Where to Start if Your New Year Resolution is to Have Clearer Skin

How to Start Your Clear Skin Journey

1. Clean Up Your Plate

Clear skin starts from within, and your diet plays a huge role in reducing inflammation and supporting skin health.

• Incorporate More:

  • Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon) are rich in omega-3s, which combat inflammation and promote glowing skin.

  • Fiber-Rich Foods: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains help regulate digestion and support gut health, which is directly linked to skin clarity.

  • Antioxidant Powerhouses: Dark leafy greens, berries, green tea, and brightly colored produce neutralize free radicals that can damage your skin.

    
    

• Reduce:

  • Processed Foods, Sugar, and Refined Carbs: These can spike blood sugar and trigger hormonal imbalances that lead to breakouts.

  • Homogenized Dairy: Some people find dairy worsens acne; usually this has more to do with the quality of dairy than dairy itself. Homogonization alters the structure of fat creating issues with digestion, causing inflammation and thus creating more breakouts. Opt for Full fat A2 non-homogenized dairy.

    
    

2. Hydrate Like You Mean It

Proper hydration is crucial for skin health. Dehydration can leave your skin looking dull and contribute to breakouts.

• Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and support detoxification.

• Add electrolytes for better hydration, like coconut water, sea salt, or a squeeze of lemon in your water.

3. Balance Your Blood Sugar

Blood sugar spikes and crashes can wreak havoc on your hormones, leading to breakouts.

• Pair carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats to slow sugar absorption.

• Focus on balanced meals that keep your energy stable and your skin happy.

4. Prioritize Gut Health

Your gut and skin are intricately connected, so a happy gut often means clearer skin.

• Add Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi support your microbiome.

• Supplement with Probiotics and Prebiotics: These promote healthy digestion and reduce systemic inflammation.

5. Support Liver Function and Detoxification

Your liver is essential for processing toxins and excess hormones, both of which can contribute to breakouts. Supporting your liver helps optimize your skin’s natural detox processes.

• Morning Detox Drink: Start your day with warm lemon water, or try ginger tea or dandelion root tea for liver support.

• Fulvic Acid and Moringa: Incorporate these daily to promote detoxification and overall skin health.

• Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts enhance liver function and help eliminate excess hormones.

• Minimize Alcohol and Processed Foods: These can burden your liver and slow detoxification.

6. Improve Sleep and Manage Stress

• Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, including your skin.

• Stress Management: High stress levels elevate cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and oil production. Incorporate calming practices like yoga, meditation, or box breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts).

7. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

When it comes to skincare, less is often more. Using harsh products or over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and lead to irritation.

• Stick to the Basics:

  • Cleanser: Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser.

  • Moisturizer: Pick one suited to your skin type—lightweight for oily skin, richer for dry skin.

• Clean Skincare Recommendations: My go-to brand is ClearStem Skincare, which offers non-pore-clogging, clean products designed to support healthy skin. Use code TILLIEMIRSKY for a discount!

8. Explore DIY Skincare: My Favorite Oils and Masks

Natural, high-quality oils and masks can elevate your skincare routine and address specific skin concerns:

• Oils I Love:

  • Abyssinian Oil: Lightweight and deeply hydrating, great for softening skin.

  • Rosehip Oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it brightens and evens out skin tone.

  • Pomegranate Oil: Anti-inflammatory and full of nutrients to promote skin regeneration.

  • Castor Oil: Ideal for deep hydration and soothing irritated skin.

• DIY Masks:

  • Indian Healing Clay Mask: Mix with turmeric and water or apple cider vinegar for a detoxifying treatment that draws out impurities.

  • Matcha Manuka Honey Mask: Combine matcha powder and Manuka honey for a soothing, antioxidant-rich mask that reduces redness and nourishes skin.

9. Move Your Body

Exercise improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin while promoting detoxification through sweat.

• Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, hiking, or strength training. Movement should feel good, not like a chore.

• Always cleanse your face post-workout to avoid clogged pores.

Clearer skin is more than a resolution—it’s a commitment to caring for your body inside and out. By focusing on nourishing foods, hydration, stress management, a simplified skincare routine, and natural DIY treatments, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthy, glowing complexion.

Here’s to your best skin yet!