Looking Good and Feeling Great: The Importance of Good Nutrition

So here we are at the beginning of a New Year. Each January, most of us make New Year's resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, get fit, help others, or eat healthier.

In this article, I would like to focus on the importance of good nutrition and how it works together with proper skincare for optimal results. As an esthetician with over 25 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how the right combination of nutrition and skincare can transform your complexion.

Most of our diets are based on processed food, which is high in saturated fats, sodium, sugar, added hormones, and chemicals. Because of our fast-paced lives, we eat too many packaged foods, sugary snacks, and takeout food. It's no wonder that the rates of cancer, strokes, and diabetes are going up every year. Unhealthy eating habits also have a huge effect on our mental health, causing depression, stress, and anxiety.

Eating a well-balanced diet is not only good for our health but can help us stay looking younger by firming our skin, smoothing wrinkles, and giving shine to our hair and nails. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals will also provide an anti-aging effect. When combined with high-quality skincare products like our  Age Defy: Vitamin C & Stem Cell Serum, these benefits are enhanced significantly.

I am not telling you something that you don't already know; we all are aware of this fact. The challenge is to do something about our eating habits and to be good to ourselves in the New Year in order to feel and look better!

So let's get started -

First, clean out your food pantry and freezer by throwing away any white flour, sugar, pasta, and highly processed snacks, and then restock with vegetable oil, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and whole wheat pasta. When shopping, fill your cart with plenty of vegetables and fruits, lean and organic non-processed meats, and free-range eggs.

Here are some suggestions for food that will make you look better and feel younger.

Blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and B6 that help to produce collagen to keep your skin smooth and plump. For enhanced results, I recommend pairing these antioxidant-rich foods with our  Rejuvenate: Retinol Crème, which works synergistically to boost collagen production.

Spinach, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables are also full of anti-aging antioxidants, plus they are high in lutein to boost skin hydration and elasticity. Fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are high in Omega-3 fats, which help to reduce inflammation and slow down free radical damage. For those with dry skin, I suggest combining omega-3-rich foods with our  Hydrate: Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Serum for optimal hydration from both inside and out.

Eggs contain anti-wrinkle amino acids that have powers to produce elastin and collagen. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, yellow and orange peppers are high in beta-carotene. This helps prevent dry skin and protects skin from sun damage.

Green tea, acai, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and prunes are also high in antioxidants and flavonoids that fight against free radicals which speed up the aging process. And my favorite is dark chocolate, which helps reduce skin redness and aids in moisturizing the skin.

All of these are great choices in food that are not only delicious but also great for our health and good looks. For those looking to complement their healthy diet with a comprehensive skincare routine, I recommend exploring our  Anti-Aging Skin Care Collection. By adjusting to a well-balanced diet and maintaining a consistent skincare regimen, we will all have no problem keeping our resolutions for better health and more beautiful skin in this New Year!

Don't forget one of the most important nutrients for your skin - water! I always remind my clients to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Even the healthiest diet won't be as effective without proper hydration. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and set reminders if needed. Your skin will thank you for it!

To your health!

Margaret