A glow up isn't just about skincare — it's about feeling confident in your own skin. Here's a holistic guide to looking and feeling your best as a teen.
Let's be real: a "glow up" isn't just about buying new products or following a skincare routine. A true glow up is about taking care of yourself inside and out — building habits that make you feel confident, healthy, and genuinely good in your own skin.
This guide covers everything from skincare to nutrition to mindset, because looking your best always starts with feeling your best.
Part 1: Skin That Glows
Clear, healthy skin is the foundation of any glow up. The good news? You don't need an expensive routine to get there.
Build Your Basic Routine
Every morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Lightweight moisturiser
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
Every evening:
- Gentle cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup)
- Treatment if needed (niacinamide, salicylic acid)
- Moisturiser
The key: Consistency. Doing a simple routine every single day beats an elaborate routine done sometimes. Give your skin 6-8 weeks to show results from any new product.
Quick Skin Tips
- Drink water. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day. Hydrated skin genuinely looks better — plumper, more even-toned, and healthier.
- Sleep 8-9 hours. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation shows on your face as dullness, dark circles, and breakouts.
- Don't touch your face. Your hands carry bacteria that cause breakouts. This one habit change can reduce blemishes significantly.
- Clean your pillowcase. Change it every 3-4 days (or flip it over halfway through the week). Pillowcases collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
- Wear SPF daily. This is the single best anti-ageing and skin-brightening habit you can develop now.
Part 2: Hair That Shines
Healthy hair is a huge part of the glow up equation.
Hair Basics
- Don't wash daily. Most hair types do best with washing 2-3 times per week. Daily washing strips natural oils that keep hair shiny and healthy.
- Use conditioner properly. Apply from mid-length to ends, not the scalp. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
- Reduce heat damage. If you use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray first. Try to limit heat styling to 1-2 times per week.
- Brush gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush on wet hair, starting from the ends and working up. Never yank through tangles.
Simple Hair Upgrades
- Find your natural hair texture and learn to work with it, not against it
- Get regular trims every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends
- Try a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage overnight
- Deep condition once a week with a hair mask (even a DIY coconut oil mask works)
Part 3: Nutrition That Shows
What you eat directly affects how you look. You don't need a perfect diet — just some basic upgrades.
Foods That Help Your Skin
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds) — Reduce inflammation and keep skin supple
- Vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, bell peppers) — Essential for collagen production and brightening
- Zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews) — Helps heal acne and reduce inflammation
- Vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado) — Protects skin cells from damage
- Water — The most underrated skin "supplement." Proper hydration makes everything work better.
Foods That Can Trigger Breakouts
This varies from person to person, but common triggers include:
- High-glycaemic foods (white bread, sugary snacks, processed foods) — can spike insulin and increase oil production
- Dairy (especially skim milk) — linked to acne in some studies
- Very greasy or fried foods — not because the grease goes to your face, but because of inflammatory effects
Important note: You don't need to cut anything out completely. Moderation is key. If you notice breakouts after eating certain foods consistently, try reducing them and see if your skin improves.
Part 4: The Confidence Glow
This is the part people don't talk about enough. The most attractive thing about someone who's "glowed up" isn't usually their skin or hair — it's their confidence.
Building Real Confidence
Stop comparing yourself to others. Social media shows highlight reels, not real life. Filters make everyone look like they have poreless skin and perfect features. Real people don't look like that — and they don't need to.
Develop your interests. Confidence comes from having things you're passionate about and good at. Whether it's art, sport, music, writing, coding, cooking, or anything else — investing time in your interests makes you more interesting and more confident.
Take care of your body. Exercise isn't about changing how you look — it's about how it makes you feel. Regular movement (even just walking) releases endorphins, reduces stress, improves sleep, and gives you more energy.
Practice good posture. Standing tall with your shoulders back instantly changes how you look and feel. It's one of the quickest confidence hacks that actually works.
Be kind to yourself. Your inner voice matters more than any skincare product. If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, don't say it to yourself.
Part 5: Self-Care Habits
Self-care isn't just face masks and bubble baths (though those are nice). Real self-care is about building habits that support your overall wellbeing.
Daily Self-Care
- Morning routine you enjoy — Even 10 minutes of intentional morning time (skincare, breakfast, music) sets the tone for your day
- Move your body — 30 minutes of any movement you enjoy
- Hydrate — Carry a water bottle everywhere
- Sleep enough — 8-9 hours for teens. Non-negotiable for a glow up.
Weekly Self-Care
- Face mask or hair mask — A 15-minute weekly pampering session
- Digital detox — Even a few hours away from screens refreshes your mind
- Journal or reflect — Writing down three things you're grateful for shifts your mindset
- Connect with friends — Real connections, not just likes and comments
Monthly Self-Care
- Evaluate your routine — What's working? What's not? Adjust.
- Try something new — A new hairstyle, a hobby, a recipe. Growth keeps you energised.
- Declutter — Your space, your socials, your schedule. Clear space = clear mind.
The Glow Up Timeline
Real glow ups don't happen overnight. Here's a realistic timeline:
- Week 1-2: You start the habits. Nothing visible yet, but you're building the foundation.
- Week 3-4: You start feeling better — more energy, better sleep, slightly clearer skin.
- Week 6-8: Visible skin improvement. Healthier hair. Friends start noticing.
- Month 3-6: The full glow up. Your routines are autopilot, your confidence is growing, and you genuinely feel good.
The Bottom Line
A real glow up isn't about looking like someone else — it's about becoming the best version of yourself. Take care of your skin, eat well, sleep enough, move your body, and invest in the things that make you you. The glow always follows.
Kickstart Your Glow Up
Every glow up starts with taking care of your skin. Clarity Skin makes it easy with products designed for real teenage lives — quick routines, gentle ingredients, and visible results you'll actually feel confident about. Shop our skincare collection and take the first step towards your best skin yet.
