Getting the Glow

The best ingredients and beauty products to keep you glowing all summer

When I think about my ideal summer aesthetic, it has less to do with fancy vacations (especially now, a few weeks postpartum!) and flowy summer outfits, and more to do with that lit-from-within glow. You’ve seen it before–it’s the glow of the girl who just hiked her favorite trail, the post-beach day sunkissed glow, the bright eyes and clear skin you get from drinking tons of water and eating well. What’s also important to me is that this glow doesn’t come from hours and hours of unprotected time in the sun. I’m not willing to risk all of the downsides of sun damage for a seasonal bronzed look, so instead I turn to natural ingredients in both food and skincare products to get the glow. 

Here are some of my go-to’s for that “I just came back from Italy where I ate the most delicious fresh food, walked miles and miles every day, spent time in the sun, and slept in every day” look. 

You can think of food as your first (and most powerful) skincare product. What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy, it directly influences how your skin regenerates, protects, and presents itself. And unlike topical products that treat the surface, these nutrients work from the inside out.

Vitamins C, E & K: Brightening & Strengthening

You’ve probably heard about vitamin C serums, but the real magic happens when you get these nutrients from the foods you eat. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production (which keeps skin firm), while vitamin E helps protect against environmental damage, and vitamin K supports healthy circulation, which can reduce the appearance of dark circles. 

Foods to try: bell peppers, citrus, leafy greens, sunflower seeds.

Beta-Carotene & Vitamin A: The Skin Renewal MVP

Beta-carotene is the natural pigment that gives carrots and sweet potatoes their bright orange hue, but it’s also a skin superhero. Your body converts it into vitamin A, which helps with cell turnover—sloughing off old, dull skin to reveal fresh, radiant skin underneath. It also acts as a gentle internal shield against sun damage. 

Foods to try: orange and deep green veggies.

Healthy Fats: Hydration from Within

Do you suffer from dry, flaky skin? You might need more fat in your diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. These healthy fats also help reduce inflammation, which can ease redness and sensitivity.

Foods to try: walnuts, salmon, flaxseed, and avocado.

Antioxidants: Your Skin’s Best Friend

Free radicals from stress, pollution, and UV exposure can dull your skin and accelerate aging. Antioxidants help neutralize that damage and help keep your skin looking vibrant and resilient.

Foods to try: berries, dark chocolate, green tea, tomatoes, and even herbs like rosemary and oregano.

Your skin is a smart, dynamic organ and the right ingredients can support it through every season. These are the ones I come back to again and again when I want that healthy, lit-from-within look (without the sun damage).

Vitamin C

This one’s a staple for a reason. It brightens the skin, reduces dark spots, and fights off free radical damage. A must for dull, tired skin in need of a pick-me-up.

Try: Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Serum

Antioxidants

Ingredients like vitamin E or green tea extract help fight off daily environmental stress (like UV radiation and pollution). Think of them as your skin’s built-in defense system.

Niacinamide

If your skin tone feels uneven or your pores are looking a little too prominent, niacinamide helps smooth things out. It also strengthens your skin barrier—great for those dealing with sensitivity or dryness.

Hyaluronic Acid

Think of this as your tall glass of water. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, helping it look plump, fresh, and dewy. Bonus: it works well with almost any other ingredient.

AHAs/BHAs

Exfoliation is key to getting that glow—but not all exfoliants are created equal. AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid) gently dissolve dead skin cells, helping your skincare absorb better and your complexion look smoother. A helpful way that a skincare expert explained this to me is that AHAs are water-soluble, so they are ideal for surface-level glow and smoothness, whereas BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they go deeper to treat what’s inside your pores. 

Try: CLEARSTEM Clearity Serum

Sunscreen

The best glow is one that doesn’t come with sun damage. Daily sunscreen or sun protection helps prevent dark spots, fine lines, and that leathery texture nobody wants. Plus, it helps preserve all the work your other products are doing. Experts and dermatologists recommend SPF 30+ for broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. 

Try: Tower28 Sunny Days Sunscreen

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that help reinforce your skin’s barrier, and are one of the key ingredient groups for defense against signs of aging. They’re like the grout between skin cells—keeping moisture in and environmental stressors out.

Try: Iris and Romeo Skin Cocoon Barrier Glow Serum

Azelaic Acid

This is an underrated but all-star ingredient. It calms redness, fades dark spots (especially post-breaking out), and helps even out skin tone–all without the irritation that stronger acids can bring. Great for those with sensitive, acne-prone or easily stressed-out skin who still want that real-world glow. 

Bonus Glow: This one’s technically makeup, but it deserves a mention: the Westman Atelier Lit Up highlight stick is like bottled radiance. I swipe it on my cheekbones and cupid’s bow for that fresh, I-just-had-a-great-vacation look. 

I’d love to know what your favorite glow-enhancing routines or products are. Drop some of your go-to’s in the comments!