5 Super Foods You Should Eat to Achieve Younger-Looking Skin

As we age, our skin starts to lose its natural glow and elasticity. Naturally, in this case, our first thought is that we should invest in expensive cosmetic aids to increase and maintain the firmness of facial skin, while also boosting its radiance. Here’s the advice that I give you as a skin care specialist: before focusing on finding the treatment that will keep your aging skin in excellent condition, start by adjusting your diet. After all, you are what you eat, and your incorrect dietary choices will inevitably be reflected by your skin, by becoming a part of your body’s outer fabric. How can you make smarter nutritional decisions? You could try to include the super healthy (and tasty) ingredients listed below in your daily diet, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep on a day-to-day basis. All these changes will help you look and feel like a completely different person in only a few weeks.

1. Dairy Products (Low-Fat Ones)
   Low-fat dairy products represent excellent sources of vitamin A, a potent compound that contributes to skin health. If you have a thyroid problem or diabetes, it is even more important to consume vitamin A-rich low-fat dairy foods, because your body may not be able to transform beta carotene extracted from different other products (such as carrots) into vitamin A.
2. Fruits with a High Antioxidant Content
   Aside from foods packed with vitamin A that stimulate your digestive system, guaranteeing a healthier-looking skin, you should also try to eat a mix of four fruits that are extremely beneficial for your complexion, due to their high concentration of antioxidants. Plums, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are the healthy and tasty snacks that will help you prevent free radical damage and get closer to your beauty goal: a sculptural, youthful skin.
3. Foods Containing a Large Amount of Essential Fatty Acids
   Try to include more than a few servings of salmon, walnuts, flax seeds and canola oil in your diet. All these super foods contain a high dosage of fatty acids, which do wonders for your cell membranes. Healthier cell membranes ensure a higher protection against several harmful elements that could try to disrupt your system, and also tend to do a better job as pathways for nutrient transportation.
4. Foods Rich in Selenium
   If you feel the need to add a few more tasty ingredients to your daily diet to boost skin health and radiance, opt for brazil nuts, turkey, tuna, cereals and muffins. You may be wondering: what do these options actually have in common? They all contain an ideal dosage of selenium, the element that limits the level of oxidative damage undergone by our skin. According to recent research, oral doses of selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E and copper could succeed in preventing the formation of sunburn cells.
5. Oils
   Want to find a quick way to upgrade your salad without adding a calorie-rich dressing? Add a few drops of oil (preferably no more than 2 tsp per day). Oils are exceptional sources of essential fatty acids and keep your skin properly lubricated and healthier-looking. It is advisable to buy and use expeller processed, cold processed and extra virgin options, which work best for your skin.

Whether you’re having a hard time trying to make wiser dietary decisions or want to find the most adequate cosmetic products that are compatible with the unique needs of your complexion, I am here to help you do what’s best for your skin. Schedule your first appointment with me and let’s find out what your skin is actually craving for.

If the old saying is true and “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” then the ageless beauty you seek in your 40s should begin in your 30s. While you’re scanning the pages of your favorite beauty magazines or checking out blog posts you’ve probably seen headlines for anti-aging and beauty tips for women over 40, but these articles have great information for women in their 30s too.

The 5 best “over 40” beauty tips

There are plenty of things that I can suggest to women in the over-40 age group that will help them maintain, and even regain, some of their youthful natural beauty; but everything boils down to these basic ideas:

1. A cleanser that is gentle enough for daily use
2. Once a week exfoliation
3. Using nighttime skin repair products
4. All-over skin care moisturizers
5. Healthy skin diet that includes: vitamin A, antioxidants, and omega-3s

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t talk to a skin care professional for more individualized advice and help that is specific to your skin type and lifestyle; these should be the 5 areas you cover when you speak to your skin care specialist about a beauty regimen.

“Over 40” beauty advice you should begin in your 30s

While we often look to things that provide immediate results, the best way to ensure ageless beauty is to focus on the cumulative effects our day-to-day routine can have on our skin. Positive thinking and an overall positive outlook on life reduces stress, and we all know how stress can speed up the look of aging; so less stress means looking younger longer.

The following are beauty tips that you can start now, so you can look like you’re still in your 30s even when you’re well into your 40s:

1. Start with what you put into your body; your skin diet should include plenty of water, omega-3s from fish and nuts, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink because it dries your skin from the inside out.
2. Use mineral based make-up products and acne products geared toward adults; most acne and blemish products on the market are meant for teens, which can actually cause dry skin in adults.
3. Regular use of topical skin care products that contain vitamin A or retinol and protection from the sun with a minimum SPF 30 will help you avoid the cumulative effects of the sun and chemicals in the environment.
4. Nightly skin care rituals should include gentle cleansers to remove dirt and make-up, eye cream to protect the area with the thinnest skin on the body, all-over moisturizers to soften rough patches of skin, and using a serum containing vitamins C & E; then seal in all that goodness with a nighttime face cream. You should also exfoliate once a week to help your skin absorb the beauty products you use daily.
5. Beauty rest; your body does some of its best work while you’re sleeping, so make sure you’re giving it plenty of time to work its magic. Give yourself a few minutes of deep breathing and time for positive thinking before you drift off to dreamland; it will help you sleep better and wake more refreshed.

Feel free to read ahead

The idea of ageless beauty emphasizes skin care at every age; there is nothing wrong with reading about good skin care for women in their 40s when you’re still in your 30s. In my years of experience as a skin care professional I can tell you that being prepared is half the battle and there is no time like the present to start your skin care revolution.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Why Do I Have the Thinnest Skin of All?

We might accept, even expect, that certain things to happen to our skin as we get older. However, when we look in the mirror, we desire to see pure, ageless beauty staring back at us. Thin skin is one of those issues that finds us as we get older, but you can fight it – if you take care of your skin.

What is thin skin?

Doctors will tell you the clinical definition of thin skin is simply skin that is fragile and tears or bruises easily. They may also tell you that it’s normal part of the aging process, which it is. Nature has a way of trying to accommodate sensitivity loss that comes with aging through loss of some of the fatty layers of skin, so your nerves are closer to the surface and you’re more likely to feel heat coming off the stove before you get too close and burn yourself.

Thanks Mother Nature.

Besides aging, what else causes thin skin?

There are numerous things that contribute to thin skin; you have control over some of them, but others not so much. One of the things you can’t control is the genetics of your skin type. You might be extremely fair skinned and react harshly to sun exposure – you can help your body fight thinning skin by using spf 15 sunscreen on all exposed skin before heading outside.

Speaking of the sun, make sure you’re careful to avoid harmful UV rays. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight and tanning beds breakdown the collagen in your skin, and since collagen is that magic elixir that wards away the wrinkles, you can see why it isn’t wise to go unprotected.

Environmental aspects also weigh heavily on your skin. Pollutants, like smog in urban areas or secondhand smoke damage your skin on contact; make sure you’re using a mild cleanser specific for your skin type to wash away all those harsh chemicals.

Obviously, if secondhand smoke can damage skin from the outside, imagine how smoking damages your beauty from the inside out! If you’re a smoker, one of the best things you can do for your health, and your skin, is to quit. The chemicals your body takes in from smoking increases the free radicals, causing cells to become unstable; it also decreases the oxygen supply to the skin causing it breakdown faster than normal.

Certain autoimmune diseases, like arthritis, and even certain medications used to treat other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, can cause thin skin over an extended period of time. Topical creams that contain cortisol or cortisone are one such medication, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that your brain also releases cortisol in times of stress. It can be very beneficial to include time to relax as part of your nightly routine. Using meditation or deep breathing exercises increases oxygen and lowers stress levels, which lowers cortisol levels helping you fight thin skin.

If I already have thin skin, can I treat it?

The first step in treating a problem is knowing what is causing the problem. If any of the causes I listed above seem to fit your lifestyle, start making changes there. Ageless beauty isn’t impossible to achieve, but you have to make yourself and your skin a priority.

Here are a few other things you can do to fight thinning skin:

1. Wash with a mild, fragrance-free soap designed for your skin type; apply a moisturizing lotion to the skin while it’s still wet. This helps seal in moisture so the body can concentrate on healing the skin.
2. Stay hydrated; make sure you’re drinking at least eight – 8 oz. glasses of water or clear liquids a day. Common sense says, “If you’re hydrating your skin from the outside, you should also be hydrating from the inside.”
3. Supplement your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, flax seed, and Vitamin C help your body replace lost collagen; vitamin A is also good for fighting infection and promotes tissue integrity. If your skin tears easily, but doesn’t heal as quickly, then consider adding a little zinc to your diet. Always check with your doctor before adding any supplements or medications to avoid negative drug side-effects or overdose.
4. Ask your doctor about adding a product containing retinol or peptide formulas to increase collagen. It is important to note: using facial products with these ingredients on areas other than the face can be irritating and should only be used periodically.

Who has the fairest skin of all?

You will – if you strive to maintain good skin care habits. The ageless beauty you seek when you look in the mirror starts with you. I’ve been working with men and women for a long time on proper skin care, but I always begin with the idea of inside-out beauty and the power of positive thinking. Once the mind is set, the heart will follow; your story is just beginning.

I want to talk to you about what it means to have a healthy skin diet. We’ve all heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing,” but how does that relate to skin care and beauty? Basically, when our skin needs certain kinds of nutrients and nourishment we can usually tell something is amiss, yet we may not know what those nutrients are or how to give our skin the nourishment it needs. When that happens, meaning when we feed our skin what it doesn’t need, we can actually make things worse.

It’s natural, so it must be good for me

As an experienced skin care specialist I cannot emphasize the importance of using the right vitamins and nutrients for true inside out beauty. It won’t matter how natural a product is if your skin gets too much of one thing, and not enough of another. Understanding your skin type is only the first step; you also need to know how different enzymes, exfoliators, and natural pore cleansers are going to affect your skin.

Things like Vitamin E are well-known to benefit our skin, but do you know how it works or when you shouldn’t use it? What about milk, egg whites, yogurt, lemon juice, or honey? All of these are things you probably have at home. You may have even heard that they can all be used in some manner for a skin care regimen, but do you really know when or how to use them?

Why didn’t I pay more attention in chemistry class!?

I’m not going to give you complex formulas and you won’t need a periodic table, but you’ll want to remember this the next time you’re looking for a more natural approach to skin care.

1. Baking soda is great for neutralizing acidity – skin looks its best when it is only slightly acidic. A pH level of 5.5 is about as perfect as you can get; a skin pH lower than 5.5 is more acidic and prone to redness, inflammation, and pimples or acne.
2. Yogurt or milk for dry, itchy skin – on the other side of the perfect 5.5 pH level is dry skin. The lactic acid in milk and yogurt is beneficial to restoring natural acidity your skin if it’s dry, and a nice side effect is how it combats that itchy feeling.
3. Oatmeal, honey, olive oil, and vitamins E and C contain antioxidants – that buzzword has been around a long time, but why are antioxidants important? They fight free radicals. Normal cells in our body are stable, meaning they have an even number of electrons; however, when a cell has an odd number of electrons it becomes unstable, stealing an electron from a healthy cell. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by “donating” electrons, so unstable cells don’t have to steal them from healthy cells.

A healthy skin diet works from the outside and the inside

Now you understand how your pH level determines your skin type, and you know certain foods can be used to provide the right nourishment from the outside; however, it’s also important to provide your body with the right fuel to work from the inside.

A healthy diet consisting of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E requires a mix of veggies such as: sweet potatoes, onions, avocados, and red bell peppers; fruits such as: pomegranates, blueberries, and citrus for vitamin C; proteins that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon; even whole grains, nuts, and good oils have all the good stuff our skin needs for beauty that radiates from the inside out.

It’s important to note: unlike vitamin C, which is water-soluble, vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning the body can store excess amounts of it. However, it is difficult to obtain high levels of it through food consumption, therefore you should always speak with your physician before adding vitamin E supplements to your diet.

Balance is the key

Whether you’re looking at what goes on your skin or what goes in your body, the key is balance. Natural ingredients in the right combinations and the right amounts are vital; when someone asks you your secret to ageless beauty you can give them a little smile and say, “It’s no secret. It’s Miss Julie and her advice on maintaining a balanced skin diet.”

However, you should know that there is one excellent treatment that contributes a great deal to the major improvements witnessed by all my clients. I am talking about facials done by professional, experienced estheticians.

4 Good Reasons Why You Should Opt for Professional Facials

If you’re wondering why you should turn facials into one of the pillars of your beauty routine (especially now, before the winter months, when your number one goal is to reduce the impact of seasonal changes that may leave your skin dry, flaky, dull or irritated), I can give you four good reasons that would justify this move.

They Enable You to Benefit from the Expert Advice of a Professional. To begin with, just like any other professional treatment, facials allow you to make the most of expert guidance offered by a reputable aesthetician. Only a skin care specialist with years of experience in this field can guide you towards the best treatments and products adapted to the real necessities of your complexion, and help you achieve the realistic beautification goals that you’ve set together.

They Let You Address Multiple Issues at the Same Time. Did you know that even the most basic facials involve a plethora of important processes that serve different purposes? A complete facial done by an aesthetician usually includes exfoliation, neck, shoulder and face massage, manual extraction and masks. All these components are essential and ensure various benefits. For instance, manual extractions unclog your pores the safe and easy way, without traumatizing your skin. By using a skin-softening treatment and/or steam, an aesthetician could remove blackheads carefully and hygienically, without causing any problems, such as broken capillaries or facial scarring. Moreover, masks can help you reduce inflammation and nourish and protect your skin from within.

They Leave Your Skin Looking and Feeling Agelessly Beautiful. A facial customized to meet your specific needs will always leave your skin looking smoother and more radiant. After all, through exfoliation you shed layers of dead cells and encourage cell renewal. All the other phases (massage, steam and so on) lead to a deeper and more effective pore cleansing and a deeper, longer-lasting hydration, among other benefits, and basically bring dull, problematic skin back to life with ease.

They’re Relaxing. I always tell my clients that well-done facials deliver notable benefits for the body and the mind, enabling people to relax in a comfortable environment. Just imagine how you could reduce your stress levels after an exhausting day, while unwinding on one of the most comfortable and modern facial beds that you could ever imagine.

To be honest, all my clients know that I could talk about the advantages of regular professional facials all day long. Nonetheless, maybe you would like to put their effectiveness to the test on your own and figure out just how beneficial they really are.  In this case, book your first appointment with my team and let’s discover what exactly works for your skin and how we could help you keep your complexion healthy and younger-looking around the clock.

True beauty is ageless and always starts from within. It is supported by a well-balanced skin care ritual tailored to the specific needs of your complexion. Does this mean that the same regimen can deliver the same results year-round? Not exactly!

As you can imagine, seasonal changes require small adjustments designed to help your skin and entire body cope with different stressors. If you’re looking for a few easy tips on how to prep your skin for the cold season and maintain its natural beauty in spite of the bad weather, here are a few guidelines that you may find useful.

Identify the Main Stressors That Could Affect the Way Your Skin Looks and Feels. In order to battle all the new risk factors in an effective manner, you have to know what you’re fighting against. During winter, there are several negative factors that could prematurely age your skin, including UV rays, excessive cold and powerful winds. All these elements force you to adjust your beauty ritual a bit to keep your skin silky and radiant around the clock.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized at All Times. For starters, make sure your skin is moisturized daily to prevent excessive dryness, and other related issues, such as itchiness, redness and rashes. Avoid long, hot baths and showers, and opt for a comfortable, whipped cream-like texture, which can improve the protective film of your complexion and sooth it in a matter of a few seconds, due to its blend of natural de-sensitizing and calming ingredients.

Prevent Sun Damage. During winter, it is extremely important to prevent damages caused by UV rays, which can pass through your glass windows and be reflected by snow. To protect your skin during the cold season and avoid negative changes linked to sun exposure, such as spider veins, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, use a quality sunscreen rated at 30 SPF, wear sunglasses with UV coating and stay far, far away from tanning beds.

Enhance Internal Protection. Most importantly, don’t forget that you also have to make a few modifications from within, which will complement the changes that you’ve already implemented on the outside. Eat more greens to supplement your body with all the vitamins and minerals that it needs to function properly. Don’t forget that you should consume lots of fruits and veggies, which are rich in antioxidants and can help you minimize sun damage and battle free radicals.

Maintain a Healthy Balance Between Mind, Body and Spirit. With the holiday season just around the corner, now would be the best time of the year to count your blessings, not your problems. Be kinder to yourself and your friends and family. Train your brain to be happier. Do something new that is good for your mind, body and spirit.

For instance, go get facials with your girlfriends, or spend an entire day of relaxation in one of the best wellness centers in your area. Pamper all your senses, and you will instantly feel less stressed, more beautiful and more motivated to take better care of your face and body.

Why is sleep so important?

When you hear the phrase “inside out beauty” you probably think of the food you eat, but there’s much more to it. Collagen is the protein that gives skin that elasticity; it’s like a natural nightly face lift. Your body knows that while you sleep you’re more relaxed, blood flow is more even, and your brain isn’t distracted by what’s going on around you so it can concentrate on healing the body.

When you don’t get enough sleep your body can’t perform the necessary repairs. Lack of sleep can cause dark circles and puffy eyes; it can also lead to higher stress levels. The body’s response to stress is to release Cortisol, commonly known as “the stress hormone.” If Cortisol levels can’t normalize the result for your skin is more wrinkles, uneven coloring, and loose skin.

If sleep can do all that, why do I need skin care products?

When we’re young the body is excellent at repairing daily damage; however, as we age our body’s natural ability make the necessary repairs is diminished. Not everyone has the same skin type or the same skin problems; I have been skin care specialist for quite a while and I can provide advice on how you can improve the way your body responds when you sleep.

Use products that have the right mix of peptides, retinol, and hydrators; these are best used at night while you sleep when nutrient absorption is better due to increased blood flow. Beauty products with retinol work better while you sleep because they are less stable in sunlight.

Create a nighttime routine that promotes your body’s natural ability to rejuvenate

There’s nothing wrong with preparing for tomorrow: pack your lunch, choose your clothing, rehearse your presentation, or study for an exam. But when it’s time to get ready for bed put tomorrow out of your mind; create a relaxing and rejuvenating nighttime routine allowing your body get the most out of a good night’s rest.

1. Wash your face – use a cleanser meant for your skin type
2. Remove the day’s makeup – simple washing won’t take away all the residue; be sure to use a quality makeup remover
3. Moisturize – while it’s important to remove dirty oils and pollutants from your skin, it’s just as important to replace the good oils that have been stripped away
4. Let your hair down – reduce the stress on your scalp and follicles; avoid breakage by not sleeping in a ponytail or clips
5. Slow deep breaths & positive thinking – use those last few minutes before falling asleep to get an extra boost of oxygen and send yourself off to dreamland with positive thoughts

When it all comes together

Ageless beauty starts with good skin care, and sleep is just as important to your skin’s diet as food and exercise. You’ll look and feel better, but more importantly your beauty will radiate from the inside out.

Avoid Washing Your Face with Hot Water

I know what you think: nothing compares to a nice, hot bubble bath during winter, when reduced temperatures make you want to stay indoors and explore new pampering rituals and relaxation techniques. However, hot showers and baths are not exactly your best friends, especially if you’re already complaining about dry, flaky or itchy skin. Hot water strips your body of its oil barrier, which normally enables skin to retain moisture and maintain its softness. As a skin care specialist, I always recommend warm baths and showers that don’t take more than 10 minutes. Also, remember to dry your skin by patting it gently and moisturize your face after each shower or bath.

Opt for a Gentler Cleansing Routine

Now would also be a good time to adjust your skin care ritual a bit. Start by getting rid of aggressive cosmetic products, which are overly astringent or contain fragrances and antibacterial additives that could make your skin drier and more vulnerable than it already is. Go easy on peels and toners and keep in mind that you should exfoliate your skin with care, without scrubbing it too hard, to avoid irritations.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

During the cold season, your skin is exposed to new stressors that threaten to compromise its balance, including reduced temperatures, rain and harsh winds, which could easily damage the outer layers of your skin. So what should we do to keep this concern at bay? We should moisturize our skin at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Go in favor or a rich moisturizer based on advanced ingredients that will enable your skin to replenish its oil barrier.

Fragrance-free options with a complex formula including stearic acid, glycerin, shea butter or ceramides are excellent picks, if your goal is to nourish, moisturize and soothe your dry skin. Before applying your moisturizer of choice, wash your face thoroughly using warm water and quality non-soap, delicate liquid cleanser (preferably one based on ceramides, the elements that will allow you to protect the exterior layer of your skin). Pat your skin for less than a minute instead of rubbing it with a towel. Also, my advice is to moisturize your skin as often as you can. As a matter of fact, do it every single time you wash your face, to prevent the evaporating water from drawing more moisture from your excessively dry skin.

Does your delicate skin require special care and attention to stay agelessly beautiful? If you feel the need to improve your daily skin care routine or find new cosmetic products that are best suited for your complexion, come see me today and let’s start working on a plan meant to restore and enhance the attractiveness of your complexion at any age.

Recent studies show that there is a solid connection between some of the most important nutrients provided by green vegetables and acne prevention, skin radiance and wrinkle reduction. If your number one goal is to improve the aspect of your complexion, increase your energy levels and wipe a few years off your face, start by adjusting your daily diet a bit. Try to consume more fresh fruits and veggies and prepare tasty, nutritious meals based on the following skin-friendly, green ingredients listed below:

1. Peppers. In case you’re trying to prevent or fight crow’s feet, add one or more peppers to your salads. Yellow and green peppers are rich in antioxidants, and women who consume them regularly usually have fewer wrinkles, especially in the under-eye area.
2. Soybeans. Soy contains proteins and minerals that could help you minimize hyperpigmentation. By drinking one cup of soy milk a day you could even out your complexion and prevent the appearance of sun spots. Soy is a key compound comprised by revolutionary skin tone correctors that many of my clients have relied on to achieve more radiant, blemish-free skin.
3. Avocados. Chances are that your Instagram feed is filled with dozens of yummy recipes based on avocado, so why not give them a try? Add this tasty ingredient to your salads, and sandwiches on a daily basis to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. Aside from being absolutely irresistible, avocados are also packed with vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that protects the membrane of your skin from UV damage and delays the first signs of the aging process.
4. Broccoli. As a kid, you always refused to eat broccoli, and found French fries much more appealing. As an adult, you realize that broccoli is a much safer choice, considering that this underrated vegetable contains a high amount of vitamin C, required by your skin to produce collagen. In other words, broccoli, and various other veggies that are rich in vitamin C, such as tomatoes or green peppers, can help you keep your skin supple, elastic and perfectly toned in the long run.
5. Dark Leafy Greens. When you think about veggies that contain a high dosage of beta-carotene, you immediately picture piles and piles of orange peppers, carrots and pumpkins, don’t you? Well, in this case, you should know that you’re overlooking a large category of vegetables that could do wonders for your skin. I’m referring to dark leafy vegetables, whose pigmentation is concealed by chlorophyll, the potent pigment that is responsible for the dark green hue. Wondering why you need beta-carotene to improve your skin? In short, your body turns this compound into vitamin A, a key aid that can help your body cope with premature aging.

During the cold season, don’t stop consuming salads and smoothies based on green, fresh, organic ingredients. Eat vitamin-rich foods to enhance skin circulations, hydration and radiance, and don’t forget to schedule your first appointment with me to benefit from the personalized guidance offered by a skin care specialist who can help you treat your complexion right at any age.