Wellness Hacks to Leave You Glowing Inside + Out

For the sake of your health, skin, and overall wellbeing, carve some time out for self-care. Self-care should be part of your daily lifestyle -- not a luxury indulged in every now and then. 

All you need are a few spare minutes every day. Scroll down to hear some of our top beauty and wellness hacks to leave you glowing inside and out.

#1: Breathe

Breathing exercises are easy to access and available wherever you go. Best of all, the simple act of diaphragmatic breathing, or deep breathing, supplies a range of important health benefits.

According to the Mayo Clinic, breathing exercises can help relax muscle tension, promote a relaxation response, and may improve your overall health -- both mental and physical.

Take yourself somewhere calm and quiet where you can relax, and begin breathing from your diaphragm. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Repeat several times, and continue repeating until you feel yourself unwind.

Breathing exercises are great for those who struggle with anxiety, as it can immediately calm you down and bring you to the present moment.

The convenient thing about breathing exercises is that you can do them anywhere, anytime. At home, on the tube, at work, or even while walking. 

#2: Apply a Face Mask

Besides helping you chill out, face masks can work wonders for your complexion.

With minimal time and effort, Rainbow's Face and Body Glow Mask gives you maximum results. Use it once or twice a week for healthy, plumped, glowing skin. 

Simply swipe it on your face, neck, and shoulders (and wherever else you're looking for glow!), leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. 

The secret: high levels of glycolic acid and bakuchiol to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter, fresher, glowing skin underneath. Make this formula part of your skincare routine whenever you need a top up of glow.

#3: Take a Cold Shower

Cold showers may not feel that great -- at first. However, research shows that a lot of good can come from hopping in a cold shower.

According to a study, exposing your body to cold enables you to produce more white blood cells (the ones responsible for fighting off infections), helping to boost the immune system.

In terms of its beauty benefits, dermatologists say cold showers are good for tightening your pores, making your hair shinier, and relieving dry skin. 

"Cold or cool showers do not dry out your skin as hot water showers do," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist and professor at Mt. Sinai. She adds that, "Hot baths can cause inflammation, redness and itching," while cold water decreases inflammation and can alleviate itching.

What's more, a cold shower is a great way to wake up in the morning and make you feel instantly more alert. It really can leave you glowing inside out!

#4: Brighten Your Skin

A quick fix for head to toe glow? Try using a vitamin C serum. 

"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights fine lines by stimulating collagen, brightens your complexion by blocking excess pigment creation, and protects your skin from damaging free radical and other environmental stressors," explains Dr. Michelle Henry, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

For some serious glow, try Rainbow's Smooth Serum. It's formulated with vitamin C and vegan collagen to deliver bouncy, fresh, fine line-free skin. Wear it beneath your sunscreen for added protection from UV rays and pollution.

#5: Load Up on Healthy Foods

It might sound like a myth, but eating a more balanced, nutrient-rich diet can drastically improve the appearance of your skin and of course, elevate your health.

If you're experiencing chronically dry skin, try upping your intake of healthy fats (or essential fatty acids) like nuts, seeds, and olive oil to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Cut down on the junk food too! 

You may want to consider taking supplements if you can't get the nutrients you need from food. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist for their recommendations. 

#6: Follow a Structured Skincare Regimen

Having a daily skincare routine filled with nourishing, hydrating skincare products can work wonders for your skin and mind. That's because it gives your life structure, as well as an excuse to wind down each night.

Start by using a gentle cleanser to wash away the day's dirt, oil, and makeup, followed by a serum, and lotion designated for your skin type. Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliator to slough away dead skin cells, decongest pores, and prevent breakouts and blemishes. If you're struggling with acne, remember to use a topical treatment once or twice a day.

If you follow a skincare routine in the morning, be sure to finish your regimen with a generous layer of SPF.

Besides enjoying clear, healthy skin, following a daily skincare routine can help you feel more relaxed and more in control. 

#7: Get Some Zzz's

There's a reason it's called beauty sleep -- it's because your skin and hair rejuvenate overnight. Without adequate sleep, your skin health, mental health, and physical health all pay a price. From a dull skin tone to mental fogginess to a weaker immune system, lack of sleep reflects in every part of your wellbeing.

Take some time to get an early night, and head for a little nap in the day if you feel like it. Struggle to fall asleep? Try and limit screen time before bed, make yourself a hot drink, and drop a little lavender oil on your pillow so you can unwind, relax, and fall asleep.

The better your sleep, the better your skin and health!

Try one or more of these wellness hacks to level up your glow, elevate your mood, and improve your overall health. 

In addition to the above, remember to increase your water intake which is said to clear skin, mind, and boost energy levels. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day. Drinking water might seem like an obvious one, but you'd be surprised how many people aren't getting enough h20!