How to Get Glowing Skin: 14 Tips That Don't Require Expensive Products

By
Emma Stenhouse
Emma Stenhouse
Emma Stenhouse
Writer
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of the West of England (Hartpury College)
Emma Stenhouse is a marine scientist, educator, and writer with more than 16 years of experience. She holds an M.S. in Marine Science from the University of Plymouth.
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Updated February 15, 2022
woman wrapped in white towel after shower applies lotion humectant

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Glowing skin isn't just about the products you use. What’s even more important is looking after your skin from the inside out. Sometimes we can forget to take good care of our skin and the effects are soon visible.

If your skin is looking dull and in need of a little TLC, try our top tips below. Combine a few different natural options, add them into your skincare routine and you’ll soon notice your skin start to glow.

1
of 14

Stay Hydrated

woman in olive green sweater holds clear glass carafe of water for hydration

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

No matter what skincare you use, if you don’t stay hydrated your skin won’t look hydrated and glowing.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests women should aim to drink 9 cups of water per day and men 13 cups. Remember this quantity includes the water within your food, too.

2
of 14

Add a Facial Oil to Your Routine

Portrait of beautiful young woman holding face oil. Beauty cosmetic concept.
Polina Lebed / Getty Images

Choosing a natural facial oil is a great way to moisturize your skin and achieve a healthy glow.

Popular options include coconut oil which has been shown to help improve skin hydration. You could also use argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, or even the extra-virgin olive oil you’ve got in the kitchen.

3
of 14

Wear Sunscreen

tattooed arm squirts sunscreen lotion into open hand palm outside

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB radiation is a key part of keeping your skin glowing.

Choose a mineral-based sunscreen rather than a chemical sunscreen as these will expose your skin to fewer harmful ingredients while still offering a high level of protection—and they're more environmentally friendly.

Remember to reapply regularly if you’re out in the sun for a long time.

4
of 14

Take Cooler Showers

hand adjusts chrome shower knob for temperature change in water

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

A cold shower might not sound like the most appealing prospect, but it does offer plenty of benefits for your skin.

Cold water helps to improve blood circulation, making your skin look healthier. It also helps to tighten your pores temporarily.

If you don’t like the sound of a full cold shower, just splashing your face with cold water can achieve the same effect.

5
of 14

Know Your Skin

a rattan tray filled with natural skin ingredients and moisturizers like oats and oil

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Rather than apply the same products all over your face, consider tailoring your routine to certain areas.

If you have an oily T-zone then you may want to use a mattifying clay mask over this area, but use a moisturizing homemade oatmeal mask on the rest of your face.

6
of 14

Use a Facial Toner

Fresh aloe vera juice in a small glass bowl. Homemade face or hair toner, natural beauty treatment and spa recipe. Top view, copy space.

Kazmulka / Getty Images

If your skincare routine doesn’t include a toner, consider adding one in. Toners can hydrate your skin and prepare them for your moisturizer or serum. This helps your products penetrate deeper into your skin so you see better results.

Depending on your skin type, you can use natural ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or cucumber and lemon juice.

7
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Use a Face Mask

Avocado, olive oil, yogurt and egg yolk for hair mask

Svehlik / Getty Images

Face masks are like little powerhouses and add a boost of hydrating moisture as well as clearing away dead skin cells.

There are plenty of store-bought options to choose from, but you can also make a DIY version to suit your skin type. Choose from avocado, banana, yogurt, turmeric, or all the wonderful natural ingredients to help soothe dry skin, cleanse your pores, and more.

8
of 14

Massage Your Face

Man with jade roller massaging face
Westend61 / Getty Images

A quick facial massage can help increase blood flow to your skin, helping improve brightness. This can be done at the same time as you apply your serum or moisturizer.

Simply use your fingers and massage small circles in an upwards direction all across your face. You could also use a facial roller. Both methods also encourage lymphatic drainage, which can help remove toxins from your body.

9
of 14

Add Vitamin C to Your Beauty Routine

Woman taking drop of serum on hand through dropper over table
Westend61 / Getty Images

Vitamin C is a favored ingredient in many face creams, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production and hydrate your skin. Adding a face cream or serum that contains vitamin C is a great way to help your skin glow.

10
of 14

Make Sure to Exfoliate

woman with hair tied up exfoliates bare back with homemade coffee scrub

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Exfoliation lifts away layers of dead skin cells to reveal healthy glowing skin. You can use an exfoliant containing acids that gently break down dead skin cells and dirt, or a gentle physical exfoliant that lifts away dirt and dead cells.

Store-bought exfoliants often contain plastic microbeads that can harm the environment, but there are plenty of natural exfoliants like honey and papaya that you can use instead. Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough.

11
of 14

Wash Your Makeup Brushes

cleaning makeup brushes on bathroom sink
JuFagundes / Getty Images

If you do wear makeup, regularly washing the brushes you use can help your skin stay healthier. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria as well as clog your pores with dirt.

Use a small drop of mild shampoo on each brush and add warm water. Rub the brush over the palm of your hand using a circular motion. Avoid getting the handle of the brush wet as this can affect the glue. Rinse well and lay each brush on a towel to dry.

12
of 14

Double Cleanse

Middle aged man washing face

Runstudio / Getty Images

Most of us only clean our face once and then move on to applying toner and whatever other products we use. If you live somewhere with heavy pollution levels or wear a lot of makeup, starting a double cleanse routine in the evenings can really help your skin breathe.

Double cleansing using a natural cleanser helps to make sure you’ve removed every trace of dirt, makeup, and pollution that your skin picked up over the course of the day. 

13
of 14

Eat Healthily

Green Breakfast Smoothie in Bowl with Superfoods on Top
GMVozd / Getty Images

Help achieve glowing skin by eating a range of nutrient-rich superfoods like berries, dark leafy greens, legumes, and nuts. Increase your vitamin C intake by eating plenty of fruits, sweet potatoes, and other foods rich in this essential antioxidant.

Make sure to nourish your body by eating healthy foods and you’ll start to see your skin improve.

14
of 14

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Cosmetic bottle container with green herbal leaves, Blank label for branding mock-up,

Keira01 / Getty Images

Once you’re eating healthy and drinking plenty of water you can concentrate on nourishing your skin from the outside.

Whatever skincare routine you follow, using a moisturizer will help your skin feel dewy and hydrated. Choose a natural moisturizer that’s been ranked by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) so you know it’s good for the planet as well as your skin.