Here's a comprehensive guide on how to glow up this summer, both inside and out. Summer is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start, focus on self-care, and elevate your confidence. Whether you want to revamp your skincare routine, upgrade your wardrobe, or work on your mental health, the warm months offer endless opportunities to glow up and shine your brightest.
1. Refresh your skincare routine
Your skin often requires different care in the summer months, and now is the perfect time to switch up your routine for that natural, healthy glow.
Hydrate and protect with SPF: Start by adding a high-quality sunscreen to your skincare regimen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen prevents premature aging, sunburn, and dark spots. Make it a daily habit, even on cloudy days.
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and gives your skin a smoother, brighter appearance. Opt for a gentle exfoliator containing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) to reveal fresher skin. Remember, over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, so aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
Stay hydrated: Summer can make your skin more prone to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and glowing. Consider adding a hydrating facial mist or serum with hyaluronic acid to your routine for an extra boost of moisture.
Use brightening products: If you want to really glow this summer, incorporate products with vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol into your skincare regimen. These ingredients help brighten dark spots, reduce blemishes, and even out skin tone.
Ellie Ellien / Unsplash2. Embrace a healthy, radiant glow with clean eating
What you put into your body has a huge impact on how your skin and overall health look and feel. Glowing skin often starts with a clean, nutrient-rich diet.
Eat skin-boosting foods: Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, avocados, and nuts into your meals. These foods are packed with nutrients that support collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and fight oxidative damage from the sun.
Add Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, help keep your skin moisturized and supple, reducing the likelihood of dryness and irritation. They also support brain health and reduce inflammation in the body.
Limit sugar and processed foods: Diets high in sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation, breakouts, and dull skin. By cutting back on these foods, you can prevent skin issues and help your complexion look its best.
Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to drink water regularly to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. You can also infuse your water with fruits like lemon, cucumber, and mint to boost flavor and hydration.
Adobe Stock3. Elevate your fitness routine
Exercise is not only great for your body, but it also contributes to that healthy summer glow. Regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your skin.
Improve heart health with cardio: Activities like running, swimming, or cycling get your heart pumping, promote sweat, and encourage the natural detox process. Sweating helps remove toxins from your body, contributing to a clearer complexion.
Reduce stress with yoga or pilates: If you're looking for a more relaxing way to glow up, yoga and pilates are great options. These exercises can help reduce stress, improve posture, and enhance body flexibility. Plus, they promote mindfulness, which can contribute to a positive mental attitude.
Get outside: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, walking, or going for a beach jog. Not only does spending time outside help you stay active, but it also allows you to soak up some natural sunlight, boosting your mood and giving you that fresh, sun-kissed glow.
Adobe Stock4. Glow up your hair
Your hair plays a key role in your overall glow, so it's time to treat it with care this summer.
Protect your hair from sun damage: Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays. Protect it by wearing hats or using hair products with built-in UV protection. This will help preserve your hair’s natural moisture and prevent dryness.
Hydrate with hair masks: Summer sun, chlorine from pools, and salty beach water can leave hair feeling dry and damaged. Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week to restore moisture and keep it soft and shiny.
Embrace natural styles: Summer is the time to let your hair down (literally). Embrace natural textures and hairstyles that require less heat styling. Loose beach waves, messy buns, or braids not only look chic but are easier to maintain, keeping your hair healthy.
Get a fresh cut: Summer is a great time to switch up your hairstyle. Whether it’s a bold new cut or just trimming those split ends, a fresh haircut can instantly boost your confidence and bring life to your locks.
Isabela Kronemberger / Unsplash5. Freshen up your wardrobe
A wardrobe refresh is a great way to embrace the season and feel your best as you go about your summer activities.
Light, breezy fabrics: Switch to lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray that keep you cool while looking effortlessly chic. Opt for flowy dresses, tank tops, and wide-legged pants that let your skin breathe.
Bold colors and patterns: Summer is the time to experiment with colors and patterns. Incorporate vibrant hues like coral, teal, and mustard into your wardrobe. Floral prints, stripes, and tropical designs are all on-trend for the season.
Wear comfortable, stylish shoes: Opt for stylish sandals, espadrilles, or sneakers that are comfortable enough for long summer days but still look great. Platforms and wedges are also a popular choice for adding height while staying comfy.
Accessorize with sunglasses and hats: A cute hat or trendy sunglasses can elevate any outfit. Choose oversized sunglasses for a chic, vintage vibe, or pick a floppy sun hat for a more relaxed, beachy look.
Vlada Karpovich / Pexels6. Focus on mental wellness
A true "glow-up" isn't just about looking good on the outside; it’s about feeling good on the inside, too. Taking care of your mental health will enhance your confidence and energy.
Practice self-care: Dedicate time each day to relax and unwind. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, reading, or taking a warm bath, self-care practices help reduce stress and foster a positive mindset.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night to ensure your skin stays healthy, your body stays energized, and your mind stays sharp.
Cultivate gratitude: Taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your mood and overall outlook on life. A positive mindset enhances your natural glow and energy.
7. Let your makeup enhance, not transform
Makeup is an easy way to enhance your natural beauty and bring out your summer glow.
Go light with foundation: Opt for a lightweight, dewy foundation or BB cream that allows your skin to breathe. This creates a fresh, glowing complexion without feeling heavy.
Highlighter for a radiant glow: A good highlighter can make your skin look radiant and healthy. Apply it to your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow for a beautiful glow.
Bronzed, sun-kissed skin: Embrace a bronzy look with a little bronzer to warm up your complexion. It gives you that natural, sun-kissed glow without the harmful UV exposure.
Pop with color: Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun colors. Try a bright lip gloss, pastel eyeshadows, or a colorful eyeliner to add a pop of fun to your makeup look.
Conclusion: Take the summer and own it
A true summer glow-up is about more than just appearance; it’s about taking care of yourself from the inside out. From refreshing your skincare and diet to embracing new fashion trends and practicing mental wellness, glowing up this summer is all about feeling your best and radiating confidence. So take this season as an opportunity to refresh, renew, and embrace all the beauty that comes with the sunshine. Shine bright, both inside and out!