Beauty Foods: For Skin

Unless you are mistaken for a leper on a daily basis, odds are you don't need a battalion of skin products that cost more than your television. What should you do about "problem skin"? Well, at the risk of eliciting a contemptuous snort, you need to decide if you have dry skin or oily skin. Then buy one of each product: a good facewash, a toner, a scrub, a light moisturizer and a face mask. People with oily skin should go for stronger toners, and people with dry skin should moisturize twice daily. Scrubs and masks should be used no more than once a week, or as needed. Good quality, affordable products can be found in every drugstore; Neutrogena and L'Oreal are very reliable brands, as is Queen Helene. And you should include the following foods in your diet:

WHOLE GRAINS: Watching your sugar intake isn't just important for your weight. Maintaining healthy insulin levels improves your digestion, energy - and acne. Make the switch to whole-grain breads and whole-wheat pastas, and always make sure you get a good amount of protein with each serving. Carbs should always be had in moderation of course, but if you're new to healthy eating, making the big whole-grain conversion is the best place to start. Bonus: whole-grains contain a higher amount of fiber than refined carbs. Fiber is responsible for cleaning out the very same toxins that cause pimples and under-eye circles - and is an absolute MUST of any beauty regimen.

FISH: Smoked salmon is one of those rare, delectable foods that taste great and is actually good for you. Omega-3 fatty acids aren't called "essential" for nothing - in addition to myriad health benefits, essential fatty acids found in many types of seafood (not shellfish) reduce clogged pores caused by inflammation. Some ideas: smoked salmon on 1/2 a whole-grain bagel or water-packed tuna (mixed with low-fat mayo and black pepper) on a bed of mixed greens. Vegetarian? No worries; almonds and hazelnuts are high in Omega-3s as well (and they're diet-safe snacks as well!) Psst! The Pink Patch also contains Omega-3s!

WATER: As much as you can drink! Staying well-hydrated helps eliminate dry, flaky skin (a big beauty problem in winter), and flushing your system regularly gets rid of the dirt and gunk that clog pores.

ALOE VERA: No, not the kind you put on sunburns. Aloe Vera is a miracle beauty elixir; like water and Omega-3s, it cleans out toxins leaving your skin radiant and fresh. This is one I swear by: after drinking it for about a week, everyone in sight will be complimenting your healthy, glowing skin. You can find Aloe Vera Juice at most health/whole food stores. Here's how to take it: mix about 2 tablespoons aloe vera with 1 cup no-sugar-added fruit juice. Yes, it will taste a little odd, but I suggest just taking it down in two big gulps. Drink that twice a day and people will demand you share your beauty secret.