What Makes Skin Glow? 4 Real Answers from Science (Not TikTok)
If you’ve ever searched how to get glowing skin and found yourself five videos deep into TikTok’s latest serum layering trend or a lemon juice DIY—this one’s for you. Because while glow is in, confusion is even more so.
Glowing skin isn’t just about slick highlighters or a £90 face cream that smells like rose petals and regret. It’s about what’s really happening beneath the surface. And good news—science has a few solid answers.
Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or looking to upgrade your routine (or treatments), here are four real, evidence-backed ways to boost your skin’s natural radiance—no filters required.
1. Cell Turnover: The Real Reason Skin Stops Glowing
Let’s start at the root. Our skin sheds and regenerates constantly. In your teens and twenties, your skin renews itself roughly every 28 days. That means dull, dead cells are regularly replaced with fresh, new ones, keeping your skin naturally radiant.
But by the time you hit your 30s (and especially 40s), that process slows down. Instead of every 28 days, it may take 40, 50—even 60+ days. That’s when skin starts to look less glowy and more… meh.
How to Help:
- Use gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) to encourage turnover.
- Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) also speed up cell renewal.
- Treatments like microneedling and chemical peels stimulate cell regeneration and resurface tired skin.
And if you’re looking to take things a step further, skin boosters and polynucleotide treatments offer injectable support that encourages regeneration from within—ideal if you want smoother, fresher skin over time.
Learn more about polynucleotide treatments and how they support long-term skin repair and renewal.
2. Hydration and Collagen: Glow’s Power Couple
You can’t have a glow without water and bounce. Skin hydration gives you that plump, dewy finish, while collagen provides the structure and firmness that light reflects so beautifully.
Unfortunately, both decline with age. Collagen production starts to drop in your mid-20s, and if you’re not topping up hydration (inside and out), skin can look dry and lacklustre—no matter how many glow drops you’re using.
Treatments That Work:
- Hydration injectables, like Profhilo and polynucleotides, flood the skin with moisture and improve elasticity.
- Collagen-boosting treatments like Sculptra, microneedling, and PRP stimulate long-term renewal and firmness.
- Daily SPF and antioxidants help protect your existing collagen from breakdown.
Hydrated skin isn’t just a trend. It’s a non-negotiable if you want your skin to glow from the inside out.
3. Blood Flow and Oxygen: The Unsung Glow Heroes
That fresh, post-facial glow? It’s often thanks to increased circulation and oxygen flow to the skin. Blood delivers nutrients, clears waste, and keeps skin vibrant.
Poor circulation, stress, and lack of sleep can all leave your complexion looking flat. The solution? Stimulate blood flow regularly—and no, that doesn’t mean rubbing your face with a spoon (sorry TikTok).
Biohacks and Boosters to Try:
- Facial massage or gua sha (yes, this one does help).
- Regular exercise and hydration.
- Radiofrequency and microneedling for deeper stimulation.
- Red light therapy, which enhances oxygenation and reduces inflammation.
Want longer-lasting results? Treatments like antiAnti-wrinkle injections-wrinkle injections can soften expression lines, helping your skin appear smoother and more radiant—even on your off days.
Explore more about anti-wrinkle injections and how they can subtly enhance your glow.
4. Healthy vs. Glowing Skin: Why They’re Not Always the Same
Here’s a truth bomb: glow doesn’t always mean health.
You can fake a glow with makeup. You can even look temporarily glowy with certain skincare tricks. But real glow—the kind that reflects calm, hydrated, well-nourished skin—takes time and consistency.
In fact, some of the worst habits for skin health (like over-exfoliation or skipping SPF) can give a short-term glow but do long-term damage. Healthy skin is resilient, even-toned, and functions well. Glowing skin is what happens when all of that’s working properly.
Focus on long-term wins:
- Keep your skin barrier strong (barrier repair is essential for true radiance).
- Support your gut health, hormones, and sleep. These all show up in your skin.
- Choose regenerative treatments that work with your skin—not just on top of it.
Treatments That Boost Natural Glow (Without TikTok Gimmicks)
Here’s our short-and-sweet list of glow-getters that are clinically proven to deliver.
✨ Polynucleotide Injections
Support skin healing, hydration, and regeneration. Think glow with resilience—ideal for all ages and especially transformative for mature or damaged skin.
✨ Skin Boosters
Flood skin with moisture, increase elasticity, and improve texture. These are brilliant pre-event or as a quarterly top-up for consistently dewy skin.
✨ Microneedling
Encourages new collagen and smoother skin texture. Pair with exosomes or PRP for even more glow-enhancing power.
✨ Sculptra
For those looking for longer-term structural support and an improvement in overall skin quality—not just a quick fix.
Related read: What a Healthy Skin Barrier Really Needs – And How Polynucleotides Support Repair
4 Glow-Supporting Habits Worth Sticking To
Skincare is part of the equation, but lifestyle plays a huge role too. Want to supercharge your results from treatments and products? Try these simple switches:
✅ Sleep at least 7 hours a night – this is when your skin regenerates.
✅ Hydrate regularly – inside and out. Aim for 2L of water per day.
✅ Use a gentle cleanser – over-cleansing weakens your barrier.
✅ Don’t skip SPF – even when it’s grey out.
The Takeaway: Glowing Skin Isn’t a Filter—It’s a Strategy
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine overnight or drop hundreds on skincare fads. Focus on skin science, build a consistent routine, and explore professional treatments that support your skin’s natural function over time.
Whether you’re after that just-back-from-holiday glow or looking to revive dull, tired skin, we’ve got options that go far beyond a 15-second trend.
Curious about where to start? Our expert team at Look Lovely London is here to guide you. Book a consultation today, and let’s glow—together.
