How To Glow Up at Any Age: 5 Easy Steps

No matter your age, a “glow up” is always within reach. Rejuvenated, radiant skin isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s something you can experience with the right approach and a little dedication. Whether you’re looking to refresh your appearance, boost your confidence, or simply enjoy healthier-looking skin, there are effective strategies that can help you get there. 

In this guide, we'll talk about proven ways to upgrade your skincare routine, including the transformative benefits of Light Therapy, so you can enjoy a luminous, refreshed look at any stage of life.

What’s a “Glow Up”?

A “glow up” is often described as the transformation from childhood or adolescence into a more polished, attractive version of yourself. While it’s sometimes used to talk about becoming prettier or more confident as you grow older, a true glow-up goes beyond just looks. It’s about embracing self-care, nurturing your confidence, and making choices that support your overall well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

When it comes to skin health and appearance, a glow-up means achieving skin that looks refreshed, luminous, and healthy. This transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping your skin look its best at any age and celebrating your unique features. Prioritizing a consistent skincare routine, making time for self-care, and choosing habits that support your skin’s natural radiance all play a role. A glow up also involves adopting a positive mindset, practicing gratitude, and surrounding yourself with uplifting influences.

Ultimately, a glow-up is about feeling good in your own skin and letting that confidence shine through. It’s a journey that’s personal to you, and every step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to your most vibrant self. Here are the main steps to help you get your glow on!

How to Glow Up - 5 Steps You Can Start Right Now

Step 1: Build a Consistent Skincare Routine

It sounds like it should be the first thing you do, but are you doing it right? A consistent, thorough skincare routine is the foundation for glowing skin, and you won't be able to achieve glowing skin without it!

Start With Daily Cleansing Cleansing your skin every morning and evening is essential for removing dirt, oil, sweat, sunscreen, and impurities that accumulate throughout the day and night. Use a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type: creamy or hydrating cleansers for dry skin, gel or foaming cleansers for oily or combination skin, and fragrance-free, non-irritating formulas for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh soaps or over-cleansing, as these can strip your skin’s natural moisture barrier and lead to dryness or irritation.

Moisturize for Hydration and Protection Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated, supple, and resilient. Apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture. For dry skin, choose rich creams with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalane. If your skin is oily or prone to pimples, opt for lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturizers that won’t clog pores. Sensitive skin benefits from simple, fragrance-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe or oat extract.

Never Skip Sun Protection Daily sun protection is non-negotiable for maintaining healthy-looking skin and preventing visible signs of skin aging. UV exposure can lead to uneven skin tone, dark spots, and premature fine lines. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors near windows. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside, sweating, or swimming. Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Customize With Targeted Treatments After cleansing and before moisturizing, consider adding a serum or treatment product tailored to your skin’s needs. Vitamin C serums can help brighten the appearance of your skin and reduce the look of hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide supports a more even skin tone and helps control oil. Hyaluronic acid serums provide a boost of hydration for all skin types.

Exfoliate for a Brighter, Fresher Look Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion appear dull and prevent your skincare products from absorbing effectively. Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or a mild physical scrub. Start with exfoliating once a week and gradually increase to two or three times per week if your skin tolerates it well. Always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen, as exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to the sun.

Listen to Your Skin Your skin’s needs can change with the seasons, your environment, and your lifestyle. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust your routine as needed. If you experience irritation, redness, or breakouts, simplify your regimen and reintroduce products one at a time.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Skincare With Targeted Treatments

Elevate your routine by adding targeted treatments that address your unique skin concerns. Serums and masks are concentrated formulas designed to deliver active ingredients where your skin needs them most, making them especially effective for visible improvements. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten dark circles, or even out your skin tone, these treatments can make a noticeable difference when used consistently.

Look for serums with vitamin C to help your skin appear more luminous and visibly illuminated. Vitamin C is known for supporting a brighter-looking complexion and reducing the look of hyperpigmentation and sun spots. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator that helps your skin look plump and glowy by attracting and retaining moisture, making it ideal for all skin types. Niacinamide is another standout ingredient—it helps improve the look of uneven skin tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, and supports a smoother, more radiant appearance.

Incorporating masks into your weekly routine gives your skin an extra boost. Choose formulas that target your specific needs, whether you want to depuff, deeply hydrate, or add a glass skin glow. For best results, apply masks after cleansing and before your serum or moisturizer, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate and support your skin’s natural radiance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different treatments to find the perfect combination that helps your skin look its healthiest and most luminous.

Step 3: Embrace Red Light Therapy for Visible Skin Rejuvenation

Red Light Therapy is a transformative, science-backed technology that can help you achieve visibly rejuvenated, healthier-looking skin at any age. This innovative approach uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to reach deeper layers of your skin, supporting its natural renewal processes and helping you reveal a more luminous, refreshed appearance.

Unlike UV rays, which can damage skin, these wavelengths are safe and non-invasive. When absorbed by your skin, the light energy is converted into cellular energy, which supports your skin’s natural ability to renew and restore itself. This process helps your skin look firmer, smoother, and more radiant over time.

Red Light Therapy offers a range of visible benefits for your skin’s appearance:

• Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines: By supporting healthy collagen production, Red Light Therapy helps skin look firmer and more youthful, reducing the look of fine lines.

• Smooths the Look of Wrinkles: Consistent use can help soften the appearance of wrinkles, giving your skin a smoother, more even-looking texture.

• Brightens the Appearance of Dark Circles: Red Light Therapy can help refresh the look of tired under-eyes, making dark circles less noticeable and your skin more luminous.

• Visibly Rejuvenates and Depuffs Skin: This technology helps reduce the look of puffiness and supports a refreshed, glowy complexion.

• Improves the Look of Skin Tone and Texture: Over time, Red Light Therapy can help your skin appear more even and luminous.

How To Use Red Light Therapy at Home

Incorporating Red Light Therapy into your skincare routine can be simple and convenient with the right devices. Here's how to incorporate ours:

1. Start With Clean, Dry Skin: For best results, cleanse your skin thoroughly before each session to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.

2. Follow Device Instructions: Each device has its own recommended usage time and frequency, but most suggest using Red Light Therapy at least three times per week. Some users see visible changes in as little as four weeks, with more significant improvements around the eight-week mark.

3. Be Consistent: Like any skincare routine, consistency is key. Regular use helps support your skin’s natural renewal cycle and maximizes visible benefits.

4. Pair With Targeted Topicals: For even greater results, use serums or creams formulated with LightBoost™ technology. These formulas are designed to enhance the effects of any Red Light Therapy device by supporting hydration and radiance, helping your skin look even more luminous and refreshed.

5. Patch Test If Sensitive: If you have sensitive skin, consider doing a patch test before your first full session to ensure comfort.

Red Light Therapy is non-invasive, pain-free, and requires no downtime. Devices are lab-tested and dermatologist-approved, making them a safe addition to your at-home skincare regimen.

Recommended Red Light Therapy Devices

Choosing the right device can help you target your specific skin goals. Here are a few top options:

Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask Kit This full-face mask delivers Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly brighten dark circles, and rejuvenate your skin’s overall look. The mask is designed for comfortable, hands-free use, making it easy to fit into your daily routine at just 10 minutes per session.

Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Kit Extend the benefits of Red Light Therapy beyond your face with this specialized kit for the neck and chest. It helps visibly smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate these delicate areas, supporting a more youthful, luminous look from the décolletage up.

What To Expect

With regular use, Red Light Therapy can help you achieve a visibly brighter, more refreshed complexion. Most users notice subtle improvements within a few weeks, with more dramatic results appearing after consistent use over several months.

Step 4: Try Blue Light Therapy to Combat the Look of Acne

Blue Light Therapy is a powerful, non-invasive solution for addressing the appearance of acne and supporting clearer, healthier-looking skin. This technology uses a specific wavelength of blue light (typically around 415nm) to target and destroy acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. By eliminating these bacteria, Blue Light Therapy helps reduce the frequency and severity of pimples and can also help deter future breakouts by minimizing sebum (oil) production.

If you struggle with mild to moderate acne, persistent pimples, or frequent inflammation, Blue Light Therapy can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. It’s especially helpful for those who want a gentle, pain-free alternative to harsh topical treatments or medications. Blue Light Therapy is suitable for most healthy adults, but it’s always important to review the device’s guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific medical concerns or sensitivities.

We recommend the Bye Acne Pro Kit for anyone looking to combine the power of Blue and Red Light Therapy to visibly rejuvenate their skin. This FDA-cleared, award-winning tool combines Blue and Red Light Therapies for a comprehensive approach to acne care. In just three minutes per spot, the Bye Acne device targets active pimples and inflammation, helping to visibly reduce redness and support a clearer complexion. After using the device, you can apply the included serum-infused Microdart Patches, which are formulated with ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, and gotu kola to calm and soothe skin while absorbing impurities.

The Bye Acne Pro Kit is portable, rechargeable, and easy to use—making it ideal for both at-home routines and on-the-go touch-ups. Simply cleanse your skin, place the device over the affected area, and let the automatic timer guide your treatment. Consistent daily use can accelerate the healing process and help you maintain a visibly clearer, more balanced complexion.

Step 5: Support Skin From the Inside Out

Achieving glowing, radiant skin isn’t just about what you put on your face—it’s also about how you nourish your body and tackle wellness from within.

Hydration is essential for maintaining your skin’s plumpness and luminosity. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, and consider increasing your intake if you’re active or live in a dry climate. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery can also help you stay hydrated. When your body is well-hydrated, your skin is better able to retain moisture, which supports a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

A nutrient-rich diet is another key to supporting your skin’s natural radiance. Focus on whole foods packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods rich in vitamin C—such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli—help your skin look brighter and more even in tone. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, support a supple, hydrated complexion and help reduce the look of inflammation. Leafy greens and colorful vegetables provide antioxidants that help your skin look fresh and luminous. Try to include a variety of colors on your plate to ensure you’re getting a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Supplements can also play a role if you have gaps in your diet. Collagen peptides, for example, may support your skin’s structure and help it appear firmer and smoother. Vitamin E and zinc are other nutrients that can help your skin look healthy and resilient. If you’re considering supplements, consult with a healthcare professional to determine what’s best for your needs and to ensure you’re taking safe, effective doses.

Step 6: Prioritize Rest and Stress Management

Restful sleep and effective stress management are essential for luminous-looking skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin can appear dull, tired, and more prone to visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark circles. Chronic stress can also impact your skin’s appearance, often leading to increased redness, puffiness, and uneven tone.

To support your skin, aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a calming evening routine—such as reading, gentle stretching, or practicing mindfulness meditation—to help your body and mind unwind. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to regulate your sleep cycle. Limiting screen time before bed, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet can also improve your sleep quality.

Managing stress is just as important. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or journaling to help your mind reset. Spending time outdoors, connecting with friends, or engaging in creative hobbies can also help lower stress levels. Regular physical activity, even a daily walk or gentle yoga, supports your overall well-being and helps your skin look healthy and vibrant.

Conclusion

Achieving your glow-up is possible at any age. With consistent care, mindful routines, and the right tools—like Light Therapy—you can support radiant, healthier-looking skin that reflects your unique beauty. Your glow-up journey is yours to define, and every step you take brings you closer to the vibrant, confident skin you deserve.

Sources:

1. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics - PMC 

2. The Role of Nutrition in Skin Health 

3. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review 

4. Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance - PMC