5 Skincare Tips for a Glowing Complexion

Everyone wants that sun-kissed, glowing look: that look where your skin shines even without makeup and that feels smooth when you touch your hand to your cheek. But beautiful skin doesn't just happen with the snap of your fingers--no matter how much you wish it would.

Clear skin takes a bit of extra effort. It might require some diet and lifestyle changes, and maybe even some additions to your nighttime routine. But with these tips, your friends, family, and even strangers will be envious of your youthful glow and will be asking you to share your skincare secrets.

Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the oldest trick in the book, but you'd be surprised by how many people forgo protecting their skin for a summer tan. Yes, it looks good, but it's not worth it. When you're out in the sun, apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 to block both UVA and UVB rays; repeatedly exposing your skin to these rays can cause age spots, wrinkles, and countless other avoidable skin problems. Don't listen to the people who use, "But it's cloudy outside!" as an excuse to put the sunscreen back in their bags. The cloudiest days can cause the most sunburn, so make sure you're always lathered up.

Use Good Products

It's important to use high quality products on your skin to get the best results. Ingredients are important; products with too many chemicals or colorings can cause breakout instead of glow, and will have you regretting your purchases. If you're especially acne prone or are cursed with extra-dry skin and lips, it can be worth it to purchase medicated products, such as medicated face wash or medicated lip balm. It might take you a few tries and a few extra dollars to find the products that best work for you, but if trial and error gives way to glowing skin, you won't regret it.

Eat Well

It might not make sense that your diet impacts your skin; doesn't food just go straight to your stomach? The reality is that your body is so interconnected, and eating healthy will get you closer to the glowing skin you so badly desire. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar can have a positive impact on your skin, while fried or salty foods can make it feel greasy and puffy. So be mindful of your skin next time you're choosing your food at the grocery store, because your diet can make a huge difference.

Exercise

Contrary to popular belief, exercise and sweat are not bad for your skin if you play your cards right. Regular exercise allows your body to get the necessary blood circulation and catalyzes the cleaning process for your body, flushing out those unwanted toxins that are bad for your complexion. It's important, however, not to skip skincare after a workout, because leaving sweat on your body for too long can cause breakouts. So make sure you exercise, but wash up as soon as you can afterward.

Have a Consistent Evening Skincare Regimen

While easy, washing your face with hand soap and hopping in bed every night is not going to get rid of that pesky chin pimple. While going about your everyday life, even if it may seem like you're in clean places, dirt and oils build up on your skin and can produce acne. At night, however, with the right pre-bedtime skincare routine, your body can grow new skin cells to reverse the daytime damage. Therefore, before you get under your covers, make sure you're washing and moisturizing with the best available products and you'll wake up without the ugly pimples you went to bed with the night before.

Taking care of your body and skin is essential in achieving the glowing complexion you want. Just be mindful of these tips. And when you're getting compliments in the grocery store on your beautiful skin, you won't regret it.