What is skin glow?
When the light falls on the skin, there is reflection (radiance) of light at the surface of skin (caused by skin oil), and from the sub-layers under the skin from pigments such as melanin and blood haemoglobin. This reflection makes our skin to glow. Lack of proper reflection makes us look older.

One of the best example is the ‘pregnancy glow’ that is caused by two factors: sudden increase in amount of blood creating reflection from sub-layers, and increased production of skin oil (due to hormonal changes) creating reflection from the surface of the skin.

As we age, the UV light damages the skin and the collagen. The light is not reflected properly and we look old.

Stress, lack of sleep and poor diet can also cause the skin to lose radiance.

How to make your skin glow?

1. Change your life style to include a balanced diet, lots of drinking water, rest, and enough sleep.

2. Choose foods high in antioxidants (fruits, veg, nuts and seeds), and Omega 3 fatty acids (fish).

3. Exfoliate skin regularly to remove dead cells. This increases light to penetrate and reflect from the sub-layers. Exfoliation also helps makes skin receptive to moisturisers. Yoghurt is an exfoliating agent.

4. Hydrate skin with moisturiser containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Honey helps with hydration and Lime juice (Vitamin C) helps to lighten up the skin. Try some Almond Oil (high in Vitamin E), which helps moisturise dry skin.

5. Add light reflective powders. Turmeric powder adds a youthful sheen to Indian skin.

6. Zinc is good to keep skin healthy. Besan (Chickpea flour) is a good source of Zinc.

7. Red ripened tomatoes are excellent as a diet and topical application for glowing skin. Tomatoes have Vitamin E, C, B1, B2, B6, and Lycopene. It also has Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene.