January 5, 2021

6 Natural Ways To Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Whether you’re making a beeline for the mistletoe or the dessert table, establishing lip care as a priority during the dry winter months can ensure your mouth stays in tip-top shape all season long. And, although the weather may be partially to blame for less-than-soft kissers, chapped lips are the result of other hectic holiday season habits, too. (Poor food choices, anyone?) Your lips are red for a reason: The skin and moisture barrier isn’t as thick or strong as other parts of the body. So pay attention when they tell you they’re damaged and follow these natural lip tips. […]
August 11, 2020

Guacamole with Pomegranate Seeds

  The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]
August 11, 2020

Using ‘Good Bugs’ for Beautiful Skin

Today, research on probiotics and the microbiome—the millions of bacteria and biomes found in and on the human body supports the fact that certain bacteria types are actually good for us. Although we most often associate this concept with digestion and gut health, a newer body of science points to the fact that your skin has its very own microbiome, too. “At the cellular level, skin represents a complex set of ecosystems composed of skin cells and their associated microbiome,” says William B. Miller Jr., MD, author of “The Microcosm Within” (Universal, 2013). This microbiome varies based on a range […]
June 6, 2020

9 Sunscreens You Can Trust This Summer

For over a decade, the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Sunscreens has helped us see the light when it comes to choosing a safe and effective sun care product. While almost three-fourths of the products analyzed were found to offer inferior sun protection or potentially harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, it wasn’t all bad news in this year’s report. Mineral sunscreens are on the rise, and top-rated products lived up to their claims by using nontoxic and effective ingredients. Other rising trends include non-GMO formulations and sun-protective clothing. These nine picks all received a 1 (safest) rating from the EWG. Tips […]
May 5, 2020

Soy Custard Cups

This dish is an interesting  way to add more soy to your diet. The isoflavones in soy may help maintain bone density, reduce the risk of certain cancers, protect against heart disease, and help alleviate symptoms of menopause. The Omega-3s in the tofu help skin retain its natural moisture. This recipe is inspired by the Chinese steamed custards served at dim sum. You can put almost anything under the silken tofu layer, and the garnishes are endless. Serves 2-4 Ingredients 1 package (8 oz.) silken tofu Pinch of salt 10-12 dried shiitake mushrooms 1/4 lb. peeled shrimp (devein, if desired) […]
April 26, 2020

Mind and Beauty Juice

This juice blend is specifically formulated to help the skin look young and beautiful while protecting the mind. I use my Blendtec® Tabletop Total Blender to pulverize the carrots, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Carrots and melons have carotenoids, an antioxidant that fights skin aging. Cucumbers have silica, a mineral that helps skin retain moisture. I add a raw egg white for its collagen-building strength and its choline which supports healthy brain function. And I stir in nutritious green tea because its catechins will help keep teeth cavity-free and brains sharp. Serves 2 Ingredients 1 (16-oz.) bag of organic baby carrots ½ cantaloupe, rind […]
March 24, 2020

Answers to Your 16 Top Skin Questions

Q: With every change of seasons, the skin on my hands and around my nails gets really dry and cracks. It’s so painful. What can I do to prevent this? “Changes of season can bring about a lot of skin changes,” says Dr. Caroline A. Chang of Dermatology Professionals in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Temperatures rise or drop, and the air’s moisture content may change drastically. Irritants in the air can also cause skin dryness. Research published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, for instance, shows that pollen may provoke both contact and atopic dermatitis. If you know which seasons […]
March 5, 2019

Give Your Skin and Joints the Gift of Collagen

Aging gracefully depends on how you nurture your body. Today, a trove of studies shows the importance of following a nutrient-dense diet, being active and taking dietary supplements to support a healthy aging process. One of the clear standouts to help along the way: collagen, an antiaging nutrient that rose to stardom in Japan decades ago. Collagen is everywhere in our bodies—from our skin, hair and nails to our bones and joints—collagen is an important protein for staving off wrinkles and keeping our joints healthy. Although there are at least 20 types of collagen, most of the focus on collagen […]