Simple Steps to Clear, Glowing Skin

Those awkward young adult years may be behind you, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear when it comes to your skin. “Our chosen lifestyle and diet can have many direct impacts on the skin, well into your 30s,” says Lauren Talbot, certified clinical nutritionist and founder of Glow Detox Diet.

The most common skin concerns for women in their 20s and 30s include adult onset acne, skin cancers, melisma (patchy, brown discoloration of the skin), inflammation, and premature aging and wrinkles, according to Talbot and Dr. Tanya Kormeili, board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at UCLA. What’s more, “ethnic skin, including Hispanic skin, is harder because of a higher rate of discoloration and the difficulty in treating it,” says Dr. Kormeili.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to mend your skin woes; following a healthy dieta and proper skin care regimen are two easy ways to achieve the glowing skin of your dreams. Here are tips for clear skin, even tone and a natural glow.

Secret Comidas

It’s not just what you put on your skin that affects its health, but what you put in your body. “The skin is the body’s largest organ, and serves as the backup organ for the liver and kidneys sending impurities through the pores when they are inundated with waste they cannot quickly and efficiently neutralize,” says Talbot. Real — not processed — foods like frutas and vegetables are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and skin. Plus, many contain antioxidants that fight free radical formation and help to keep skin youthful. Incorporating these foods into your daily diet will put you on the path to clearer skin:

•  Berries: Filled with antioxidants, berries such as blueberries protect your skin from premature aging, says Dr. Kormeili.
• Greens: Broccoli, spinach and kale are full of minerals and B vitamins, which may help even skin tone, fight acne and rid your body of impurities.
• Fresh lemon juice: Lemons and lemon juice help promote a healthy blood pH, which is important for healthy skin, says Talbot.
• Seafood: Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and helps your skin retain moisture — crucial for skin health. Omega-3s additionally protect the skin from UV rays and reduce inflammation, while vitamin D both protects and rejuvenates skin.

Clear Skin Protocol

In addition to a healthy diet and consumption of skin-friendly foods, a proper skin care regimen will help your piel glow.

• Sun protection: Essential in preventing premature aging and hyperpigmentation, which especially affects ethnic skin. Choose a good SPF and wear all year, even when it’s overcast.
• Gentle care: Harsh products may have reverse effects, particularly on Latin skin. Instead of overnight miracle solutions and instant results, look for more natural products that focus on gentle care and cleansing, and long-term results.
• Moisture: Lack of moisture in the body can result in dryer skin, and production of oils to overcompensate. Consume plenty of liquids and foods high in water content (fruits and veggies), and always apply a moisturizer to skin.