If you're wondering how to get glowy skin, you're likely weighing up Korean skincare brands, sheet masks or even salmon sperm injectables. But achieving a healthy, natural glow need not be complicated (or expensive).
According to leading dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari, it's all about keeping it simple: “hydrate, gently exfoliate (once a week), protect, and add one brightening step,” she advises.
Nutritionist and author of The Low Appetite Cookbook, Rob Hobson, meanwhile, tells Glamour UK that a balanced diet is also key, if you want to improve your skin from the inside out – but it's not going to be a quick fix. “From a nutrition perspective, skin appearance is largely influenced by underlying physiological processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen synthesis and skin barrier function. The evidence tends to focus on overall dietary patterns rather than individual foods having immediate cosmetic effects, so any benefits you do get from diet are more likely to be visible with a consistent intake over time,” he says.
Here, both experts offer their top tips on how to get glowy skin this summer – and beyond.
How to get glowy skin with skincare
- Prioritise hydration
When it comes to achieving glowy skin, Dr Tewari says it usually begins with hydration. “I personally love coffee (we know it has health benefits, too) but with every coffee make sure you drink a glass of water,” she notes.
When it comes to hydration in skincare form, the expert says it's about finding a good serum with a hyaluronic acid or glycerin base, or even a non-comedogenic oil like squalene or allantoin. “The Korean face masks with a silicone film help to push the products in. I would recommend that once a week to keep your skin hydrated as the summer approaches,” she adds.
2. Get rid of dead skin build-up
“Using a PHA (poly hydroxy acid) like gluconolacctone or or lactic acid once a week will smooth texture and brighten without being too harsh,” Dr Tewari advises. “Avoid using exfoliating acids every day or scrubs though.”
3. Use SPF every day
According to the dermatologist, sun damage is one of the biggest causes of dullness, uneven tone, and texture. “Sunscreens with melasyl and vitamin C are great options to help with dyspigmentation and the skin will look brighter,” she says.
4. Don't overdo it
“The fastest way to lose glow is irritation,” Dr Tewari concludes – so it's important you don't do these steps too frequently. “Keep your routine consistent: cleanser, serum, moisturiser, SPF in the morning; cleanser, hydrating/brightening serum, moisturiser at night; exfoliate once a week.”
Byoma Hydrating Serum
Byoma SPF 50 Face Fluid
Bubble Deep Dive AHA
Bubble Float On Soothing Facial Oil
La Roche Posay sunscreen with melasyl
Inkey List hyaluronic acid serum and PHA toner
- Omega-3 fats
Foods like oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts and chia seeds contain a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and support inflammation control, according to Hobson. “There’s evidence that they may help improve skin hydration and reduce dryness, particularly in people with compromised or sensitive skin. In practical terms, aiming for 1–2 portions of oily fish per week is a good place to start,” he adds.
2. Polyphenol-rich foods
The nutritionist also says that berries, dark chocolate (with a high cocoa percentage), green tea and colourful vegetables are rich in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body. “These compounds help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution, both of which contribute to premature ageing and dullness. Some studies show modest improvements in skin quality with regular intake, but this is about consistent dietary patterns rather than visible overnight changes."
We put the orange stuff to the test.
3. Vitamin C + carotenoids
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and carotenoids (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and tomatoes) can subtly influence skin tone, giving a more golden, healthy appearance over time, says the expert. “There’s some evidence that higher fruit and vegetable intake, particularly those rich in carotenoids, is associated with a more radiant-looking complexion.”
4. Protein and overall nutrient density
Has the world gone protein-mad lately? Yes. But does that mean it's all hype and no substance? Absolutely not.
“Skin is a protein-rich tissue, so adequate protein intake is important for repair and regeneration,”
Hobson explains. “Aiming for around 1.2g to 1.6g of protein per kg of body weight is a good target for your daily intake. Nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamin A found in foods like eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds and wholegrains also support skin structure and healing. Again, this is more about maintaining healthy skin over time rather than driving quick visible changes, especially if intake is already adequate.”
