanse the skin upon waking, before bed, and after sweating. Use warm water rather than cold or hot, and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Moisturizing
Moisturizers add water to the skin. For best results, the AAD recommends applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing in order to trap moisture in the skin.
People with oily skin may prefer an oil-free moisturizer, while those with dry skin may prefer something heavier that contains oils or butters.
Sun protection
Sunlight contains UV light, which can cause burning, sun damage, and visible signs of aging. Applying an SPF product before going outside is an easy way to reduce the risk. When choosing an SPF product, look for one that is:
- broad spectrum
- SPF 30 or above
- suitable for a person’s skin type
Apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin, including around the eyes and neck. When the sun is at its strongest, stay in the shade or wear lightweight clothing and a hat to cover the scalp.
Other products
There are additional products that may help with attaining healthy skin, depending on a person’s specific concerns.
For example, chemical exfoliants are popular products that dissolve the top layer of skin cells, which may make the skin feel smoother. Apply chemical exfoliants after cleansing but before moisturizing.
Chemical exfoliants are not always suitable for those with darker skin. They can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Always wear SPF when using a chemical exfoliant.
Shaving
Hair removal can easily cause irritation, ingrowing hairs, or a shaving rash. To avoid this:
- wet the skin and hair
- use a shaving balm or cream to lubricate the skin
- shave in the direction the hair grows with a clean, sharp razor
- rinse the razor after each pass
- allow the razor to dry completely after use
A healthy diet benefits the entire body, including the skin. A person’s skin may not look healthy if they do not take care of themselves internally, even with a good skin care routine.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Instead, focus on:
Certain nutrients are especially important for skin health. These include:
| Nutrient | Benefits | Food sources |
| Vitamin A | beef liver, sweet potato, spinach, carrots, cantaloupe | |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy, mushrooms, almonds | |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | Deficiency | chickpeas, beef liver, poultry, salmon, fortified breakfast cereals, potatoes, bananas |
| Vitamin C | An antioxidant that helps form the skin barrier and collagen, protects against sun damage, and reduces the risk of some skin diseases. | citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries |
| Vitamin D | Plays a role in protecting against sun damage, DNA damage, and premature skin aging. | cod liver oil, seafood, UV-exposed mushrooms, fortified dairy milk and plant milks, fortified breakfast cereals |
| Vitamin E | An antioxidant that helps support skin health. | wheatgerm, nuts, seeds, plant oils such as sunflower |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | May help some skin conditions and protect against sun damage. | flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, herring, mackerel, canola oil |
| Zinc | oysters, beef, crab, pork, baked beans, fortified breakfast cereals, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas |
Making simple lifestyle changes can affect skin health and appearance. They include:
Stopping smoking
Smoking can contribute to several skin problems, including:
- premature wrinkles
- slow wound healing
- skin infections
- some skin disorders, including psoriasis
Smoking also
Relieving stress
According to research in a 2020 review, stress may affect hormones in a way that increases inflammation, reduces blood flow to the skin, and delays skin healing.
Reducing stress and making time to relax is generally beneficial for the body and mind. People can do this by:
- reducing any unnecessary stressful activities
- making time for activities they enjoy or find stress-relieving
- winding down before sleep every night
- practicing yoga, breathing exercises, or mindfulness
Getting enough sleep
A 2022 study of Chinese women found that regular late nights affect skin health, reducing hydration, firmness, and elasticity. It even affected the microbes living on the skin, lowering overall bacterial levels and diversity.
Aim to get
Drinking water and reducing alcohol
The body requires adequate water intake to stay healthy. While there is limited evidence that drinking more water directly improves the skin’s appearance, a
In contrast, alcohol may increase the risk of:
- acne
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- skin cancer
Exercising
Regular physical activity can aid skin cell repair and reduce inflammation, according to a 2025 review.
However, it can be a “double-edged sword”. Very intense exercise may have a negative effect, and leaving sweat on the skin can block the pores.
Aim for
While the above may help some people work toward glowing skin, those with underlying skin conditions may need treatment from a doctor.
Dermatologists are specialists in skin health and can provide advice on persistent acne, acne scarring, dryness, inflammation, discoloration, and many more common complaints.
Naturally glowing skin is typically healthy and hydrated.
There are many ways to improve the skin’s radiance. People can work toward glowing skin by gradually implementing a skin care routine and making changes to their diet or lifestyle where necessary.
Smoking, alcohol, and UV light can all damage skin health, so avoid these where possible.