How to Get Glowing Skin in 7 Days: My Personal (and Very Achievable) Guide to Radiance

If you’re here, you’re probably thinking, “Can I really get glowing skin in just 7 days?” And to that, I say: YES. Yes, you can. I’ve been on a journey of skin trials and errors, and after finally discovering the holy grail of routines, I’m ready to share it all with you. Whether you’re prepping for a big event or just sick of looking like a walking bag of stress (we’ve all been there), this 7-day plan will give you the glow-up of your dreams.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get glowing skin fast—with some of my personal tips, a dash of humor, and a lot of skincare wisdom. And to make it extra special, I’ve included skincare routines for all skin types. So, grab a cup of tea, maybe a face mask, and let’s get glowing!

1. Hydrate Like Your Skin’s Thirsty

If you think you can get glowing skin without hydration, you’re wrong. (Sorry, not sorry.) Water is the unsung hero of skincare, and your skin is basically begging for it. If you’re not drinking enough, your skin will let you know by looking like it’s been through a desert for 6 months.

• Drink plenty of water: Aim for 8 glasses a day. Yes, it’s a lot, but your skin will thank you. And if plain water bores you, jazz it up with lemon, cucumber, or mint. It’s like giving your skin a spa day—every time you sip.
• Hydrating foods: Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges. These aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with water and antioxidants. Eat them, and your skin will glow brighter than your Instagram feed.
• Pro Tip: The best way to hit your water goal is by using a cute half-gallon jug! Not only does it keep you on track throughout the day, but it’s a constant reminder to keep sipping. Plus, you’ll feel so chic walking around with your adorable hydration accessory—think of it as a style statement and a skincare routine all in one.

2. Kickstart Your Morning with a Skincare Routine

Here’s the deal: you wouldn’t leave the house without brushing your tooth, right? So why would you leave without a morning skincare routine? I’m not saying you need a 10-step process, but a basic routine can make a HUGE difference in how your skin looks and feels. And to make it even easier, I’ve included routines for all skin types— including links to the best products for you! As a beauty professional, I only recommend products that I know and trust!

For Oily Skin:

If you have oily skin, you’re probably familiar with the struggle of finding products that don’t leave you looking like a grease ball by midday. Here’s what I recommend:

• Cleanse: Use a gel-based or foaming cleanser that helps remove excess oil without stripping your skin. Look for something with salicylic acid to keep pores clear.
• Exfoliate (2-3 times a week): Go for a gentle exfoliant with BHA (like salicylic acid) to help fight clogged pores and breakouts. Avoid physical scrubs, which can irritate the skin.
• Serum: Use a lightweight, oil-free serum with Vitamin C. It’ll brighten your complexion without making you oily.
• Moisturize: Yes, even oily skin needs moisture! Opt for an oil-free, gel-based moisturizer that hydrates without clogging your pores.
• Sunscreen: Find an oil-free, mattifying sunscreen. Trust me, you still need sunscreen even if it’s winter time…your skin will thank you for the protection and the shine-free finish.

For Dry Skin:

If your skin often feels tight, irritated or flaky, it’s probably in need of extra moisture and soothing ingredients. Here’s a routine that’ll bring back the hydration:

• Cleanse: Go for a creamy, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera.
• Exfoliate (2-3 times a week): Choose a mild chemical exfoliant (like AHAs) to gently slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin. Avoid harsh scrubs, which can exacerbate dryness.
• Serum: Look for a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. It draws moisture into your skin, making it look plump and dewy.
• Moisturize: Use a richer, nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration. Opt for a product with ceramides, which help strengthen the skin’s barrier.
• Sunscreen: Go for a hydrating sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Bonus points if it has added antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.

For Combination Skin:

If you’re dealing with both oily T-zone and dry cheeks, combination skin can be a little tricky to care for. But don’t worry—this routine works wonders:

• Cleanse: Use a gentle, balanced cleanser that won’t dry out your cheeks but also won’t add extra shine to your T-zone. Gel cleansers work best for this skin type.
• Exfoliate (2-3 times a week): Go for a mild exfoliant with AHA (lactic acid is a good choice) to gently exfoliate the skin without over-drying.
• Serum: A Vitamin C serum will help brighten and even out your skin tone. If you need extra moisture, layer on a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum.
• Moisturize: Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. A gel-based moisturizer works great for combination skin.
• Sunscreen: Choose a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30+ that will protect without feeling greasy on your skin.

For Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin needs extra TLC and gentle ingredients to avoid irritation. Here’s a routine to soothe and protect your skin:

• Cleanse: Go for a fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser that won’t irritate your skin. Look for one with calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe.
• Exfoliate (1-2 times a week): Stick to a very gentle exfoliant with natural enzymes or mild AHAs. Avoid anything too abrasive or harsh.
• Serum: Use a calming serum with ingredients like chamomile, rosehip oil, or aloe to reduce redness and irritation.
• Moisturize: Choose a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer that’s packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and shea butter.
• Sunscreen: Be sure to wear sunscreen every day! Choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

3. Get Your Glow on with a Face Mask

Let’s talk masks. I mean, who doesn’t love the feeling of a freshly applied face mask? It’s like giving your skin a mini vacation. And trust me, you deserve it. I try to mask 2-3 times a week to keep my skin happy.

• Hydrating Mask: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or honey. These will keep your skin plump and dewy.
• Brightening Mask: Try a mask with Vitamin C, turmeric, or licorice extract. They’ll work their magic, leaving your skin looking brighter than your future.
• Detox Mask: If your skin feels a little congested, go for a charcoal or clay mask. It’ll pull out the toxins and leave your face feeling fresh and clean.

4. Get Moving and Sweat It Out

Okay, let’s get real: exercise isn’t just for your body. It’s for your skin, too. When you get your heart pumping, blood flows to your skin, carrying all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and glowing. Plus, sweating out all those toxins is like hitting the reset button for your complexion.

• Try to work out at least 30 minutes a day—whether it’s yoga, a walk around the block, or dancing to your favorite song (no judgment).
• Pro tip: Make sure you wash your face right after your workout. Sweat plus makeup equals clogged pores, which we’re definitely not about.

5. Beauty Sleep Is Real (Seriously)

Sleep is a game-changer. It’s like your skin’s nightly reset button. When you get a full 7-9 hours of sleep, your skin works overtime to repair itself, leaving you with a fresh, glowing complexion by morning. Plus, let’s be real—who doesn’t want a good excuse to take a nappy-poo?

• Sleep on your back: This will help reduce those dreaded sleep lines and wrinkles. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
• Use a silk pillowcase: Trust me, this will reduce friction and help your skin stay smooth…plus, it’s great for your hair too, double whammy!

6. Clean Up Your Diet for a Natural Glow

You are what you eat, and so is your skin. If you’ve been eating McDonald’s (sorry) and wondering why your skin looks like it’s been through a war, it might be time for a diet overhaul. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you go full-on kale-monster, but a few healthy swaps can make a huge difference.

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. These will help protect your skin from environmental stressors and promote healthy, glowing skin.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, walnuts, and salmon are rich in omega-3s, which will keep your skin hydrated and plump.
• Cut back on sugar: Too much sugar can cause inflammation, breakouts, and dullness. So maybe skip the donut (or, you know, just have one, because balance).

7. Stay Consistent (and Have Patience!)

The key to glowing skin is consistency. If you stick to your routine and make the right lifestyle choices, you’ll start seeing results by the end of the week. And remember, glowing skin isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small, healthy choices every day.

• Track your progress: Take a “before” photo on Day 1 and compare it to Day 7. You’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come!
• Don’t stress: Stress is the skin’s worst enemy. So take a breather, relax, and enjoy the glow-up journey.

Final Thoughts: Achieve Glowing Skin in Just 7 Days

There you have it: my 7-day plan to glowing, radiant skin! It’s all about giving your skin the love, hydration, and care it deserves. With a little consistency and the right products, you’ll be flaunting that glow in no time. And if you’re still not convinced, just remember this: glowing skin is always in.

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Want more skin tips and tricks? Check out my other posts on skincare routines, natural remedies, and the best products for glowing skin. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates, giveaways, and promotions!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. However, please know that I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and personally use. Your trust is important to me, and I would never promote something I don’t love and stand behind.

last updated on: 1/11/25