A glow up is an empowering journey that involves embracing self-love and self-care. Whether that means changing your appearance, drinking more water, or developing a healthier lifestyle.
Achieving a noticeable glow up can take a little time but it is completely possible with the right strategies. To help you get started, we have curated 15 carefully-curated tips that range from skincare routines to mindset shifts.
Nutrition
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and sends out messages about your internal health every day. To support glowing skin, you’ll want to feed it with nutrient-rich foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats will help give your complexion a radiant glow. It’s also important to avoid sugar, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol and dairy, as these can cause breakouts and dryness.
Incorporate fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as berries, leafy greens, avocadoes and cruciferous veggies. These are a great source of Vitamin A, which helps promote a clear complexion and Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and protects your cells.
Try to drink plenty of water, as this will help keep your body and skin hydrated. Water can be infused with cucumber, mint or other herbs to add flavour and make it more fun to drink. Invest in a cute water bottle and make it a habit to carry it around with you.
Adding a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon and walnuts, to your diet is another great way to support luminous skin. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your cell membranes supple, which in turn helps skin to retain moisture.
Consume more foods that are high in Vitamin B-3, B-5 and B-6. These vitamins are known to reduce redness and blemishes, and boost your immune system. You can find these nutrients in a wide range of foods, such as milk, eggs, seafood and some nuts/seeds.
Choose more foods that are low in sodium, as this can cause water retention and puffiness, which will detract from your radiant glow. Also avoid high-sugar foods, as they can wreak havoc on your skin and make it dull. You should also avoid foods that are high in trans fats, as they can lead to inflammation and aggravate existing conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Exercise
Keeping your body healthy and active is one of the most important steps in your week-long glow up journey. You should aim to get some exercise most days of the week, whether it’s going for a brisk walk, doing a home workout, or taking a fitness class. Make sure to hydrate before and after exercising, and choose exercises that you enjoy.
Another important part of a glowing transformation is to maintain a good posture. Slouching can make you look frumpy, but standing up straight and pulling your shoulders back can help you feel more confident. Try using a posture corrector brace to train yourself, or simply practice sitting and walking with your head up and shoulders back.
Finally, don’t forget to get plenty of beauty sleep! Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest each night, which will help your skin regenerate and repair itself. Developing a calming bedtime routine can help you get the most out of your beauty sleep each night.
In addition to taking care of your skin, it’s also important to tend to your mental and emotional state. Meditation, journaling, and self-care practices can all help you to relax and find a better mindset. You may also want to consider adding some calming scents into your pampering routine, such as lavender, rose, bergamot orange, or chamomile. Using a face mist or bath salts infused with these calming scents can help you unwind at the end of the day.
Skincare
If you’re looking to glow up, incorporating healthy habits like drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep will help from the inside out. However, it’s important to use the right skincare products as well, as external beauty care plays a significant role in your overall appearance like going to Milton Medical Spa.
Start your glow-up with a gentle facial cleanser to remove impurities that can cause dull skin. Wash your face at least twice a day, and once or twice a week, use a face mask and facial oil to boost radiance and provide nourishment.
Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like retinol to speed up cell turnover and reduce signs of aging, vitamin C to lighten dark spots, and niacinamide to calm inflammation. Adding a serum to your routine can also target specific skin issues and help brighten, tighten and smooth your complexion.
Don’t forget to protect your skin with sun protection – this includes daily use of sunscreen and a broad spectrum SPF. This is especially important as the warmer weather approaches, and UV rays are more intense. Choose an effective sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that offers both UVA and UVB protection, and make sure to reapply throughout the day.
If you prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula, try a hydrogel sheet mask and facial oil, with brightening and skin-enhancing benefits. You can add a splash of lemon juice or aloe vera gel to customize your mask and further enhance radiance.
As you begin to glow up, don’t forget to take the time to relax and recharge. Incorporate a soothing nighttime routine that includes turning off your electronic devices an hour before bed and a calming ritual like reading, meditation, or a warm bath. A good night’s rest helps your body and mind relax, and it promotes a radiant complexion.
Your holistic glow up isn’t complete without embracing your unique aesthetic and personal style. Find a look that makes you feel beautiful and confident from the inside out, and wear it with pride. We’re here to support you every step of the way – check out our wellness guides and skincare recommendations for more inspiration.
Mindset
A true glow up is not just about improving your appearance – it’s an empowering transformation of the whole self. This can include your mental health, relationships, and goals. You can achieve a glowing mind by nourishing it with healthy habits and positive thinking. Whether you’re getting ready for summer or just looking to brighten up your life, this guide will help you look and feel your best.
Start the day with a mindful and purposeful routine that includes meditation, mindfulness exercises, gratitude practices, or reading. This will help you focus on the present moment and calm your anxious thoughts. By cultivating a positive mindset, you will be able to embrace challenges and overcome obstacles with grace.
Indulge in activities that make you happy and bring out your creative side. Whether you like to paint, write, play music, or create jewelry, find ways to express yourself through these hobbies. They will not only improve your self-esteem but also help you relax and decompress. You can also practice mindful breathing and self-affirmations to silence your inner critic and boost confidence.
Take a look at your posture. Stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, and hold your head high to avoid slouching, which can negatively impact your body image. Invest in a silk pillowcase as they are gentle on your hair and skin, and prevent sleep creases that can result in wrinkles.
Cultivate a positive self-image and develop a sense of personal style that reflects your interests, values, and unique personality. This can be achieved through curating a wardrobe of high-quality clothes and accessories that suit you. It can also be done through thoughtful accessorizing that elevates your outfits and gives them a more polished look.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This can be through educating yourself in new subjects that align with your passions, or by taking a class to learn a new skill. You can even expand your social circle by joining a club or finding a meet-up group with like-minded people. Aside from learning and self-improvement, you can also nurture your soul by embracing a spiritual practice like yoga or prayer, or by exploring your faith.