The Glowiest Skin of My Life: 5 Things I’m Doing at 36 to Glow From the Inside Out
I can honestly say that right now, at age 36, I’m experiencing the healthiest, happiest, most radiant skin of my life.
It wasn’t always this way.
In the past, I struggled with dry, flaky, irritated skin — often a result of overusing harsh products in an effort to achieve that elusive “perfect” complexion. I was trying to treat my skin from the outside in, hoping the right serum or scrub would fix it all. But what I’ve learned is that beautiful skin is a byproduct of balance. It’s about what we put into our bodies, not just what we slather on them.
Glowing skin, for me, is a reflection of a lifestyle that honors nervous system regulation, daily movement, hydration, and mindfulness. Here are the top five things I’ve shifted in my routine that have completely changed the game for my skin:
1. I Quit Drinking (and It Shows)
Let’s start with the biggest shift: I quit drinking alcohol. And I’m not going to sugarcoat it — this made a huge difference in my skin.
Before I stopped, I could see the toll it was taking — dullness, dryness, and that tired, worn-out look that no amount of makeup could fix. Alcohol affected my sleep (hello, under-eye bags) and increased inflammation in my body. Now that I’m sober and more mindful, my sleep is deeper, my eyes are brighter, and my skin looks so much more alive.
2. Daily Red Light Therapy
This is definitely one that you have to commit to consistency to see results. So, every single day, I spend a few minutes under red light therapy — and I swear by it.
The results? Smoother skin, improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a noticeable boost in firmness. The red light promotes collagen production and skin elasticity, and I’ve especially noticed my fine lines looking more dynamic instead of static (meaning they move with my face instead of living there permanently).
The red-light I use is a Hooga full body panel. Beyond skin improvement, benefits include enhanced muscle recovery, decreased inflammation & faster wound healing.
3. Hydration Like It’s My Job
There is no glow without water. Period.
I aim for 60–80 ounces of pure water a day. Hydration helps my liver flush out toxins efficiently so my skin doesn’t have to do the dirty work. I also keep caffeine to a minimum — one cup of coffee in the morning, maybe a little extra if I need it, but that’s it. The more hydrated I am, the more plump, supple, and balanced my skin feels.
I love this Owala water bottle The built in straw is so convenient & does not cause smoker lips!
4. Moving My Body + Prioritizing Sleep
Consistent workouts are non-negotiable for me — not just for my mind and body, but for my skin.
Sweating helps detox the body, and movement increases circulation, which brings fresh nutrients to the surface of the skin. Plus, when I move my body, I sleep better — and nothing supports radiant skin like deep, restorative rest. When I sleep well, I look well. It’s that simple.
5. I Simplified My Skincare Routine
In my 20s, I was somewhat of a product junkie. I’d try anything that promised glowy skin — and most of it left me irritated, peeling, and even more confused than before.
Now, I understand my skin is delicate and doesn’t like to be messed with. Less is more. When I find products that work, I stick with them. Here’s what I use consistently:
Cellbone Sensitive C Serum – My skin drinks this up. It’s been a longtime favorite.
EltaMD Sunscreen – Every single day. Rain or shine. My ritual, no exceptions.
Cleansing + Night Routine – I cleanse only at night (not in the morning). My friend recently introduced me to Rebel Tox serum by @kathryn_romine, which I have been using at night and loving. Sometimes I’ll seal everything in with a little castor oil to lock in moisture.
My skin care line up is simple. For me, less is more.
Letting my skin breathe, protecting its barrier, and skipping the morning cleanse has made a noticeable difference in reducing dryness and irritation.
I have been using Elta sunscreen on my face for years now. I love it because it goes on so smooth, not greasy, and absorbs beautifully into my skin. Great coverage, too.
Final Thoughts
These shifts didn’t give me glowing skin overnight. It’s not a quick fix — it’s consistency. It’s balance. It’s tuning in to what my body needs and nourishing it accordingly.
Glowing skin isn’t about perfection — it’s about alignment.
✨ Now I’d love to hear from you — what’s your secret to healthy, radiant skin?