We’ve all seen those people who seem to glow from the inside out—radiant skin that looks effortlessly healthy and vibrant. But what’s their secret? Is it really all about the skin care products they use, or is there something more at play? The truth is, glowing skin is about much more than just a bottle of oil or cream. While a good skin care routine can certainly help, true radiance comes from a combination of factors that nourish both your body and your mind. From what you eat to how well you sleep, the habits you form every day can have a lasting impact on your complexion. In this post, we’ll dive into the many pieces of the puzzle that lead to glowing, healthy skin—and why it’s about much more than just what’s in your beauty cabinet.
Self Love and Compassion
Glowing skin starts with how you feel about yourself. When you practice self-love, it’s reflected not just in how you look but also in your overall well-being. Confidence has a way of shining through, and when you're at peace with yourself, your skin often mirrors that inner glow. Daily affirmations, a positive mindset, and taking the time to nurture your emotional health can help you achieve that radiant look that goes beyond the surface.
I had a friend tell me the other day that she took a day for herself. She went skiing, went out to lunch, and had time to just chill and read a magazine without any interruptions. Her face lit up and a sparkle was in her eyes as she told me the story. I said, "That my friend is true, self love." Recognizing when you need a break, deciding to indeed take the break and then honoring yourself along the way. Easier said than done, right? We often feel overwhelmed with responsibilities that self love tends to take a back seat. However, when we do take the time to honor ourselves, wow does it feel good!
A way that we can begin to have compassion towards ourselves is noticing when we are thinking or talking in a negative manner and begin to offer kind words and compassion to ourselves such as, "It's ok, just remember next time to pause before speaking," or, "Everyone has challenges surrounding dealing with difficult people. You got this!" Honoring your inner child and offering calming compassion towards yourself is key towards doing the inner work. Once we begin to honor ourselves and believe that self love is important and is crucial for our health and healing, it becomes easier to make healthier decisions and thus, your skin starts to glow. As a gentle reminder, I created these Self Love Mantra Cards as a healthy way to practice self love.

Nutrition
We all know the saying, “You are what you eat,” and when it comes to glowing skin, it couldn’t be more accurate. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plays a huge role in promoting healthy, vibrant skin. Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are packed with nutrients that help nourish your skin from within. Hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can also contribute to that healthy, dewy glow. Avoiding ultra processed foods, excessive sugar, and alcohol can help prevent skin issues like breakouts, dullness, and inflammation.
So, why do we tend to gravitate towards unhealthy, ultra processed foods and why is it a challenge to reach for an apple vs a sugary, sweet treat? The truth is that unhealthy foods are comforting for us in times of stress and provide us with that quick dopamine response which may lead us to feeling good at the moment, but over time, we begin to feel the effects. Focus on real, whole foods in their most natural state as much as possible. When reaching for a processed food, look at your ingredients to make sure you know what you are buying. Product companies lure us in by the front of the packaging-often bright and colorful-and what's most important is what is on the back of the label.
Connection to Others
While we often think about glowing skin in terms of skin care and nutrition, one powerful factor that can’t be overlooked is the impact of human connection. Studies have shown that positive social interactions can significantly reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being. When we connect with others—whether it's through laughter, meaningful conversations, or shared experiences—our bodies release oxytocin, a hormone known for its calming and mood-boosting effects. This can help lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone that, when elevated, can wreak havoc on your skin by causing breakouts, inflammation, and dullness. Essentially, the more connected we feel, the less our bodies are under the negative effects of stress, which translates into a healthier, more radiant complexion.
Moreover, spending time with others often encourages us to engage in activities that boost our mood and promote physical health, like exercising together, or enjoying a meal of nourishing food. These moments not only enrich our emotional health but also support our skin’s vitality by encouraging healthier lifestyle habits. Feeling loved, supported, and socially engaged doesn’t just make you feel good—it can also be the key to that natural glow you’ve been chasing.
Daily Movement
Exercise isn’t just great for your body—it’s also fantastic for your skin as well. When you get moving, your blood circulation improves, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This gives your complexion that radiant, post-workout glow. Regular movement also helps reduce stress, boosts mood, and supports a healthy immune system. Whether it's yoga, walking, dancing, or strength training, find something you enjoy to keep your body—and your skin—happy.
Focus on moving your body for a minimum of 30-45 minutes/day.
Sleep: The Ultimate Skin Boosting Secret
We all know that beauty sleep isn’t just a myth—it's a vital component of healthy skin. During sleep, your body works to repair and regenerate skin cells, produce collagen, and maintain moisture levels. A lack of sleep can lead to dull skin, dark circles, and even increased breakouts. Try to not eat at least 3 - 4 hours before bed (best for digestion, reflux and sleep quality) and aim for 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night. Avoid blue light (i.e. screens) before bed as this affects melatonin production.
To prepare your body for sleep, try a nighttime ritual like a hot bath with epsom salt and lavender, dim the lights in your house once it becomes dark out, sleep in a cool room with blackout curtains and try reading a good book (not on a screen). When you first get into bed, stretch your arms and legs out and make yourself yawn - this can help prepare the brain for sleep. When we rest well, our skin glows!
Hydration is Key
Water is your best friend when it comes to glowing skin. Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, and keeping yourself hydrated is essential for maintaining moisture levels in the skin. Water helps flush out toxins, promotes circulation, and helps keep skin cells healthy. Water is the healthiest beverage for us and it should be your main source of liquid consumed.
Upon waking, aim for 16 oz of water as this helps wake up your brain, kidneys and gut. Overall goal is 80 - 100 oz per day. If you are far from this goal, start with 40 - 60 oz and move up from here. Try to limit caffeine to 1 cup per day in the morning. Consider supplementing it with herbal teas or water-rich fruits and vegetables. For more on hydration, you can visit my blog post here.
Skin Care Products that Support Your Glow
Our skin is our largest organ and it takes around 27 days for our cells to regenerate. At the age of about 45, we begin to lose hydration in the outermost layer of our skin, which then causes our skin's barrier to begin to deteriorate. This barrier breach can begin to trigger inflammation, which can spill over into the bloodstream. It is important to use calming, organic ingredients on the skin to help protect this barrier and avoid chemical based skin care products as these lead to inflammation. My favorite duo and the most hydrating combination I have found is our Anti-Aging Carrot Seed Facial Moisturizer and our Rejuvenating Facial Oil. These two are magic when they are combined together and then applied to the face and neck. For ultra dry skin, I recommend doing this morning and night. For combination skin or skin that isn't ultra dry, you can do this ritual at night versus morning and night.
Calm Your Mind: Stress and Skin Health
Our brains have over 60,000 thoughts a day-wow this is a lot of thoughts. No wonder why we are tired at the end of the day. The mind-body connection is powerful, and chronic stress can have a direct impact on the health of your skin. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts and inflammation. By finding ways to manage stress—whether through meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or simply spending time in nature—you can help calm both your mind and your skin. Practices like mindfulness and gratitude can not only improve your mood but also contribute to that glowing, calm complexion. I find the app Insight Timer to be very helpful for guided meditations.
Achieving glowing skin is truly a holistic journey—one that extends far beyond just the skin care products you use. It’s a delicate balance of nourishing your body with wholesome food, staying hydrated, getting quality sleep, moving your body, and managing stress. But perhaps one of the most overlooked elements is the importance of connection—connecting with yourself, your loved ones, and your community. These social bonds foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being, which in turn, can help keep your skin calm and radiant. After all, glowing skin isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good on the inside too.
Start by embracing the full spectrum of practices that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When you do, you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly the glow from within starts to shine through on your skin. Radiance is more than skin deep—it’s a reflection of the life you lead.