You ARE What You Eat
The dispute about whether or not food affects your complexion seems never-ending but the truth is that if you eat many fresh fruits and vegetables, it will in fact help your face. Drinking lots of water helps to give your face a healthy glow. Still, there are some nutrients that especially play a vital role in your skin's health.
VITAMIN A- This vitamin, found in eggs, meat and dairy products or as a gel capsule, helps prevent acne and improves your overall skin tone. It also helps prevent wrinkles and gets rid of dry, itchy skin. If you feel a breakout coming on, pop a vitamin and see the difference.
VITAMIN C- Vitamin C offers the strongest protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays and it helps prevent sun damage and inflammation. Good sources (besides as a tablet) include whole citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits and juices.
VITAMIN E- Did you know that your outermost layer of skin contains much Vitamin E, which is used as a defense against UV light? This amazing vitamin helps to improve skin texture, prevents wrinkles and reduces sun damage. Many skincare products contain Vitamin E and Vitamin E supplements containing d-alpha tocopherol are also good bets.
ZINC- A zinc deficiency is linked to unpleasant skin problems, including acne, scarring/extra slow healing of wounds and dandruff. Sounds wonderful, right? Sources of zinc include oysters, beans, poultry and fortified cereals, or try taking a multivitamin.
IRON- If you really want glowing skin and hair, make sure you're getting enough iron. Dull skin and hair is also a sign of anemia, which is common in women because we lose much iron in our periods. To get enough iron, munch on spinach and other leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals or [smaller] portions of red meat.
DAILY: Wash your face with a cleanser for your skin type twice a day (morning and night). If you use toner, opt for an alcohol-free one and treat problem areas with a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream like OXY Maximum Acne Vanishing Treatment or Clearasil Ultra Acne Treatment Cream.
WEEKLY: Use a pore strip to de-clog your pores from dirt and oil build-up and use a facial mask with sulfur. You can do these steps more than once a week, although do not use the pore strips more than three times a week. We love Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
MONTHLY: Especially eat more fruits and vegetables as your period nears and use a sulfur facial mask more frequently. Avoid very salty and sugary foods and drink a lot of water to flush out toxins.
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Bottom: Concealers by Neutrogena (contains bensoyl peroxide) and Physicians Formula in Green (which conceals red blemishes).