I have to admit - up until relatively recently, I didn’t give skincare much thought. I picked face wash and moisturizers based on pretty packaging or nice scents, and my only real criteria was that the products be cruelty-free and under $20. I spent years going to bed without washing my makeup off (cringe). And for the better part of my 20’s, I loved the occasional tanning bed session (double cringe).
When I turned 40, I decided it was time to make a better and more consistent effort with skincare. It seems like everyone around me is getting injectables, lasers and fillers, and I've been noticing changes in my own skin, some of which aren’t welcome. I’m generally comfortable with aging, but I’m also OK with slowing down the signs of it, when possible.
Since Botox and the like aren’t for me, I’m trying to find more holistic ways to keep things dewy, glowy and supple, while minimizing fine lines. So, I’ve been doing a bit of a deep dive on skincare; which foods to eat, what to avoid, and what products are best.
SKIN HEALTHY DIET
It’s no surprise that beautiful skin starts with your diet, so removing animal products (especially dairy, which is linked to acne), sugar, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed foods and alcohol is the first step; these foods are inflammatory and cause oxidative stress, which are linked to increased signs of aging, redness, uneven skin tone, blemishes and puffiness.
Staying well hydrated and incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet is the best way to achieve great skin, naturally; they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and contain everything your skin needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Focus especially on foods with that are high in Vitamin C (berries, bell peppers, citrus, broccoli), Vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, avocado) and Omega 3 fatty acids, which help preserve collagen (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, edamame). Polyphenols (from green tea, spices, dark chocolate, grapes) are particularly powerful plant compounds for skin health; they are linked to preventing free radical damage, which will reduce inflammation and premature aging.
COLLAGEN SUPPLMENTS
Collagen powders are everywhere right now, with claims that it can make your skin look younger and improve hair and nail health. Should you be taking them?
First, let’s break down what collagen is: collagen is a protein in your body that naturally starts to decline after the age of 20. It’s an important structural protein, responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity. When our body’s natural collagen breaks down, signs of aging become more apparent.
Your body can produce more collagen naturally through - no surprise - diet! It’s made by combining various amino acids, so choosing foods that contain those components will help boost your collagen levels. Specifically, you need Proline (cabbage, mushrooms, asparagus), Glycine (beans, nuts, seeds), Vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers, berries, broccoli), Zinc (beans, nuts, seeds, oats), and Copper (cocoa powder, potatoes, spirulina, shiitake mushrooms, sunflower sees and chickpeas) to make collagen. As we know, our bodies assimilate nutrients best when received from whole foods, not in pill or powdered supplement form. So, save money on supplements and head to the produce aisle instead!
Collagen supplements are also not vegan, or even vegetarian - they are made from ground up connective tissue, bones and other body parts of cows, pigs, chicken and fish. Aside from just being…unappetizing, they carry a high risk of contamination from heavy metals (like arsenic and lead) and potentially other toxins. Collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and the studies that have been done on the safety and effectiveness where mostly funded by the supplement industry, creating a concern of bias. So, skip the animal bones in your coffee/smoothie and eat collagen-boosting plant foods, instead.
SKINCARE PRODUCTS
As for products, I have officially drunk the Beautycounter Kool-Aid. Beautycounter is a Certified B-Corp that makes nontoxic, high performing beauty and skincare. I first tried their face wash a couple years back, and quickly started adding to my home lineup once I saw how effective the products are, and started reading up on their total commitment to safety.
My personal skincare lineup is pretty straightforward. Every morning, I use Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser, followed by a toner (I love Thayer’s Rose Petal Facial Toner). Next, I use Counter+ All Bright C Serum and moisturize with Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream. I also love the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer and put that on most days, too.
In the evening, I use the same cleanser and moisturizer, and usually dab the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream on. A few days a week, I’ll do the Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel. And that’s it! I find that in combination with the occasional gua sha and keeping my diet healthy, my skin feels soft and glowy.
If you’re interested in Beautycounter, they also have incredible clean, safe makeup (the mascara is amazing) and nontoxic deodorant - their full line of products can be purchased here. I am such a believer in Beautycounter that I recently became a consultant - so I’m happy to provide suggestions to you, if you’re in the market for better things for your skin.
OTHER INFO
I learned so much about skincare from this episode of the Healthier Together podcast - it’s a must listen if you’re trying to separate fact from fiction, and figure out which treatments and products are truly necessary.
This is a great article on basic skincare routines - from the types of cleansers you should be using based on your skin type, to the ideal sequential order for putting on products.