27 tricks for naturally glowing skin (no makeup or expensive products required!)

Take 160 mg of soy isoflavones per day or pour soy milk over your cereal. Soy consumption may keep glowing skin healthy by supplying high-quality protein needed for building and maintaining collagen, the material essential to connective tissues, says medical research director, Dr Aaron Tabor. Soy isoflavones may also act as antioxidants to protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can weaken or destroy cell membranes. Free radicals can also damage DNA, create age spots and wrinkles, and depress the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Good sources of soy isoflavones include soy milk (20-35 mg soy isoflavones per serving) and tofu (20-30 mg soy isoflavones per serving).

Find out which are the best foods for younger skin.

There, you’ve just gotten a skin-healthy dose of poly- and monounsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which studies suggest may affect the amount of sun and ageing damage your skin experiences. Without them, you’ll also show the signs you aren’t eating enough healthy fats, such as dry skin. By extension, make sure olive oil is the primary source of fat in your cooking each and every day, and try to have salmon twice a week or more to support glowing skin.

Try this grilled salmon in ciabatta – it’s delicious and good for your skin.

Because garlic contains antibacterial properties, it may help clear up P. acnes, or the acne-causing bacteria that lurks on your skin. Avoid rubbing the garlic directly onto your acne, as dermatologist, Dr Jeremy A. Brauer, warns that it may result in an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.

Brew a pot of tea, chill, then store in the fridge and drink throughout the day. Tea, as you probably know, is a great source of antioxidants, molecules that fight the free-radical damage caused by sun exposure and cigarette smoking, which ruins glowing skin. One study published in the journal Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine found that the polyphenols in tea were helpful in preventing UVB-induced skin cancer.

Tea has many benefits, this is what happens to your body when you drink tea every day.

Alcohol, including wine, can act as a vasodilator, meaning it dilates blood vessels, explains Dr Brauer. “This may be most noticeable in facial skin, resulting in a flushed or ruddy appearance,” he says. “Rosacea, however, while not caused by alcohol, can certainly be made worse or flare due to alcohol intake.”

Pop a high-potency multivitamin every day (with your doctor’s okay). Many nutrients are vital to glowing skin, including vitamins C, A, and B. The most reliable way to get them all every day is to eat well, as well as take a daily supplement.

Read on for how to make vitamins and minerals work better for you.

Rich in vitamin C, rose hips (available at chemists) can help keep skin smooth, youthful and glowing. “Rose hip contains the seed of the rose plant, and fresh rose hip is a good source of vitamin C,” says Dr Brauer. “Vitamin C is routinely used in topical products for its antioxidant benefits, as well as improvement in skin tone and texture.”

If you’re gearing up for a day in the sun, steer clear of scented lotions and perfumes. Scented products can lead to blotchy skin when exposed to the sun. “We regularly suggest that patients who are prone to the development of allergies and atopic dermatitis avoid fragrances/opt for fragrance-free detergents, soaps, lotions, etc.,” says Dr Brauer. “Specifically, citrus-based products can result in a condition known as phytophotodermatitis (more commonly seen after being sprayed by lemon or lime juice while out in the sun).”

Anything that gets you sweating is good news for your skin. Sweating is nature’s way of eliminating toxic chemicals that can build up under the skin. Plus, regular exercise maintains healthy circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including your skin. If you’re exercising outdoors, though, remember to wear a sunscreen on your face that protects against UVA and UVB rays or a moisturiser with sunscreen protection.

Before you take up running, check out the pros and cons.

This will provide double protection. The cream helps prevent facial skin damage, dehydration, and wrinkles. Also, try creams containing vitamin E or beta-carotene.