The art of glowing up

While external beauty aids and cosmetics can slough off dead skin and freshen up your looks, what women are looking for is complete rejuvenation. What's happening within you is the real barometer of your skin's health.

Among the major internal factors that can play havoc with a woman's skin tone and texture are stress, poor or wrong diet, lack of exercise, hormonal imbalances and pregnancy. We spoke to a dietician and a gynaecologist to zero in on the commonest internal triggers and get instant tips to tackle them head on.

According to Lovely Ranganath, dietician at the Welcare hospital, both emotional and mental stress devastate one's skin.

"Full-blown breakouts, spotty blemishes, oil slicks, dry patches and enlarged pores are some of maladies that instantly affect our facial skin. Stress often manifests itself with sleeplessness, which result in dark circles and bags under the eyes from lack of sleep," says Lovely.