20 Simple Things You Can Do for Healthy, Glowing Skin
Why they work + what to avoid
Healthy glowing skin isn’t about having a 12-step skincare routine or spending hundreds on products. In fact, your skin reflects the sum of small, consistent habits - from what you eat and drink, to how you move, sleep and protect yourself from daily stressors.
Here are 20 simple things you can start doing today, and why they actually work.
1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Why it works: UV radiation accelerates collagen breakdown, causes pigmentation, and is the single biggest driver of premature ageing.
Avoid: Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days or when indoors, UVA penetrates windows and still damages skin.
2. Apply Antioxidant Serum at Night
Why it works: At night, your skin is in repair mode. Antioxidants like activated apple phenolics neutralise free radicals and boost collagen.
Avoid: Only using antioxidants in the morning under makeup, they work best during the night shift.
3. Double Cleanse (When Needed)
Why it works: First cleanse removes sunscreen/makeup, second cleanse clears sweat and pollutants. Clean pores = better absorption of skincare.
Avoid: Over-cleansing with harsh foaming washes as this strips your skin barrier.
4. Stay Hydrated
Why it works: Water helps maintain cell turgor (plumpness), supports circulation, and reduces dullness.
Avoid: Relying only on topical moisturiser without drinking enough fluids.
5. Sleep 7–9 Hours
Why it works: Growth hormone and melatonin rise during deep sleep, boosting skin repair and reducing inflammation.
Avoid: Chronic late nights, believe me sleep debt shows up as dullness, puffiness and fine lines.
6. Manage Stress
Why it works: Cortisol spikes break down collagen, increase oil production, and trigger breakouts.
Avoid: Ignoring mental health, no serum can outdo constant stress hormones.
7. Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables
Why it works: Antioxidants like polyphenols, carotenoids and vitamin C fight oxidative damage and brighten skin tone.
Avoid: Beige diets full of ultra-processed foods, they fuel glycation and inflammation. Stay clear of synthetic supplements, they don’t get absorbed by your body, choose naturally extracted and activated antioxidants.
8. Prioritise Healthy Fats
Why it works: Omega-3s (fish, walnuts, flaxseed) keep membranes flexible, reducing dryness and irritation.
Avoid: Overdoing processed seed oils high in omega-6, they promote inflammation.
9. Move Your Body Daily
Why it works: Exercise increases circulation, oxygen delivery, and nutrient flow to the skin, creating a post-workout glow.
Avoid: Heavy sweating without cleansing after as it can clog pores.
10. Don’t Smoke (and Minimise Alcohol)
Why it works: Smoking constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen to skin, and destroys collagen. Alcohol dehydrates and disrupts the microbiome.
Avoid: Thinking “just socially” doesn’t count, remember damage adds up.
11. Exfoliate Gently
Why it works: Removes dead cells and stimulates turnover, making skin smoother and brighter.
Avoid: Harsh scrubs or daily acids that damage the barrier - less is more.
12. Use a Humidifier (if indoors a lot)
Why it works: Dry indoor air depletes skin moisture, leading to fine lines and irritation. A humidifier protects barrier hydration.
Avoid: Overheating rooms in winter, it strips the skin.
13. Keep Hands Off Your Face
Why it works: Hands carry bacteria and oils that can trigger acne and irritation.
Avoid: Picking or squeezing blemishes, I know you know it increases scarring.
14. Clean Your Pillowcases + Phone Screen
Why it works: They collect oil, bacteria and product residue that clog pores.
Avoid: Reusing pillowcases for weeks or never sanitising your phone.
15. Support Your Gut Health
Why it works: The gut-skin axis is real, imbalanced microbiome contributes to inflammation, acne and eczema.
Avoid: Overusing antibiotics or ultra-processed foods that damage gut flora.
16. Add Collagen-Elastin-Supportive Nutrients
Why it works: Phenolic antioxidants, zinc and amino acids fuel collagen production and elastin resilience. Collagen peptides can support elasticity.
Avoid: Thinking skincare alone will boost collagen, diet matters.
17. Respect Your Circadian Rhythm
Why it works: Skin cells follow a clock — disruption from late nights or constant blue light confuses repair cycles.
Avoid: Scrolling in bed with bright screens.
18. Choose Skincare With Clinically Proven Actives
Why it works: Ingredients like activated phenolics, retinoids, niacinamide and ceramides deliver measurable results.
Avoid: Chasing viral trends with no evidence.
19. Protect Your Skin Barrier
Why it works: A strong barrier locks in hydration and keeps irritants out. Think of it as your natural shield.
Avoid: Over-washing, alcohol-heavy toners and skipping moisturiser.
20. Consistency Over Perfection
Why it works: The skin reflects habits built over months, not one night. Small steps daily compound into visible results.
Avoid: Expecting overnight miracles or abandoning routines too quickly.
The Takeaway
Healthy glowing skin isn’t about buying more products, it’s about aligning your habits with how your skin actually works. Every small shift, from sleep to sunscreen, is a compounding investment in your skin’s future.
And if you ever needed proof that science = beauty, just look at how your body rewards you when you support it inside and out.