Skin Tips for Glowing Skin: Your Ultimate Guide

Yes, we're starting with the most basic yet most overlooked skincare tip: drink your water. You've probably heard this a million times but please.drink.water. In whatever shape or form you can. Water flushes out toxins and keeps your skin, gut, body and hair healthy. But don't get stuck in a rut, get creative with your water intake. If you have a sweet tooth, try having water infused with fruits, cinnamon or plain ol' coconut water. Trying to lose weight? Have a big cup of green tea after meals. Trying to eat healthier? Drink your nutrients! Add things like collagen powder, super greens and red powders, fizzy vitamins, and probiotics to your glass of water. The result? Increased water intake with minimal effort. But how much water should you be drinking? There's no right answer here, it depends on your body. Try to have between 1-3 litres per day and find your optimal balance. Once you've aced the water intake, let's address topical hydration. No matter what your chachi, nani, dadi told you – all skin types need moisturiser too so please use a gel or a cream-based moisturiser based on your skin's type and concerns. If your skin is dehydrated, it tends to look dull, dry, stretchy, wrinkled and also heals slowly. It could also be the reason for your acne. My moisturisers of choice are the Simple Kind To Skin Ultra-Light Liquid Moisturiser and the Replenishing Rich Moisturiser.

I wish someone told me this when I was younger but you have to eat the rainbow to feel like one. When you're younger, you can get away with bad habits but once you start getting older, your body makes less collagen and takes much longer to bounce back from a single bad day. You are what you eat, and your skin is living proof of that quote. If your diet is mostly caffeine and sugar, expect dull, tired-looking skin. The fix? Load up on colourful, antioxidant-rich foods. Here's a skin-friendly grocery list:

• Leafy greens (because chlorophyll = glow)
• Berries (packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals)
• Nuts & seeds (hello, omega-3s for plump skin!)
• Fruits like watermelon & oranges (packed with hydration)
• Protein-rich foods like lentils, tofu, and eggs (for collagen support) A simple rule? Eat at least three different colors of food daily. Remember, anti-oxidants > anti-ageing skincare.

Exercise = circulation boost = instant glow. Sweating isn't just great for your body—it's skincare in disguise. I like to call it my natural highlighter. Whether it's yoga, walking, or full-blown HIIT workouts, movement increases blood circulation and oxygenates your skin, leaving you with that post-workout glow. Even if you can't commit to 10,000 steps, find ways to move. Walk during phone calls, take the stairs, or do a quick at-home workout. Your skin (and mood) will thank you! Plus, exercise helps balance stress hormones and reduces breakouts. As a bonus - sweating detoxifies your pores (just remember to cleanse afterwards!).

Your skincare routine doesn't need to be a 10-step ordeal because you saw some influencer do it. Keep it simple so you don't overwhelm yourself but ++be consistent++ . Here's my holy grail lineup, this is as simple as it gets:

• Double Cleanse: If you wear makeup or waterproof sunscreen, start with a gentle oil-based cleanser to remove all of that product, followed by a water-based cleanser to deep clean. Try the Simple Cleansing Jelly Oil & Micellar Facial Gel Wash—both are effective, yet gentle on sensitive skin.
• Moisturiser or Serum: If you can only pick one, choose a moisturiser. The Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser hydrates without clogging pores, making it perfect for everyday use.
• Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!): UV rays = premature aging. A lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF like the Lakmé Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen protects while giving a subtle glow—perfect for no-makeup days.
• Chemical Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliant like the Paula's Choice AHA/BHA Toner helps slough off dead skin, revealing a brighter complexion. Swap out harsh scrubs for this gem once a week. If you're new to chemical exfoliation, start slow, use this once every two weeks and then build up your skin's tolerance.

We're all guilty of ignoring our screen time on the daily. (I type this as I click the 'ignore limit for today' button for the third time in 24 hours). Your Netflix and doom-scrolling binge might be fun, but it's also stealing your glow. Skin and sleep go hand in hand. Lack of sleep is a recipe for dull skin, dark circles, and breakouts. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of quality sleep. A good night's rest lets your skin repair, preventing dullness, breakouts, and dark circles. And stress? It's a total mood and glow killer. High stress levels increase cortisol (beauty's favourite buzzword in 2025), leading to acne, premature aging, and inflammation. Find something that helps you unwind and do it daily —whether it is reading, yoga, journaling, a walk in the park, or a cuddle sesh with your partner or pet. Your skin reacts to how you feel inside, so treat yourself with kindness. Prioritizing mental well-being will reflect on your skin, trust me.

This might not be what you expected on a skincare list, but hear me out. Mindset matters and words of affirmation go a long way. Negative self-talk affects your skin more than you'd think. Instead of fixating on your "flaws," – something we do subconsciously, start affirming yourself:

• My skin is clear, healthy and radiant.
• I love my skin.
• My skin glows from within.
• Every day, my skin is becoming clearer and more radiant. Your mindset can literally change how you see yourself, and when you feel beautiful, you look beautiful—and trust me, that energy shows on your face.

If you're struggling with persistent skin issues like hormonal acne, cystic acne, or eczema, it's time to see a dermatologist. DIY-ing your skincare with a cocktail of products might do more harm than good. Professional advice is always better sooner rather than later.

If you have the budget, these dermatological treatments will give you results that no at-home routine can match. Ensure you get them at a reputed dermatologist's clinic and not a salon. Some of the most effective treatments to boost your skin's hydration include:

• Hydrafacials, Cryotherapy & Oxygen Facials: Instantly hydrate and give your skin a radiant glow.
• Chemical Peels: Exfoliates deeply, revealing fresh skin over the next few days.
• Microneedling: Boosts collagen production and fades scars and pigmentation.
• Dermal Fillers: Adds volume and hydration deep within for a naturally youthful look.
• IV Infusions: Give your body a quick boost of nutrients and send it into repair mode immediately.

Have an important event coming up? Skincare is your best friend. Here's my cheat sheet to fake that healthy glow:

• Start with a clean slate—double cleanse to remove dirt and oils.
• Use a [chilled] sheet mask for an immediate boost of hydration.
• Follow up with a gel-based moisturiser to seal in that glow.
• For an overnight glow-up, use Simple Skin Quench Sleeping Creme the night before—sleeping masks are a game changer in your skincare routine.
• If you're using makeup, skip the powders and opt for illuminating or cream-based formulas.

If you're the DIY kind, here are five easy 3-ingredient face packs for glowing skin you can whip up in your pantry. However, I don't recommend DIYs because we now have access to thousands of skincare products that are proven, tested in labs and safe for all skin types. But if you must - here are some easy DIY face pack home remedies for glowing skin that I would recommend.

This DIY face mask brightens, hydrates, exfoliates, and reduces inflammation. Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp curd (dahi)
• ½ tsp turmeric (haldi)
• 1 tsp honey Method: Mix everything into a smooth paste and apply for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturiser.

This face pack gently gets rid of excess oil, exfoliates, brightens, and helps even out skin tone. Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp rose water
• A pinch of turmeric Method: Mix into a paste and apply evenly. Leave for 15 minutes, then wash off with cold water. Moisturise after for best results.

A great option for oily skin, this pack removes excess oil, reduces acne, and refreshes the skin. Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Multani mitti (Fuller's earth)
• 1 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp rose water Method: Mix well and apply a thin layer for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water and follow up with a light moisturiser.

This nourishing mask deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. Ingredients:

• ½ ripe banana (mashed)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp milk Method: Mix well and apply a thin layer for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water and follow up with a light moisturiser.

This soothing face pack helps brighten skin, reduce pigmentation, and calm irritation. Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp sandalwood powder (chandan)

• 1 tsp milk

• ½ tsp honey Method : Mix into a smooth paste and apply for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water and follow up with a hydrating moisturiser.

  Glowing skin isn't about perfection—it's about care, patience, consistency and a little bit of self-love. Follow these skin tips for glowing skin and remember: Your skin doesn't define your beauty. You do!