How to Get Your Glow Back

It’s cold, dark and grey and it’s January to boot, all of which means it’s harder than ever to find the energy and willpower to stay on track with healthy habits, especially when it comes to your skincare regime. If your skin has suffered as a result of the year just gone and you’re starting to miss your pre-pandemic glow, read on for a few easy ways to rediscover it fast…

Eat your greens

If you’re lacking in luminosity, up your intake of dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach and cavalo nero. Not only are they packed full of vitamin C, which promotes collagen synthesis and is a key factor in maintaining plump, healthy skin, they’re also loaded with vitamin K to help improve dark circles. At this time of year try them in soups, stews and hearty salads.

Eat enough protein

Protein is necessary for tissue repair and for the construction of new tissue, including skin tissue. Protein also contains two amino acids, L-lysine and L-proline, that help stimulate collagen production, which keeps skin firm and supple. Animal sources of protein like chicken, beef, fish, eggs and dairy are known as complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids; for additional benefits ensure your diet is rich in fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel. As well as being excellent sources of protein, they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin strong and hydrated.

Exfoliate regularly

Gentle exfoliation twice a week is important to slough away dead skin and reveal brighter, fresher skin. A build-up of dead cells can not only cause pores to become clogged which can lead to inflammation and breakouts, it can prevent any skincare you apply from doing its job. So as not to tear delicate skin or disrupt the delicate skin barrier, exfoliate with a gentle acid such as a lactic or glycolic acid. These AHAs are adept at freshening up the skin, leaving you with a softer, smoother and more refreshed complexion.

Add vitamins

Essential vitamins aren’t just crucial for the health and wellbeing of your body, they need to be applied topically to your skin so that it can reap their benefits. Ensure you use an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum in your daily routine, which is a necessity when it comes to stimulating collagen syntheses (the protein that gives skin its bounce) and combatting oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It’s also wise to add a vitamin A derivative into your skincare arsenal; retinol is unrivalled for its ability to ramp up cell turnover to rejuvenate dull skin.

Cleanse properly

Even if you’re spending your lockdown days makeup-free, you still need to make sure you’re cleansing properly every morning and evening to prevent build-up which causes dullness. In the morning a cream, jelly or milk cleanser will suffice, just to remove sweat and dirt that’s accumulated overnight, while your evening cleanse should consist of two cleansing steps; one to remove any makeup and surface dirt and one to clean your skin and declog pores.

Get outdoors

The generally higher levels of oxygen in fresh air helps to plump up your skin, causing it to become thicker. This increased blood flow also provides much needed nutrients to your skin, helping to improve its overall health. Being out in the fresh air also reduces stress which can have a hugely detrimental effect on the health of your skin. To negate the potential damage caused by UV and pollution, just make sure you wear SPF every day as a matter of course.

Stay hydrated

At this time of year our skin is drier than ever so it’s especially important to keep it hydrated; without adequate hydration, skin looks duller and fine lines and wrinkles become exacerbated. Aim to drink around 8 glasses spread throughout the day, but if that feels like a chore, break up the monotony by adding a scoop of our Multi Vitamin Formula into one of your glasses. Rich in all the vitamins and minerals you need daily, it helps boost healthy blood flow and promote better energy levels.