Now, we here at Clear Skin Solutions may be anti New Year’s Resolutions (after all, why be good to yourself for a month when you can be good to yourself every day of every year instead?) but don’t let that dissuade you!
Instead, be sure to start 2022 with these five skin care resolutions:
Lower Your Processed Food Intake
Y’all, you should know by now that our team is serious about the acne-diet link. So it should come as no surprise that most of these resolutions will be diet-based!
Our clients frequently hear us talk about the importance of treating their diet as part of their at-home skin care routine… and for good reason! Alongside acne, your diet also significantly impacts rosacea, eczema, pigmentation, and even prematurely aging skin.
That’s why we wanted to shine a specific spotlight on the harm processed foods are doing to your skin. Especially if you’re acne-prone!
This is because highly processed foods typically contain refined carbohydrates, which are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and, as a result, rapidly raise blood sugar levels. This, in turn, spikes your insulin and significantly contributes to acne breakouts: since insulin makes androgen hormones more active, sebum is overproduced and clogs pores.
Processed foods to avoid include:
- Bread, crackers, cereal, and most commercial desserts
- White flour-pasta
- Sodas
- White rice
- Rice noodles
- Sweeteners such as, but not limited to, agave syrup, honey, maple syrup, or cane sugar
Kick Sugar to the Curb
You knew it was coming!
When it comes to nailing your anti-acne diet resolutions for 2022, kicking sugar to the curb is a non-negotiable.
While we’re not saying you have to go completely cold turkey, monitoring your daily sugar intake and aiming to have below six teaspoons (or 24 grams) per day is a great start. After all, there’s zero nutritional benefit that comes from eating sugar! Your skin will thank you when you cut back… especially considering that sugar also contributes to something known as glycation (AKA “the sugar sag”), meaning that it accelerates your skin’s visible aging process!
Most notably, you’ll see:
- A decrease in inflammation and redness
- Better-controlled oil production
- And an overall glowier, more youthful-looking complexion
“Nyki,” you may be thinking to yourself, “can I just swap in stevia or other artificial sweeteners when I’m cutting back sugar?” Unfortunately, despite stevia having a positive impact on insulin levels, no research has been done on stevia’s link to acne. As such, we’d recommend leaving it out for now!
Stack Your Plate With Whole Foods
What counts as whole foods?
We’re glad you asked! When eliminating sugar and scaling back on processed foods, it’s a good idea to have a solid meal plan in place so that you leave the table full, happy, and, of course, healthy.
Foods that count as “whole” are:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts, seeds, and beans (depending on your skin history! Since nuts and beans have a high glycemic level, we’re selective about who we tell to “Go nuts! With nuts and beans)
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
Notice what we left out? Dairy! With dairy and acne having a strong connection (particularly whey, which is found in many protein shakes) we encourage plates to have minimal to no dairy.
Prioritize Fats for Radiant Skin
As prominent clean health guru, Dr. Berg, puts it, incorporating healthy fats like avocado and salmon into your daily meal plan is one of the fastest ways to get rid of acne.
This is due to the fact that essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These vital fats also help produce and regulate the skin’s natural oil barrier, which is critical for keeping skin hydrated, plump, and fine line-free.
Other sources of “good fats” include:
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Sardines
- Eggs
- And mackerel
In 2022, challenge yourself to add one serving of healthy fats to each meal!
Last But Not Least, Sign Up For the Right Skin Care
If you want to simplify achieving your skin goals this year, then this last resolution is for you: signing up for the right skin care!
Don’t let your skin care resolutions be like that gym pass that’s collecting dust in your drawer (yeah, we’re all guilty of it!) Instead, sign up for one of our acclaimed in-person or virtual skin care programs today.
With a Skin Therapist’s professional guidance, patience, and dedicating yourself to staying on track with your treatment plan, you too can genuinely love the skin you’re in. Book your first consult today!