5-step routine for glow and radiance
Spain is home to some of the most beautiful people in the world, sun-kissed and glowing. But a glowing and radiant complexion is not achieved by luck (unless you’re in your early 20s!) It takes a holistic approach that combines both nutrition and lifestyle.
Take advantage of the skin-loving benefits of the Mediterranean way of eating and locally sourced ingredients in natural skincare products to bring your skin to life.
Not sure where to start? This 5-step skincare routine will provide the perfect framework to help you nourish your skin inside and out.
1. Cleanse Gently
Start and end your day with a gentle cleanser or embrace local ingredients containing olive oil, known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Follow up with a water-based wash for a clean but nourished feel.
Many coastal cities in Spain have hard water, which can cause dry and irritated skin. Using a micellar water instead of tap water when cleansing can help to remove the film left from hard water on the skin.
Investing in a hard-water filter in the shower or faucet can also help to prevent excess minerals from stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
You can also get skin-loving benefits from olive oil in your diet. Make this the primary fat source in your diet for a hearty dose of vitamin E to protect your skin’s radiance.
2. Boost with Vitamin C
Take advantage of the protective benefits of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C internally and externally.
Topical vitamin C can help even out skin tone. Try out trusted and popular Spanish brands, such as Sesderma C-Vit Radiance Glowing Fluid Vitamin C serum.
Its rich antioxidant profile can also protect from free radicals caused by environmental factors, such as UV rays from extensive sun exposure.
Consuming more vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries from your local Spanish market, can provide your skin and body with a hearty dose of antioxidant protection.
Vitamin C-rich foods can also aid in collagen production, giving your skin a plump, glowing appearance.
3. Hydrate and Supplement
Thirsty skin is dull skin. Keep your complexion plump and glowing by keeping up with your hydration and keeping a gentle moisturiser on hand to use after you cleanse.
Moisturise on damp skin to lock in hydration.
Add in a daily collagen supplement, such as Naked Nutrition’s Collagen Peptides, to boost collagen production and ensure a youthful glow. Collagen production begins to slow and become fragmented as we age, and is worsened by heavy sun exposure and other environmental factors.
Mix in collagen powder to your smoothie or coffee in the morning to help your body produce more collagen for supple, youthful skin.
4. Protect from the Sun
Spain is well known for its sunny climate, making daily sun protection a non-negotiable way to prevent dull skin and premature signs of ageing.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily to counteract the strong Mediterranean sun, such as Cantabria Labs Heliocare, available at most Spanish pharmacies. You can also explore a wide variety of oral antioxidant supplements available to provide further protection.
Be sure to enjoy Spain’s outdoor living, allowing for a hearty dose of vitamin D to keep you feeling your best. But do so mindfully. Seek shade during peak hours and be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently if spending long periods outdoors, and keep up with your hydration.
5. Nurture from Within
The Mediterranean way of living provides the perfect framework to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Take advantage of this to glow from within.
Emphasise omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, and nuts, such as walnuts, to boost skin elasticity. But don’t be stingy on other healthy fats, like olives and olive oil, seeds, and avocado.
Monounsaturated fats can help your skin retain moisture, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.
Bring on the Gazpacho! Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, which can act as an antioxidant to protect your skin from photo-ageing. Lycopene is absorbed best in the presence of a fat, so plan to have it with a meal or a drizzle of olive oil.
Prioritise healthy habits, like ensuring you are getting adequate rest every night. Aim for 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep to help your skin repair and keep cortisol levels in check.
Embrace the siesta, prioritise rest during the hottest times of the day. Skip the damaging UV rays during these hours for a 20-minute nap to feel rejuvenated. Even a short mid-day nap can reduce inflammation and allow your skin to reset.
With these simple nutrition and lifestyle steps in place, you’ll start to notice an improvement in skin radiance before you know it. You will also likely notice other benefits outside of just a glowing appearance.
You will feel better overall!
Share:
