11 Uncommon Glowing Skin Elements

By Hana Hong, Reader's Digest

They’re not top of mind when it comes to skin care, but these strange ingredients might promote younger looking skin.

Bacteria

You know probiotic supplements can benefit your digestion, so could topical probiotic-infused skincare products be beneficial for your skin? “Probiotics are commonly referred to as the ‘good bacteria’ because they help to diminish the bad bacteria in our body and reduce system-wide inflammation,” says Diane Elizabeth, beauty expert and founder of Skin Care Ox. “The lower our overall inflammation levels, the less acne, dry skin patches, irritated skin, and redness we will experience.” And of course, eating foods such as yogurt and fermented vegetables that contain natural probiotics can improve inflammation to the skin as well.

Bee venom

It turns out that bee venom can be quite amazing for your skin. “The venom has potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and amazing anti-wrinkle properties,” Elizabeth says. Here’s how it works: bee venom, aka “nature’s Botox,” relaxes the facial muscles while simultaneously sending a rush of blood to the skin’s surface. This surge stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, which in turn gives you visibly plumper, smoother, glowing skin. And don’t worry—you don’t have to sit around waiting to be stung. Look for products that use purified bee venom, like Manuka Honey’s ApiClear Purifying Facial Peel. Word of warning: Those who are allergic to bees, will want to steer clear.

Acorns

Acorns aren’t just for squirrels, according to Rochelle Maribojoc, aesthetician at Spa Pechanga. “Crushed acorns and walnuts mixed with coconut oil creates the perfect natural exfoliant for the hands and feet. The scrub increases circulation and leaves the rough areas of your skin (calluses, pads of the fingers, etc.) revitalized and refreshed.” This doesn’t mean you should head into the forest and eat them raw, though; acorns are very high in tannin, which gives them an incredibly bitter flavor. Here are 10 Foods to eat for healthy, glowing skin.

Sex

One secret to glowing, youthful skin is exercise—and that includes a romp in the sheets. According to Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York, exercise will increase the blood flow to the skin, giving you a noticeable glow. Moreover, when you have an orgasm, your body releases oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”. Oxytocin has been proven to reduce cortisol levels, which can in turn decrease inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.

Sweat

Sweat gets a bad rap for causing breakouts. In fact, it hydrates, cleanses, and protects your skin, while purging impurities. “Studies show that the act of sweating not only removes impurities from your skin, but can help protect it from bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus by secreting a rather nifty natural antibiotic called Dermcidin,” reports Into the Gloss. That said, if you leave sweat on your face too long, it will start to clog your pores. So, aim to wash your face 30 to 60 minutes after you finish a workout.

Red wine

Here’s some news that may have you raising your glass: Red wine is good for your skin—in moderation, of course. Richard A. Baxter, MD, a plastic surgeon in Seattle and the author of Age Gets Better with Wine tells WebMD: “A glass a day and your skin will glow. As anti-aging advice, this is as good as it gets.” Because red wine is brimming with resveratrol, it can protect against free radicals, which are a big contributor to fine lines and wrinkles. You just don’t want to overdo it. Wine is alcohol, and alcohol is one of the four notorious skin wreckers.

Urine

Believe it or not, there’s a good chance you’re already using a skincare product that contains urine, though it’s likely a synthetic form. Just grab your favorite moisturizer and check the ingredient list for “urea.” Urea is a rich emollient and keratolytic agent, which makes it good for soothing conditions associated with dry, scaly skin, according to Dermatology Online Journal.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin—the real thing—is good for more than just pies. According to Wellness Today, pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene. In addition, the niacin and folate found in pumpkins improves blood circulation, which in turn increases cell turnover and renewal. Adding pumpkin to your diet can promote glowing skin. Pumpkin may also offer benefits when applied topically, which is why you’ll see it an ingredient in peels, masks, and creams. Or you can have this easy steps to have glowing skin in summer.

Aspirin

Acetyl salicylic acid is the active ingredient in plain old aspirin, but you’ve probably seen salicylic acid (or sal acid, for short) touted in some skincare products. It “helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells on the skin’s surface,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, in New York City told Everyday Health, who also called it “extremely useful in treating acne.” To make a DIY aspirin mask, crush up five pills and stir in 1/4 cup of distilled water and make a paste. Apply it directly to your face and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Horsetail extract

Horsetail is known for it’s anti­inflammatory benefits that can improve acne and soothe irritation, but horsetail extract has other benefits as well. Like aloe, it’s a good balm for burns, wounds, and rashes. It also contains silica, a collagen precursor. “Horsetail plant extract aids in restoring youthful skin tone and vibrancy,” says Ling Chan, aesthetician and owner of Ling Skin Care.

Goat’s milk

This is one beauty secret that has been touted for centuries. “Many people know that Celopatra used to bathe in fresh goat’s milk, but it wasn’t until recently that we’ve discovered why,” says Bassam Zeina, MD, dermatologist. “It turns out that goat’s milk is full of caprylic and alpha-hydroxy acids, which sloughs off layers of dead skin in a similar way to modern skin peels that you’ll see at a spa.”

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