The science behind real glowing skin: how to shine without shimmer

What does “glow” really mean in skincare?

Everyone talks about “glow,” but few explain what it actually means. In dermatology, a true glow is the visible sign of a healthy skin barrier, the outer layer that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. When that layer is hydrated and intact, skin looks smoother, feels softer, and reflects light more evenly. When it’s dry or inflamed, light scatters instead, making skin appear dull or rough.

Your skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, functions as both a protective shield and a moisture regulator. Research has demonstrated that when this barrier is compromised, transepidermal water loss increases, leading to visible dullness and rough texture.[1] Conversely, when the barrier is functioning optimally, its organized structure of corneocytes (dead skin cells) and lipids creates a smooth surface that reflects light evenly, producing what we perceive as radiance or “glow.”

At Curology, our dermatology providers recommend keeping your routine simple so that you can stay consistent. Wash gently and moisturize consistently, using fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

• Moisturizers with ceramides can improve your skin’s barrier and restore hydration.

• Glycerin draws water into your skin and helps repair the barrier.[2] Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water to deeply hydrate and visibly plump the skin. It’s been said that it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at keeping skin hydrated and looking supple.

Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Curology, explains:

"Deep hydration not only improves how skin feels but also enhances light reflection, giving that fresh, radiant look."

Why Renewal Matters Too 

Hydration gives your skin its visible plumpness, but cell renewal is what keeps it looking bright. As we age (or when the weather turns dry), skin cells shed more slowly, leaving a thin layer of buildup that dulls the surface.

That's where topical retinoids come in. These vitamin A-based ingredients help speed things back up. Tretinoin is one of the most studied and effective options for improving skin texture and tone, boosting cell turnover and collagen production over time.[3] Tretinoin can visibly improve fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and rough texture.[4]

Research also shows that topical tretinoin can help your skin build new collagen, while protecting the collagen you already have.[5] That double benefit—faster renewal on the surface and stronger structure underneath—creates real, lasting results.

According to Dr. Tolpinrud, "Healthy glow isn't about shine; it's about function. When your skin renews itself efficiently, you see smoother texture and more even tone."

Habits That Help Your Skin Glow Naturally

Glow isn't only about what you apply; it's also how you live. Stress, sleep, and sun exposure all affect your skin’s radiance. Stress releases certain hormones, which can increase inflammation and oil production. This can cause dullness, trigger breakouts, worsen inflammatory conditions, and disrupt your skin barrier.[6][7] Basically, when you're stressed, your skin shows it. Sleep is when your skin repairs itself. Studies show that poor sleep quality is linked to increased signs of aging and a weaker skin barrier.[8] When you're sleep-deprived, your skin has a harder time recovering from daily damage and stress.[9] Sun protection preserves glow by helping prevent collagen breakdown and uneven pigmentation. Even in winter, dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. UV rays are responsible for a significant portion of visible facial aging [10], and daily sunscreen use has been shown to significantly slow the skin’s aging over time.[11]

In short, glow is balance: hydrated skin, steady renewal, and a calm barrier all working together. It's the long game, not a one-day result.

How Curology Leans on Science to Help Your Glow Last

At Curology, our dermatology providers are ready to help you tackle your skin goals and achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin. Our products are dermatologist-designed, non-comedogenic, and often contain barrier-supporting ingredients. When you’re ready for next-level care, personalized prescription formulas can target texture, clogged pores, dark spots, and acne with multiple clinically proven active ingredients—for the kind of glow you can’t wash off.

Because real radiance isn’t complex. It’s the result of consistency, thoughtful care, and evidence-based science.

References

[1] Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728698/ 

[2] Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(1):23-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/ 

[3] Baldwin, H. E., Nighland, M., Kendall, C., Mays, D. A., Grossman, R., & Newburger, J. (2013). 40 years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 12(6), 638–642. https://jddonline.com/articles/40-years-of-topical-tretinoin-use-in-review-S1545961613P0638X/

[4] Olsen, E. A., Katz, H. I., Levine, N., Shupack, J., Billys, M. M., Prawer, S., Gold, J., Stiller, M., Lufrano, L., & Thorne, E. G. (1992). Tretinoin emollient cream: A new therapy for photodamaged skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 26(2 Pt 1), 215–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/0190-9622(92)70030-j

[5] ​​Baldwin, H. E., Nighland, M., Kendall, C., Mays, D. A., Grossman, R., & Newburger, J. (2013). 40 years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 12(6), 638–642. https://jddonline.com/articles/40-years-of-topical-tretinoin-use-in-review-S1545961613P0638X/

[6] American Academy of Dermatology. (2022, July 21). Feeling stressed? It can show in your skin, hair, and nails. https://www.aad.org/news/stress-shows-in-skin-hair-nails

[7] Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-190. doi:10.2174/1871528113666140522104422 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4082169/ 

[8] Oyetakin-White P, Suggs A, Koo B, et al. Does poor sleep quality affect skin ageing? Clin Exp Dermatol. 2015;40(1):17-22. doi:10.1111/ced.12455 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/ 

[9] Kahan V, Andersen ML, Tomimori J, Tufik S. Can poor sleep affect skin integrity? Med Hypotheses. 2010;75(6):535-537. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2010.07.018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20678867/ 

[10] Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:221-232. doi:10.2147/CCID.S44686  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24101874/ 

[11] Hughes MC, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(11):781-790. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Bradley, PA-C