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A major indicator of healthy skin is a natural glow. But factors like stressful lifestyles, hectic work schedules, inadequate sleep, lack of nutritional diet, pollution, harmful sun rays (UVA/UVB), excessive smoking, and drinking alcohol can make your skin dull and dry (1). All of these are part and parcel of your life, and you cannot run away from them. However, you can surely prevent them. While you cannot hold on to your age, you can surely slow down the loss of glow and radiance from your skin.

This is where homemade beauty recipes and simple preventive tips come in handy as they are a natural and much simpler alternative to cosmetic products. We have broken down these solutions to keep your skin glowing into home remedies and diet that you need to follow. Read on to know more.

Note: These remedies and tips cannot make your skin glow overnight. You need to follow the tips and use the remedies in the recommended quantity over a due course to see significant results.

Table Of Contents

  • Home Remedies For Glowing Skin
  • Tips To Get Glowing Skin
  • Diet For Glowing Skin
  • Best Exercise For Glowing Skin

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin

1. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It eliminates the harmful free radicals that are damaging the skin. It also enhances collagen production and keeps your skin supple and glowing (2). Gram flour gently cleanses the skin to make it clean and bright.

You Will Need

  • 1/2-1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 4 tablespoons gram flour (also called chickpea flour)
  • Milk or water

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the turmeric powder with the gram flour.
  2. Add enough milk or water to this to form a paste.
  3. Apply this paste on your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Rinse with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

This remedy works best for dry and dull skin. Coconut oil locks the moisture in the skin and also nourishes it with essential fatty acids. It also protects your skin from UV radiation and enhances skin barrier function (3). All these factors can make your skin glow.

You Will Need

Virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Warm up the oil slightly and apply it to the face and neck.
  2. Massage for a few minutes in gentle circular motions.
  3. Leave the oil on overnight.
  4. You can add some sugar to the oil and use it as a scrub to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.
How Often You Should Do This

Use coconut oil every night before going to bed.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel has nourishing and healing properties that rejuvenate the skin to give it a natural glow (4).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
  • A pinch of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon milk
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix all the ingredients. Apply the mixture to the face and neck evenly.
  2. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply this face pack 1-2 times a week.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda exfoliates dead skin cells and neutralizes the skin’s pH. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection (5).

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply the mixture on damp face and neck using circular motions.
  3. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
  4. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Moisturize as usual.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply this face pack once a week.

Note: Baking soda may irritate your skin. Hence, do a patch test before proceeding with this remedy.

5. Lemon

Lemon contains vitamin C that bleaches and removes tan, making your skin appear brighter and radiant (6). The sugar granules provide an exfoliating effect to help to get rid of dead cells.

You Will Need
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix the ingredients and apply the mixture on your face.
  2. Scrub in a circular motion and leave it on for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse off with warm water to reveal glowing skin.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a week.

Note: Lemon juice may make your skin photosensitive. Please apply sunscreen before stepping out.

6. Papaya

Ripe papaya contains papain, an enzyme that acts as a mild exfoliator (7). This gently removes the top layer of dead cells on the face and makes your skin radiant and younger-looking. Fuller’s earth cleanses the pores of oils and grime, tones the skin, and improves the complexion (8). Honey is a natural moisturizer and hydrates the skin (9). It also reduces the blemishes on the skin. This pack acts as a skin firming and anti-aging face pack.

You Will Need
  • A few pieces of ripe papaya
  • 1 teaspoon Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Take a ripe papaya and cut it into small pieces.
  2. Add the Fuller’s earth and honey to it.
  3. Mix all of them to get a paste-like consistency.
  4. Apply it all over your face and neck.
  5. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every week.

7. Cucumber

Cucumber is cooling for the skin. It replenishes and rejuvenates dull skin with its antioxidants (10). It also improves complexion and reduces swelling.

You Will Need
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 2-3 tablespoons yogurt
What You Have To Do
  1. Grate the cucumber and add the yogurt to it. Beat well.
  2. Apply it to your face and neck.
  3. Leave it on for five minutes until it dries and washes it off with cold water.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once in every 3 to 4 days.

8. Honey

Honey has soothing and humectant effects. It moisturizes your skin, retards wrinkle formation, and keeps it looking youthful (11).

You Will Need

Honey

What You Have To Do
  1. Apply honey evenly on clean and damp skin.
  2. Massage it for a few minutes and leave it on for another five minutes.
  3. Wash the honey off with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This

You can do this every alternate day.

9. Ubtan

Ubtan is basically a face pack recipe for healthy and glowing skin that has been passed down through generations (12). The coarseness of the lentils, rice, and oatmeal will remove dirt and dead cells from the skin. Turmeric can fade blemishes and give the skin a natural glow (2). Almonds also nourish the skin with essential oils to keep it hydrated.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal) or chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1/4 cup raw rice
  • 8-9 almonds
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • A pinch of turmeric
  • Water or rose water
What You Have To Do
  1. Grind the lentils, rice, and almonds together.
  2. Add the oatmeal and turmeric powder to the powdered mixture.
  3. Mix well and add enough water or rose water to make a smooth paste.
  4. Apply this paste evenly on the face and neck. You can also apply this pack all over the body. Let the pack dry.
  5. Wash with normal water.
How Often You Should Do This

Use this ubtan once in 7-10 days.

10. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer and imparts a natural shine to the skin. The flavonoids and polyphenols present in it protect the skin from free radicals and prevent damage. It repairs the skin and makes it healthy and glowing (13), (14).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A small, soft towel
  • Warm water
What You Have To Do
  1. Take a few drops of olive oil on your fingertips and apply it all over the face and neck.
  2. Massage in upward circles for two to three minutes, especially on your cheeks, nose, and forehead.
  3. Dip the towel in warm water, wring out the excess water, and place it on the face for 30 to 40 seconds.
  4. Dip the towel again in the warm water and gently wipe away the oil with it.
  5. Pat your skin dry with a paper towel.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this every night before going to bed.

11. Green Tea

Green tea can protect your skin from UV rays, reduce inflammation, and prevent premature aging of the skin (15).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon green tea leaves
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cream
What You Have To Do
  1. Boil the green tea leaves in water. When they impart color, remove from the flame.
  2. Allow it to cool down and add two teaspoons of it to a bowl.
  3. Add the brown sugar and cream to this and mix well.
  4. Apply all over the face and scrub gently in circular motions.
  5. Rinse with cold water after 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply this 1-2 times a week.

12. Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, EPA, and DHA. These nourish the skin, repair damaged cells, and give the face a radiant glow (16).

You Will Need

Cod liver oil capsules

What You Have To Do
  1. Prick open the liver oil capsules and apply the oil present inside on the face and neck.
  2. Massage it for a minute or two. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse with water. You can also use a mild cleanser.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply cod liver oil once every day.

13. Rose Water

Rosewater is a commonly used skin toner. It cleanses and refreshes the skin. It brightens the skin tone by stimulating blood circulation. It also balances the pH of the skin (17).

You Will Need
  • Rosewater
  • Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
  1. Keep the rose water in the fridge for half an hour.
  2. Dip the cotton ball in the rose water and apply it all over the face and neck.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every morning and evening.

14. Carrot Juice Recipe

The antioxidants present in carrots can help cleanse the body of free radicals, and this will start reflecting on your skin. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which can not only enhance the skin’s texture and health but also improve your eyesight (18).

You Will Need
  • 4-6 carrots
  • A small piece of peeled ginger
  • Water
What You Have To Do
  1. Cut the ginger and carrot into pieces and extract their juice.
  2. Add some water to dilute the juice to the required consistency.
  3. Drink this juice, preferably in the mornings.
How Often You Should Do This

Drink carrot juice every alternate day.

15. Bitter Gourd (Karela) Juice

Bitter gourd purifies the blood from within, which can help your skin glow (19).

You Will Need
  • 2-3 bitter gourds (karela)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper powder to taste
What You Have To Do
  1. Peel the bitter gourds and remove the seeds. Wash it thoroughly under water.
  2. Cut into small pieces and blend it with the lemon juice.
  3. Add salt and black pepper and give it a last whirl.
  4. Drink this juice.
How Often You Should Do This

Drink karela or bitter gourd juice once every day or every alternate day.

16. Orange Juice

Orange juice detoxifies the body. Its vitamin C content clears your complexion, giving you glowing skin (6).

You Will Need
  • 3-4 oranges
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper powder to taste
What You Have To Do

Juice the oranges and add salt and black pepper to taste before drinking it.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink a glass of orange juice every day.

17. Saffron

Saffron has been used since ancient times to maintain clear and naturally glowing skin (20). Its antioxidants keep the skin healthy, and it also protects the skin from sun damage (21).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • A few strands of saffron
What You Have To Do
  1. Soak the saffron strands in the honey for a couple of minutes.
  2. Apply this honey to the face and neck.
  3. Rinse after 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply saffron-infused honey 3 to 4 times in a week.

18. Milk

This is an age-old formula for healthy and radiant skin. Cleopatra’s beauty routine always incorporated honey and milk. Raw milk contains skin-friendly ingredients, such as saturated fat, protein, calcium, and vitamin C (22). Honey is also known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties.

You Will Need
  • 2 teaspoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon besan (gram flour)
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix all the ingredients to form a homogenous paste.
  2. Apply all over the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Allow the pack to dry.
  3. Rinse off with warm water.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply this 2 times a week.

19. Banana

Banana is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, and minerals like potassium nourish, hydrate, and improve the overall health of the skin. They make the skin soft and glowing and also lighten blemishes (23), (24).

You Will Need
  • A ripe banana
  • 2 teaspoons milk
  • An ice cube
What You Have To Do
  1. Mash the banana in the milk and apply it on the face and neck.
  2. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse with water. Rub an ice cube all over the area for a few seconds.
How Often You Should Do This

Apply banana on your face 1-2 times a week.

20. Orange Peel

Orange peel powder can inhibit the formation of melanin (25). This, in turn, can make your skin brighter and glowing.

You Will Need
  • A few pieces of orange peel
  • 2 teaspoons rose water
What You Have To Do
  1. Grind the orange peel with rose water to form a paste.
  2. Apply it all over the face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse it off with cool water.
How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every few days.

21. Vitamins For Healthy Skin

These vitamins can be ingested and applied topically to get the desired results.

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports the synthesis of collagen and protects your skin against UV damage (6). It reduces the roughness of skin and minimizes wrinkles. It contains anti-pigmentary properties, which help reduce melanin, giving you a brighter and radiant skin tone.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E contains tocopherols, which are packed with antioxidants that help improve your skin health. It helps rejuvenate depleted collagen and gives you younger and brighter skin (26).
  • Vitamin A: Vitamin A is packed with antioxidants and photoprotective properties that help maintain the radiance of your skin tone. It slows down the natural pigmentation of aging skin and evens out your skin (27).

22. Massage Regularly

Massaging the skin using oils or creams stimulates blood flow to the surface (28). This, in turn, helps in replenishing the skin cells. Also, the essential nutrients required by the skin are supplied to it by the blood. Regular massage in upward circular motions will ensure healthy and glowing skin in the long run.

The following are some tips that will help you maintain healthy skin.

Tips To Get Glowing Skin

1. Drink Plenty Of Water

It is very important that you drink 10-12 glasses of water daily as it helps to flush the toxins out of your system. The skin needs to receive enough water to be hydrated, soft, and supple. Without enough water, it becomes dull, dry, and might even start to tear (29).

2. Moisturize Your Skin Regularly

The skin on your face, ears, and neck are very sensitive to UV rays and other environmental hazards. These areas shed cells more often and rapidly than other parts of the body. Therefore, it needs more moisture to repair and rejuvenate itself. This allows the new skin cells to rise to the surface.

3. Wear Sunscreen Daily

Always use a good sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) whenever you step outdoors. Use sunscreen not only in summer but also in winter. A good sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

4. Avoid Smoking

If glowing skin is what you desire, keep your addictions away. Smoking tobacco, drugs, and drinking alcohol can lead to serious health as well as skin problems. They are responsible for premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles (30), (31).

5. Exfoliate

This should happen right after the cleansing step. Use a mild scrubbing product for your face, depending on your skin type. Use a mild exfoliant if you have pimple-prone skin as scrubbing on a rash or a sensitive area can cause more breakouts. Exfoliate at least twice a week. Do not forget to follow it up with toning and moisturizing.

Skin that is not exfoliated gathers up to 10 times more weight with clogged pores and dead skin cells. A good scrub will remove the top layer of dead skin cells, encouraging the production of new, healthy cells. It also improves blood circulation and lightens the skin, making it soft, smooth, and youthful.

6. Cleanse Regularly

A proper cleansing routine helps to get rid of the dirt that gets settled on your skin during the day. Always use a cleanser/face wash suitable for your skin type instead of soap. The soap contains harsh chemicals like sodium carbonate, which makes your skin dry by stripping off the moisture.

7. Ban The Chemicals

Be a little skin conscious. Don’t get lured by the fancy advertisements you see. The next time you purchase a sunscreen or lotion, or any other skincare product, try reading the list of active ingredients. Select the ones containing natural oils like olive oils, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, etc. Stay away from the ones that contain chemicals like sulfates, parabens, etc.

8. Makeup Removal

Do not forget to remove any traces of makeup from your face before going to bed. Sleeping with makeup on will clog your pores, leading to pimples and breakouts. It will also make your skin look dull and lifeless. You should use an alcohol-free cleanser for makeup removal. Rosewater can also be used as it is a natural toner.

9. Pay Attention To Certain Special Areas

After the age of 30, it is necessary that you pay attention to certain special areas like the neck, eyes, and hands, which show early signs of aging. The skin around the neck and hands becomes loose gradually, and we can observe dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. These are the initial signs of skin aging.

10. Throw Away Expired Skin Products

Do not use cosmetics products, creams, tools, etc. that are very old. Always check the expiry date before buying and using the product. Try not to share your personal cosmetics with others as it contaminates it and makes it unsafe for personal use.

11. Get Enough Sleep

While we sleep, our body repairs the damaged cells and replenishes the old ones. Hence, our body requires at least eight hours of sleep daily. This will give healthy and glowing skin and refresh your mind as well.

12. Switch With Seasons

It is a good idea to modify your skincare routines with the change in season, namely, during summer or spring. Switch to oil control face packs and washes and light toners during summers. For monsoons, opt for antibacterial and deep cleansing face washes. During winters, switch to hydrating foot care lotions and moisturizing skin care products. Use deep nourishing toners and lip balms to help keep your skin nourished and smooth.

healthy diet is very important for your body and skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables are storehouses of vitamins and minerals that are important for our body (32). Try to include them in your daily diet for younger and glowing skin. Some foods that you can include are listed below:

Diet For Glowing Skin

A) Best Fruits For Glowing Skin

  • Papaya
  • Oranges
  • Banana
  • Guava
  • Mangoes
  • Kiwi

B) Best Vegetables For Glowing Skin

  • Carrots
  • Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
  • Broccoli
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers

C) Dry Fruits

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts

D) Green Juice For Glowing Skin

This green juice contains a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals that will maintain the health of your skin from the inside and make it glowing and soft.

You Will Need
  • 1/2 green apple
  • 1 cucumber
  • A handful of kale or spinach leaves
  • 5-6 celery stalks
  • A handful of cilantro leaves
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Water
What You Have To Do

Blend all the ingredients and drink this juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this healthy green smoothie a few times in a week.

These inexpensive remedies can work wonders as compared to expensive cosmetics that have several side effects. You can now have glowing skin without worrying about some other skin troubles cropping up.

Best Exercise For Glowing Skin

Yoga is a natural way to keep your body and mind healthy. Practice some inverted poses, such as the Downward Dog Pose and the Lion Face. It is believed that they help control aging and maintain a healthy glow by stimulating circulation and relaxing your muscles. However, be very careful while doing these poses, especially if you are new to yoga. Make sure you learn them from a certified instructor.

You can also indulge in regular brisk exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, cycling, and boxing. When you exercise, your body receives a lot of oxygen while you breathe heavily. Oxygen fights the formation of free radicals, which lead to premature aging and dull skin. It makes your body fit and healthy and adds a glow to your face. When you sweat while exercising, you burn off the extra calories. It also improves blood circulation and digestion and gives you a healthy glow.

Following a proper skincare routine and focusing on nutrition and overall fitness goes a long way in helping you achieve glowing skin. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are unsure about which remedy to follow. Natural remedies take time to show results, so be persistent and consistent with your routine