Today’s post is written by contributor Chelsea Becker, a San Diego native, living and writing in San Francisco. Follow her on Instagram & Pinterest.

I’ve always envied girls with naturally glowing skin – you know those people that always look fresh-faced and effortlessly healthy? Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with skin issues since junior high and I’ve had to work hard for the skin I have now. Luckily, most days I do feel like my skin is glowing, at least when I’m trying, and though it’s not necessarily effortless, glowing is glowing right?

If you’re constantly trying to get more radiant skin, I really hope these tips will help!

Exfoliate

This is the most important step in creating a “glowing” complexion because it will actually let your glow come through. Exfoliating 2-3x a week will remove dead cells sitting atop your skin’s top layer and essentially clogging everything below. To have healthy cell turnover and allow products to sink it, gently exfoliation a few times a week before bed – then apply any nighttime products.

Vitamin C or Brightening Serum

Vitamin C is essential for more than a healthy immune system. It can actually be a major proponent to glowing skin, too! Especially if you have sun spots, a Vitamin C serum will brighten darker areas and help with the glow.

Look for a serum that’s full of antioxidants for radiant skin. I love Grown Alchemist’s Brightening option.

Hydration

Obviously! Other than drinking as much H20, limiting booze, and eating water-dense foods like celery or cucumbers, physically hydrate your skin. Don’t go a morning or night without a moisturizer (I’m currently obsessed with Herbivore’s Pink Cloud Rosewater Creme) – it’s that important!

I often times top my moisturizer with a hydrating oil, especially at night. The smell takes a little getting used to, but Primally Pure’s beauty cream is crazy hydrating and glow-inducing, so I often top my face with that.

Facial Massage

Lymphatic massage and jade rollers are trending for good reason – they can do a TON for your skin. Try using a jade roller after you apply your moisturizer and serums, as it can help the products penetrate into your skin and eliminate toxins.

Plus, these practices help to tighten, reduce pore size, depuff, and lead to a healthier glow. I find they help wake me up too, so I usually do this in the morning. If you’re interested in a massage, this tutorial is great!

Retinol/Retinoid

These are full of Vitamin A which speeds up cell turnover and leads to firmer skin, a younger looking complexion and they can prevent/heal acne. I actually went to my dermatologist before getting a prescription because I wasn’t sure what my skin could handle.

This product is a gentle option, but if you have sensitive skin like me, it might be worth a trip to your derm to see what product they recommend!

Sleep

Most cell turnover happens while you sleep, and let’s face it – a puffy, tired face is anything but radiant. Been there! Plus, cell turnover is essential as we age and our skin isn’t naturally as glowy. It’s hard at first, but once you get into an earlier nighttime routine, it’s pretty nice.

Switch your phone to airplane mode, complete your evening skincare routine, and turn in 8-9 hours before you have to rise. Give it a few weeks and I promise you’ll see a difference in your skin – and you’ll probably feel a lot better, too!

If you have a hard time falling asleep, avoid caffeine after noon (which will also help with your skin as caffeine can be drying). A win-win!

A Good Highlighter

And for the days that you need help by way of makeup, enter a highlighter! A highlighter on the cheek bones and the bridge of the nose helps take a natural glowing complexion to the next level. A neutral shade will look natural if you’re going for a minimal makeup look, which I’m a fan of.

Opt for a cream highlighter for dry and normal skin and then a powder solution if you have oily skin. My skin is combo and I’ve been using the RMS version for years and totally loving it!

Are there any tips you’d add to this list? What helps your skin glow?

BTW, skincare trends that actually work, and my experience with microneedling at home.