Introduction
Many individuals share a desire to achieve soft, radiant, and luminous skin. Despite the persistent acne and blemishes, the fluctuating weather conditions introduce additional challenges for maintaining healthy skin.
Undoubtedly, maintaining flawless skin throughout can be challenging. However, by adhering to simple yet effective beauty practices for facial care within the comfort of our homes, this can indeed be realized.
What does a glowing skin mean?
Many individuals use the term to describe vibrant and lively skin instead of being dry, lacklustre, or uneven texture. For specific individuals, healthy skin manifests as a natural radiance or "glow."
Attaining healthy skin is a goal that most people can strive for. Typically, healthy skin will exhibit the following characteristics:
- Smoothness, with minimal imperfections or blemishes
- Sufficient hydration, without being excessively dry or oily
- Relatively uniform in colour, without redness or inflammation
- It is crucial to understand that healthy skin does not equate to flawless skin.
Achieving perfection in the skin is unattainable. Skin can be healthy and radiant while possessing standard attributes such as visible pores, fine lines, birthmarks, wrinkles and occasional blemishes.
Factors Affecting the Skin
External Factors
1. Sun exposure: Exposure to the sun's harmful rays is a leading cause of skin damage, even if you don't experience sunburn or tan. In fact, up to 90 per cent of signs of ageing that might be visible to the naked eye are caused by sun exposure. When our skin cells are exposed to the sun without protection, the DNA within them can be damaged, leading to genetic defects, mutations, and, ultimately, skin cancer.
Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can also result in premature ageing and pigmentation. Using sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential to safeguard your skin. This is because, without proper protection, the sun's rays can penetrate your skin, weaken collagen cells, and eventually lead to pigmentation and tanning.
2. Pollution: The presence of pollution in the air contains tiny particles of solid or liquid matter, such as soot, smoke, chemicals, and other pollutants. These particles are more than ten times smaller than our pore size, allowing them to penetrate deep into the layers of our skin. This penetration increases inflammation, triggering various skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea, and even causes skin pigmentation. Moreover, environmental pollution generates free radicals that break down elastin and collagen, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. If you reside in an urban area, it is crucial to double-cleanse your skin every evening to remove these particles. Additionally, an antioxidant serum can protect against daytime free radical damage.
3. Water: Living in an area with hard water can negatively affect your skin. Hard water consists of high levels of minerals, which can leave alkaline residues on the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. These minerals are challenging to remove and can persist on the skin and hair even after washing. As a result, the skin becomes sensitive, reactive, and prone to inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea. To counteract the effects of hard water, we recommend using a hydrating cleanser that can effectively remove the minerals while soothing, hydrating, and protecting your skin from the damage caused by these minerals.
4. Weather: Weather changes can hurt our skin. Humidity can cause our skin to be dehydrated. On the other hand, hotter weather with increased humidity can lead to oily skin and clogged pores. Choosing a suitable cleanser during the warmer months is crucial to prevent breakouts and clear any buildup in the pores. Additionally, it is essential to keep our skin hydrated throughout the year by using a moisturizer that matches our skin type and staying hydrated by drinking enough water.
5. Skincare Products: Using skincare products that are unsuitable for your skin type can worsen any existing skin conditions, especially if your skin is sensitive. Misusing skincare products can do more harm than good. Ingredients such as alcohol, parabens, artificial colourants and fragrances, and sodium lauryl sulfate can all be potential allergens and cause adverse reactions in individuals with sensitivities. Understanding your skin type and avoiding using products or ingredients unsuitable for you is essential.
Personal Factors
1. Smoking & Alcohol: The condition of your skin can be negatively affected by smoking and alcohol consumption. Smoking deprives your skin of essential nutrients and oxidants, leading to the deterioration of collagen and elastin, vital for maintaining healthy skin. This can result in uneven skin tone, fine lines, and sagging. Additionally, smoking can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and cause inflammation, contributing to skin issues.
2. Genetics: Genetics are very significant in determining the condition of your skin. Some individuals may be more likely to have dry or dull skin due to their genetic makeup. Certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, have been found to have a genetic component, meaning that they can be inherited from family members. Therefore, it is essential to understand your genetic predispositions and take appropriate measures to care for your skin.
3. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes can significantly impact the health and appearance of your skin. Women may experience acne breakouts during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. As you age and approach menopause, dry skin may become more common. Throughout different stages of life, hormonal changes can contribute to various skin issues. Maintaining a proactive skincare routine, including regular cleansing, moisturizing, and a healthy diet, is crucial to help balance your skin during hormonal changes.
4. Medications & Health Conditions: The health of your skin can be influenced by other underlying health conditions and medications you may be taking. Certain health conditions can impact your skin's health, and drugs, such as hormonal birth control, can positively or negatively affect your skin. It is essential to be aware of these factors and consult a healthcare professional to understand how they may affect your skin. Taking appropriate measures and following a tailored skincare routine can help mitigate any adverse effects on your skin.
Natural ways to get a Glowing Skin
1. Coconut oil: Coconut oil is abundant in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it a valuable asset for various skin types. Its remarkable properties as a moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen contribute to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and keeping the skin free from acne.
2. Aloe Vera: It possesses a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants that promote healthy skin. Its application enhances the skin's radiance and softness and serves as a preventive measure against acne. Moreover, when applied to sunburns, Aloe Vera aids in expedited healing and maintains skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle prevention.
3. Plant-based foods: Plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and beans, are particularly abundant in nutrients that support skin health. Numerous studies have demonstrated their ability to enhance skin elasticity and hydration and even reduce the visibility of wrinkles. While no singular superfood is exclusively dedicated to skin health, incorporating these plant-based foods into your diet can yield significant benefits.
4. Honey: It is an exceptional moisturizer, ensuring optimal hydration for the skin. Its antibacterial properties effectively combat infections and diminish blemishes and acne. Also, honey's bleaching properties fade pigmentation and scars, resulting in a flawless complexion.
5. Adequate hydration: It is crucial for maintaining gorgeous skin, and one of the simplest ways to achieve this is by consuming ample water throughout the day. Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water daily, in addition to other fluids, as proper hydration is essential for healthy and luminous skin. While it is important to continue your skincare routine, sufficient water intake will contribute to a more vibrant complexion and resilient skin. As water is consumed, it hydrates the cells in your body, including the skin, while simultaneously eliminating impurities and toxins at a cellular level.
6. Milk/Curd: Tyrosine, the hormone responsible for controlling melanin production, is known to darken the skin. Milk regulates the levels of Tyrosine in the skin, resulting in a radiant complexion. Raw milk is easily accessible and can be used as a natural ingredient for achieving healthy and beautiful skin.
7. Curd: Yogurt contains lactic acid, which benefits the skin. It effectively moisturizes the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, yoghurt helps diminish tan and dark circles while improving skin elasticity and promoting a glowing complexion. It also has soothing properties that can reduce sunburns and prevent acne formation.
8. Turmeric: Turmeric, a spice with remarkable antibacterial properties, is truly a divine ingredient for skincare. Its potent antioxidant properties contribute to achieving a radiant glow. Curcumin in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing puffiness and promoting a rejuvenation appearance. Furthermore, turmeric eliminates harmful free radicals, enhances collagen production, and maintains the skin supple and fresh, preventing dullness.
Conclusion
Caring for your skin is a form of self-care that can produce glowing outcomes. At times, the existence of stress, insufficient nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and diverse health problems may hinder the achievement of a radiant complexion.
