Natural glow: What other cosmetic brands don't tell you

Everyone is talking about the glow . Everyone wants him. And there is plenty of advice. From the Korean layering technique to shiny face oils, which are particularly popular in natural cosmetics . But what hardly anyone reveals: all these methods for more glow have their downsides. We question the methods for the "perfect glow" and tell you how to get more glow without harming your skin. Of course, as always, we keep an eye on sensitive skin.

What is glow?

Glow is synonymous with healthy skin. The word describes skin that is free of pimples, redness and other sores or dry patches. At least in theory. The skin is radiant, as if you were fresh from sports or yoga. That's why make-up trends like yoga skin and skin care goals like "glass skin" have emerged in recent years.

Why so many want the perfect glow

Behind this lies the desire for an optically (almost) perfect skin that radiates health on the outside. Evolution has arranged it in such a way that we like it when our counterpart radiates health, because that stands for fertility. That's why the natural healthy glow is so popular. So far there is nothing to be said against it - only a perfectly optimized skin should not be your goal. Healthy skin is not textureless, as is suggested to us thanks to Photoshop and filters on social media and in magazines. Every skin has its own size of pores. This is largely determined by genetics. If you had acne, your skin may have some more enlarged pores, scars, and more texture. Rosacea skin is a little red here and there, or has some bleeding and dilated vessels. In the case of neurodermatitis, there are more scales in an acute episode. And hyperpigmentation also occurs on healthy and radiant skin. That's the way it is - and we think it's a good thing. It makes us unique. True beauty always has something imperfect.

Natural glow or perfect glow? Those are extreme differences. In this article you will get tips on how to get a healthy natural glow without irritating your skin and working against your skin's health. Especially with sensitive skin, the skin barrier must not be irritated just to achieve a perfect optical result.

Maybe you are also asking yourself these questions: How do I get a nice glow without irritating my skin? Which methods are suitable for sensitive skin? We answer these questions in this article.

But remember: no one looks freshly peeled every day, and that's totally okay. However, a healthy natural glow is possible.

Glow: What methods are there?

There is no such thing as a glow miracle cure. Many roads lead to Rome. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. We want to examine these in the following.

Glow through peels

You may have experienced it yourself that your skin becomes very smooth and even after a peeling. The old loose skin flakes are loosened and your skin reflects slightly in the sun. Many interpret this as a glow. The new skin layer was previously protected from environmental influences. So scrubs work wonderfully as far as glow is concerned.

Still, you should be careful here. Because when it comes to peeling , there are a few stumbling blocks. Because the dander also has a great benefit for your skin. Your skin protects itself from environmental irritants. Once a month she sheds the old used layer of skin. The older we get, the slower this process takes place. These loose flakes of skin that are still attached to the skin prevent a bit of radiance. It's okay to use a light scrub to remove these if you want to aid the natural process. However, there are differences when it comes to peelings. Some help to support the skin's natural desquamation process, while others can penetrate deeper and peel the skin significantly more. You should never over-exfoliate sensitive skin. For sensitive skin, a pure, mild enzyme peel is best, which only supports the natural peeling process. Enzyme peels are the mildest type of peel. You can do an enzyme peeling 1-2 times a week. In any case, you should keep your hands off mechanical peelings.

But even insensitive skin does not have to be peeled with highly concentrated, aggressive peelings just because it can withstand it better than sensitive skin. Mechanical peeling can create micro-injuries that are entry points for germs and can lead to inflammation. Just because your skin is more resilient doesn't mean you should do everything. While over-exfoliation is a common theme on social media and in the media, high-percentage acid peels like AHA can give you visually appealing results in the short-term, but you risk your skin's health in the long-term if you overdo it. It is often blithely recommended to use such acids on a daily basis. Some even use it twice a day. Even the strongest skin barrier will eventually break down and give up. This can, for example, lead to perioral dermatitis after a while.

An enzyme peeling is the mildest solution here and has a supportive effect without hurting. And on top of that, there are a few more tricks you can combine to shine.

Glow through facial oils

Facial oils also add luster to the skin. A layer of oil ensures that the light is reflected and skin cells are applied to the skin.

While some celebrate this look, this layer of fat is too much for others. Most use unprocessed vegetable oils for the glow. These are applied to moistened (ideally with a suitable moisturizer) or creamed skin. Since unprocessed vegetable oils do not completely correspond to the texture of the skin, they do not absorb completely and usually leave a residue on the skin's surface. This layer of fat then forms the beloved glow or the hated "fat shine" - depending on skin type and preference.

Dry skin often benefits from vegetable oils (when the oil is paired with moisture). Because dry skin lacks a lot of fat. And if a bit too much oil ends up on the skin, it usually looks quite good because the oil smoothes the dry scales. You can imagine the effect of the oil as a blanket that presses the scales against the skin. This effect makes dry skin appear smoother.

However, if your dry skin is prone to pimples or redness, unprocessed vegetable oils are not the best solution. Some of the fatty acids build your skin up. The rest, however, is fodder for acne bacteria. Because unprocessed vegetable oils are counterproductive for acne, rosacea and other skin diseases.

Combination skin and oily skin that is prone to pimples and deposits also have their problems with fatty oils. It has not yet been finally clarified why the high oleic acid content in the vegetable oils causes such problems in combination and oily skin. It is consistently observed that too much oleic acid is destructive to the skin and is not an ideal solution for these skin types. And just about any unprocessed vegetable oil contains some oleic acid.

Tip: If you want to use unprocessed vegetable oils with combination skin, make sure that the proportion of linoleic acid is high. Because linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect. This is particularly beneficial for oily and combination skin. But linoleic acid is also useful for skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and very dry skin. Wild rose oil or hemp oil , for example, contain a lot of linoleic acid. With linoleic acid you should pay attention to these instructions. But even these oils are not suitable for acne or rosacea. Get more rosacea skin care tips here.

Dry skin usually has fewer problems with oleic acid. This is where high oleic oils are a great idea if you're not prone to breakouts. As a result, dry skin types have a greater choice of unprocessed vegetable oils than oily skin and combination skin.

However, there are fats that all skin types benefit from: they are naturally derived and processed. The vegetable fat is taken from the proportion that is well suited for the skin. Other fabrics can be made from the rest.

Squalane, for example, is an ideal building block for every skin type because it occurs in your skin in a very similar form. It blends seamlessly into your skin and strengthens your skin barrier. There is no layer of fat floating on your skin. A fat that every skin can benefit from. Squalane can be obtained from plants.

The linoleic acid mentioned above can also be extracted as a pure substance.

We have created an ideal mixing ratio of oils from such skin-specific and well-tolerated oils. This is where our “ Human Glow ” face oil came from. It's not a typical vegetable oil - and somehow it is. It contains all the good fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that are also found in conventional vegetable oils and are good for your skin. But without the negative properties of vegetable oils.

Glow from facial massages

The effect of massage is often underestimated. You stimulate your blood circulation and your body itself ensures radiant skin. And if you pay attention to a few things, a facial massage is a blessing for everyone. It is best to choose a facial oil that is also suitable for the massage. A good massage oil spreads nicely on the skin, so it can be spread well so that you can easily massage your skin with your hands or a massage tool. If you have ever dealt with Gua Sha massages, you know how important the right oil is so that the stone can slide well on the skin. If you have never heard of Gua Sha, this would be the opportunity to give the topic a chance. There are stones for beginners and massage stones for advanced users. It is often claimed that Gua Sha massages act like an anti-aging massage, but that is not the actual goal and the effect is rather indirect. In fact, wrinkles may appear smoother after the massage. However, this effect is only short-term. But there is also a medium to long-term effect: the massage and the light pressure with the Gua Sha relaxes the muscles and loosens stuck fascia. When the tension is released, the entire facial expression becomes more relaxed and therefore smoother. The Gua Sha technique is particularly worthwhile if you grind at night.

Farewell to tense jaw muscles, tension headaches and eye pain.

Good to know: In the case of rosacea, the Gua Sha massage on the cheeks can expand the blood vessels. Therefore, leave out the cheeks or use a tool without edges, such as a jade roller or our new fair ceramic fascia figure , which is also suitable for sensitive skin.

Moisture glow

Healthy skin needs moisture. A well-moisturized horny layer makes the skin more robust and also looks healthy and beautiful. You can think of it like a fresh bunch of grapes compared to a dry raisin. The grape is filled with moisture, the surface is plump and radiant. The raisin lacks moisture. It is therefore wrinkled and the surface reflects less light. Of course, this should only serve as an explanation here. Our skin is not a grape or a raisin.

A good amount of moisture, such as hyaluron or glycerine, makes the skin fresh and lets it shine. Both hyaluron and glycerin occur naturally in the skin.

But the dose is also crucial when it comes to moisture. You don't have to follow every questionable trend like "Glass Skin," which involves making skin look like a reflective surface by moisturizing the stratum corneum in more than ten layers. Because too much hyaluronic acid, glycerine and the like cause the horny layer to swell like bread that you dip in water. Overmoist skin can then lead to over-treated skin, a so-called perioral dermatitis. When you try to optimize your skin beyond a healthy level, skin just tightens up. Moisture is important, but again, don't overdo it. In every moisturizer is glycerin or some other moisturizing ingredient . That's good for a healthy skin care routine. If you like, you can also use a hyaluron serum or something similar for a little glow and care.

Glow through makeup

Many people probably think of glowy foundation or highliter first when they think of glow. As you saw above, you can do a lot with the right skin care. So you can see makeup as the icing on the cake if you like.

When it comes to glow and makeup, it all depends on your preferences. If you just want to let the stress go away and look more awake, minimalist and natural glow products are your first choice. You can easily add some products to your skin care routine or put them directly on your creamed face. They should be light and never be too obvious on the skin of your face. The contained shimmer particles should also be very fine and natural. There are big differences. In the best case, the products are also skin-care. Your skin will benefit from this. As an aside: You should also follow the same principle when you cover up pimples. Instead of using drying products, use something that can also be used to cover up and reduce inflammation.

Want more glow and glitter: look for a highlither. These products come in very natural or more shimmery. Depending on the style and situation, you can make your choice here. A skin care product is also recommended here.

But make-up can also overwhelm the skin: Many products contain essential oils . If your skin is prone to pimples or acne, pay special attention to the oils and fats used. Even with rosacea and very sensitive skin, highlighters with unprocessed vegetable oils can increase redness or cause inflammatory reactions. A glow product with coconut oil can also be counterproductive for very sensitive skin because it can lead to reactions and pimples.

Your way to a natural glow

In summary, we have the best tip for your healthy glow here for you. As you've noticed, none of the above methods is a panacea. You will achieve the greatest success with a good combination of different methods. This way you don't put any pressure on yourself and your skin and you can avoid the disadvantages. This way you won't overwhelm your skin and instead benefit from a strengthened skin barrier. So your skin can shine not only from the outside but also from the inside.

Build a healthy, thoughtful skincare routine

Before you think about special treatments: Rely on a solid skin care routine with good basics. A proper skincare routine consists of a mild cleansing that doesn't strip your skin of too much oil. Otherwise, this would only mean that you have to do a lot again so that your skin shines healthy. It continues with a cream for your skin type. Choose a light cream for oily and combination skin and a richer cream for dry skin. The most important thing is a sunscreen that you tolerate well and that works in the respective season. In our sun protection guide for sensitive skin you will find many tips on how to find the right sunscreen for you, when you need sunscreen and how much.

Depending on the current situation, you can add one or the other product to your basics. In this way you care for your skin very close to your current skin condition and you will always be able to give your skin what it is asking for.

Good to know: Did you know that your skin peels off better and more properly if you apply sunscreen regularly. Your skin gets the oil and moisture it needs depending on your skin type and skin condition. Not too much and not too little and can pursue their natural tasks better without being stressed out by the weather and the like.

moisture in moderation

You can layer an additional moisturizing product, such as a serum, under your cream to additionally moisturize your skin. Nothing more is needed.

Facial oil depending on skin type

If you can tolerate vegetable oils, you can apply a small amount to your face to boost the glow. But don't overdo it. If you tend to have oil sensitivity problems, if you're prone to breakouts, or if you have rosacea, don't use unprocessed vegetable oil or an oil blend. With a well-tolerated face oil, such as Human Glow , which corresponds to the properties of the skin, it can still work with a natural face oil.

Enzyme peeling: 1-2 times a week if necessary

If your skin is very dry or prone to calluses, you can use a mild enzyme peeling to help your skin naturally flake off. Important: 1-2 times a week is enough and if you think your skin doesn't need it right now, that's okay too. An enzyme peeling is totally sufficient. You don't need stronger scrubs. This may not get you glowing overnight, but it's a healthier option in the long run.

Important: A peeling is not a must, just a way to support your skin. Above all, make sure that your basics are right and that you regularly moisturize and oil your skin with your skin care products.

Facial massages for a natural glow

You should not underestimate facial massages. They relax your muscles, which makes your facial expressions calmer and more relaxed. Your blood circulation is stimulated so that your skin can regenerate well. With the right oil for your skin and a beautiful tool, you can make your skin glow.

Glow make-up for stressed skin

With make-up you can make your face look fresher and more awake. Depending on how you like your glow, you can let off steam here between natural and minimalist to more visible shimmer and glitter highlighters. Tip: Make sure that your glow product is also skin-care and suits your skin condition and skin type.

Conclusion

As you can see: The right combination makes the perfect mix to get a healthy and natural glow. Either method on its own would not be good for skin health—especially if your skin is sensitive. But in the right dose, everything contributes to a healthy natural glow.