Want glowing skin no matter what your age? Forget the pricey creams that promise a lot but underdeliver – and start nourishing your skin from the inside out. The secret to healthy and radiant skin as you age is keeping it fed with antioxidant vitamins and other skin-friendly nutritional compounds. There are no gimmicks here –  just easy, simple protection from dryness, wrinkles and other common aging-related skin concerns.

7 nutrients for stunning skin

Curcumin 

Curcumin – the active compound found in turmeric – possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect skin cells from damaging free radicals, helping to reduce wrinkles and other signs of accelerated aging. Curcumin also boosts collagen production and enhances the body’s ability to form new, healthy tissue. Concerned about sagging skin? Curcumin supports production of elastin, the protein that provides for skin’s elasticity. 

Curcumin can be added to chilis, soups and other spice-filled recipes. You can also drink it in soothing golden milk, or supplement with curcumin for targeted support. 

When applied topically as a facial mask, curcumin helps soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation. Want to test this out? Try our easy face mask recipe that uses turmeric culinary spice as a base:

Skin Calming Turmeric Face Mask 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. turmeric powder
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• Milk or yogurt

Instructions

• Mix turmeric powder and honey until well incorporated. Add a small amount of milk or yogurt to create a paste.
• Apply paste to clean dry skin. Allow the mask to sit for 10 minutes, or until completely dry.
• Gently wash your face with warm water to remove the mask. Apply moisturizer as usual.
• Note: Turmeric can stain fabrics and surfaces, so keep this in mind when applying and removing the mask.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3s found in fish oil offer numerous benefits for skin health as you get older by helping to maintain moisture levels, reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. 

Taking an Omega-3 supplement is an easy way to make sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids to help out your skin. Just be sure to take a quality omega-3 supplement that includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA offers special benefits to skin by regulating oil production and blocking enzymes that diminish collagen levels. Because it’s an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, EPA also helps repair and protect damaged skin. Good dietary sources of EPA include oily fish like wild-caught salmon. 

Probiotics

Some skin issues may actually start in the gut. Are you plagued with problems like eczema, rosacea or adult acne? Along the lining of the GI tract, the gut microbiome is the body’s mighty “second brain” that helps to regulate everything from immune response to mood. Probiotics, friendly “good” bacteria, maintain the health of the microbiome and reduce inflammation. Without enough probiotics, bad bacteria takes over, which can result in a host of ailments – including skin problems. Studies show that taking a probiotic can prevent or improve skin conditions including eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, and even UV-induced skin damage – which is helpful at any age! 

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant compound that is essential for maintaining healthy skin cells and promoting skin renewal as you age. Studies on antioxidant micronutrients, including beta-carotene, show that these compounds help to increase the skin’s defenses against UV radiation and help maintain the health and appearance of aging skin. To get more Vitamin A, boost your intake of fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, the “pro-vitamin” precursor that is transformed into Vitamin A by the liver, according to the body’s needs. Foods richest in beta-carotene are yellow, orange, and green leafy fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash).

Topical Vitamin A (in a form called a retinoid or retinol) can be used to help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Additional benefits of some retinoids include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. To try it out, look for a non-synthetic Vitamin A cream or serum to use at night. Be sure the product has Vitamin A in its retinoid form so that it can reach your skin cells effectively.

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect aging skin from sun damage and free radicals. It supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improves hydration and helps to reduce the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin E also assists in the healing process of damaged skin. Foods rich in Vitamin E include sunflower seeds and oil, nuts, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, and mango. Also consider taking a Vitamin E supplement – alone or as part of a quality women’s multivitamin. 

Special note: Vitamin E is naturally found in sebum, the oil produced by the body to act as the skin’s moisture barrier. As we age, sebum production slows. If you have dry or itchy skin, using Vitamin E as a topical agent (as an ingredient in a natural moisturizer) can help replace this lost barrier and soothe the skin. 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D’s antioxidant qualities help to fight inflammation and free radical damage. The vitamin also plays a role in preventing DNA damage, supporting healthy skin cell turnover. One study found that when a Vitamin D deficiency occurs, skin burns faster when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure is one of the biggest external contributors to premature skin aging, so consider the protection of your skin one more reason to get enough Vitamin D.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and damage. It supports skin elasticity, reduces inflammation and contributes to a healthier scalp and hair. 

Selenium is also a key mineral for thyroid support. Why is your thyroid important for your skin? When your thyroid is low, symptoms include dry and dull skin, brittle fingernails, and brittle, thinning hair. Women in menopause are at greater risk for low thyroid, so if you notice any of these symptoms showing up in the mirror, it’s time to check in on the health of your thyroid. To restore thyroid health, T-Balance Plus, our natural thyroid support formula, contains selenium as one its active ingredients. 

For a more in-depth look at holistic skin care, see our article Be radiant — tips for better skin, hair and nails. Be good to yourself and your skin. It won’t be long before you see — and feel — the changes. 

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Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but if you are already concerned about issues like wrinkles and dry skin, it can also be a time when these skin problems accelerate. Conventional skincare products may promise to moisturize and protect skin. However, they also contain harmful toxins — just what you don’t need!

The good news for your skin? Natural remedies are just as (and even more) effective for keeping skin nourished and youthful, no harsh chemicals required.

So what are you waiting for? Just in time for all the sun and fun, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Mother Nature-inspired DIY remedies and tips for beautiful summer skin. Get ready to glow!

5 summer skin care tips for aging skin

Embrace antioxidants

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining youthful skin by protecting it against free radicals and oxidative stress. During the summer, our skin is exposed to higher levels of UV radiation and environmental pollutants, making antioxidants essential. Look for skincare products containing ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea extract, or resveratrol to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Our favorite way to harness the power of antioxidants? If you’ve jumped on the trend of ice rolling your skin, supercharge your routine by subbing in green tea ice cubes. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in green tea can help combat free radicals, soothe irritation, and reduce redness.

To try this trick, brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the green tea into an ice cube tray and freeze. In the morning or evening, after cleansing your face, use a cloth to hold a green tea ice cube and gently rub it all over your face and neck. The cold temperature of the ice cube will provide a refreshing sensation, while the green tea’s antioxidants will nourish and rejuvenate your skin.

Add a facial massage to your routine

Give your skin a soothing summer treat! Gentle facial massage stimulates blood circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps relax facial muscles. Massage can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin, enhancing collagen production and reducing puffiness and fine lines. Consider incorporating a facial massage using a facial roller or your fingertips into your skincare routine a few times a week for a radiant and youthful complexion. Try our DIY fingertip facial massage!

Opt for natural exfoliation

Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. Instead of relying solely on chemical exfoliants that can irritate sun-kissed skin, try using a gentle scrub made from natural ingredients like sugar or finely ground oats. These natural exfoliants not only slough away dead skin cells but also provide additional benefits such as antioxidants and hydration, leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated.

Hydrate with hyaluronic acid

Hydration is vital for maintaining youthful skin, especially during the summer when the heat and sun exposure can be so dehydrating to skin. While drinking plenty of water is crucial, adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can provide an extra boost of hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that holds moisture and plumps up the skin. Look for serums or moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Protect your lips

Give your lips some service! Lips often get overlooked when it comes to aging skin care, but this area of skin is actually highly susceptible to sun damage. To keep your lips youthful and plump during the summer, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains SPF. This will protect your lips from harmful UV rays and prevent dryness and fine lines. Additionally, exfoliating your lips gently with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub and moisturizing them regularly will help maintain their softness and smoothness.

For a more in-depth look at holistic skin care, see our article Be radiant — tips for better skin, hair, and nails. Be good to yourself and your skin. It won’t be long before you see — and feel — the changes.

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Ever breathe in a whiff of perfume and get an instant headache? That’s your body saying this stuff is toxic!

In fact, whenever we talk about reducing exposure to hormone-disrupting toxins, beauty and personal care products loaded with heavy artificial ingredients are at the top of the list of what to avoid.

Luckily, essential oils offer a unique, natural fragrance that smells just as good (if not better!) than chemical perfume — without the toxins and endocrine disruptors.

Try our simple recipe to make a naturally sweet floral scent!

Essential Oil Perfume

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp distilled vodka (witch hazel works too!)
• 20 drops citrus (orange, tangerine or lemon) essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of cedarwood or patchouli essential oil
• Distilled water

Add vodka and essential oils to a small (2 oz) blue or amber glass spray bottle. Fill remainder of bottle with distilled water. Shake gently before use. Tip: Spray on pulse points (these spots emit heat) to help fragrance develop faster.

You can mix and match your favorite essential oils to make your own unique blend — we love sweet orange, jasmine, vanilla, ylang ylang, and rose too!

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Our secret ingredient for pretty feet? Apple cider vinegar. ACV not only softens rough, dead skin, but the acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help to banish bacteria and fungus.

If you are dealing with dry, cracked heels, calluses and other trouble spots, our Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak may be just what you need to reveal fresh and fantastic looking feet. Essential oils in our recipe mean your feet will smell sweet too.

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak

Ingredients

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 tsp oil of choice (olive or coconut)

Warm water

15 drops essential oil of choice (peppermint essential oil adds more antimicrobial power and a fresh scent)

Measure vinegar, oil and essential oils into bowl or basin large enough for submerging your feet. Add enough warm water to cover your feet. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. Remove feet from bath and exfoliate dead skin using a foot brush, pumice stone or simple salt or sugar scrub (like our Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub that you can make at home).

Finish with a light coating of your favorite natural moisturizer, and apply more moisturizer at night before going to bed. Repeat foot soak two to three times a week.

For more easy and inexpensive tips for rejuvenating your skin, see our article 7 tips for stunning skin in menopause.

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One of the many traditions of the ancient medicine of Ayurveda is regular massage, also known as Bahya Snehana. Massage is thought to be especially important in the cold winter months as a way to give the body added warmth and moisture. 

Ready to tap into the soothing power of Ayurveda? Our special massage oil recipe includes ginger to encourage circulation, turmeric to help improve join function and cardamon to reduce swelling and invite a sense of of comfort calm. 

Ayurvedic Winter Massage Oil

Ingredients

3 ounces sesame oil

10 drops of ginger essential oil

10 drops of turmeric essential oil

10 drops of cardamon essential oil

(Don’t have essential oils? Sub in ground 1/2 tsp of each herb. You will need to take an extra step to stir before use.)

In a bowl, mix all ingredients well and then transfer to a glass jar. Massage oil all over your body, focusing on your joints and any patches of dry skin. Follow the massage by adding heat to your body — either by sitting by a warm fire or taking a warm bath or shower. Rinse and blot dry skin to remove oil.

Read more: 10 Ayurvedic self-care tips for winter

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Ready to bring back your glow? Our DIY coffee exfoliating scrub makes it easy to nourish and hydrate your skin — from head to toe!

Coffee is an amazing exfoliator for sloughing away dead skin cells and is loaded with antioxidants to help nourish skin. Plus, caffeine in coffee may improve circulation in the skin, giving you a healthy glow. Our DIY scrub also includes coconut oil, an amazing natural moisturizer.

DIY Coffee Skin Scrub

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup used coffee grounds
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Combine ingredients to create a paste and store in a jar for up to two weeks. In the shower, apply to areas of dry skin and lightly scrub. Rinse and lightly pat dry. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Want more tips for radiant skin? Read our article: Seven tips for stunning skin in menopause.

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Here’s why we love apple cider vinegar

• ACV balances the pH level of the skin, which reduces natural sebum (oil) production to prevent acne while clarifying and brightening skin tone — without overdrying.
• ACV makes a brilliant addition to a mask or toner because it contains acetic, lactic, citric, and malic acids to remove pore-clogging dead skin cells without irritating the natural lipid (moisture) barrier.

Apple Cider Vinegar Face Mask

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp baking soda
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Apply mixture using a face mask brush (clean hands work too!) in circular motions.

3. Allow to absorb for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

4. Enjoy your healthy, hydrated skin!

For more tips on getting your glow on, read: 7 tips for stunning skin in menopause.

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Simple, effective, non-toxic and affordable. What more could you want from a skincare product? How about being able to reach into your kitchen cupboard for the ingredients to make one right now?  Our best secrets for beautiful skin will not cost you an arm and a leg, and they include 3 easy recipes for a rejuvenating face mask, hand scrub and moisturizer.

1. Exfoliating oat mask for glowing skin

Oats are fantastic for your skin because they can:

• Stimulate collagen growth and inhibit free radical formation.
• Moisturize, revitalize and rejuvenate.
• Relieve irritation or redness.
• Repair the epidermal skin barrier.
• Act as a soap-free cleanser.

Your skin cells are constantly shedding to make way for new cells. But as you age, the dead cells don’t shed as often. This makes your skin look dull and more prone to wrinkles. You can still get down to the newer, younger skin cells by using an exfoliating oat mask 3-5 times a week. With younger skin cells regularly moving to the surface, your skin will be much more likely to glow. Here’s the recipe:

• Grind one tablespoon of oats to a fine powder with a clean coffee grinder.
• Mix in one tablespoon of yogurt and/or buttermilk (for lactic acid exfoliating benefits) or egg whites (for an instant tightening effect).
• Add honey for hydration (optional).
• Apply mask to face, avoiding eye area.
• Leave mask on for 10-20 minutes.
• Remove by rinsing with warm water. Gently pat dry.

2. Simple salt scrub for beautiful hands

This oil salt scrub works so well because the alkaline pH of the salt allows skin to soften — making it easier to slough off hardened, dead cells. Here’s the recipe:

• Mix a tablespoon of any kind of oil (I like olive, coconut oil or sesame oil) with a teaspoon of salt.
• Before bed, thoroughly rub the mixture over your hands for several minutes.
• Rinse hands thoroughly with warm water.
• Moisturize with a basic cream afterwards (the exfoliation will let your moisturizer work at an even deeper level of the skin).

3. Our favorite homemade moisturizer

Here’s the recipe:

• 1 cup unflavored coconut oil, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil or olive oil
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance, if desired

Use a hand mixer to beat together all ingredients until combined. Use as you would any lotion or moisturizer.

More beauty products you can make at home

If you only have a few minutes, try these great no-mix ideas:

• Gently rub half a lemon or lime on your face for a few minutes before rinsing. This can help brighten your facial skin and will eventually lighten dark sun spots. (Note this can sting a little and cause temporary redness.)
• Use plain yogurt as a face mask. The lactic acid, part of the alpha hydroxy family, can help with skin texture and hydration.
• Make toner from cider vinegar diluted with water.

Tips for acne-free skin

Many women who haven’t had a breakout since their teens or early twenties are surprised to suddenly find themselves fighting pimples again as they start perimenopause. Here are a few things to try:

• Try using a “physical” exfoliant (as opposed to a chemical exfoliant) 3-5 times a week. See our exfoliating mask recipe above.
• Calm red, inflamed acne spots by rubbing an ice cube over the area for a few minutes.
• Make a mask by mixing together powdered milk or dry clay and a few drops of tea tree oil (for antiseptic purposes) and some lavender (for calming). Use three times per week, leaving mask on for 10-20 minutes per session.

For pennies, you can keep your skin looking fresh and dewy no matter what your age.

For more easy and inexpensive tips for rejuvenating your skin, see our article 7 tips for stunning skin in menopause.

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1. How to get beautiful hands. An at-home oil salt scrub (recipe below) helps your hands as the alkaline pH of the salt allows skin to soften and makes it easier for hardened, dead cells to slough off. Exfoliating before using a moisturizer allows your moisturizer to work at an even deeper level of the skin.

Our oil salt scrub recipe: Mix a tablespoon of any kind of oil (we suggest olive oil, coconut oil or sesame oil) with a teaspoon of salt. Before you go to bed, thoroughly rub the mixture over your hands, rinse with warm water and then moisturize.

2. How to get glowing skin all over. Our existing skin cells are constantly shedding to make way for new cells. But as we age, the dead cells don’t shed as often, causing skin to look dull, cracked and more prone to wrinkles. To get down to the newer, younger skin cells, use a brush or pumice stone on your body (not face) a few times a week to work off the dead skin cells and increase nourishing blood circulation to your skin. With younger skin cells at the surface you’ll be much more likely to glow.

If you have darker skin, you may be challenged with “ashy” looking skin because dry, dead cells can be more obvious on darker skin. Exfoliation and moisturizing are especially important for this reason.

Our exfoliating mask recipe: Grind one tablespoon of oats to a fine powder with a coffee grinder. Mix with a tablespoon of yogurt and/or buttermilk (for lactic acid exfoliating benefits) or egg whites (for an instant tightening effect). You can also add honey for hydration. Leave mask on for 10-20 minutes and remove by rinsing with warm water.

3. How to get acne-free skin. Many women who haven’t had a breakout since their teens or early twenties are surprised to suddenly find themselves fighting breakouts as they start perimenopause. Here are a few things to try:

• Try using a physical exfoliant (as opposed to a chemical exfoliant) 3-5 times a week. See our exfoliating mask recipe above.
• Calm red inflamed acne by rubbing an ice cube over the area for a few minutes.
• Use a powdered milk or clay-based mask with added tea tree oil (for antiseptic purposes) and lavender (for calming) three times per week for 10-20 minutes per session.

Read our article “Seven tips for stunning skin in menopause” to learn more about keeping your skin looking its best, including tips for a skin-healthy diet and tips for the best moisturizer and other skincare products.

* Information presented here is not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent or treat any health concerns or condition, nor is it to serve as a substitute professional medical care.

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“Was that wrinkle there yesterday? And what the heck happened to my hair?” This is the moment of truth: you’ve just noticed age-related changes to your skin and hair — and even your fingernails.

From sagging skin and rough, dry patches on your face, to dull, thinning hair and unsightly, brittle fingernails, changes to your skin, hair and nails can kill your self-esteem and darken your outlook. You want to feel good about how you look. You don’t expect miracles, but you want to look your best at every age.

Becoming radiant, with smoother, skin, shinier hair and stronger fingernails isn’t as mysterious as we think. A handful of simple steps will bring noticeable results to all aspects of your appearance more quickly than you dreamed possible.

Let’s take the problems one at a time.

Skin

“You are your face. And when you hate your face,it’s a pretty short step to hating yourself.”

Gina Barreca, PhD
Writer and Humorist

Women glimpse their first real wrinkles as young as 30, but by age 40 nearly all of us see the signs of time on our faces. Even though skin changes unfold slowly, one day you suddenly notice them and it becomes urgent to do something about the skin on your face.

What causes your skin to change anyway? The biggest culprit is “the aging process” — a collection of factors that conspire to undermine the youthfulness of your skin.

• Your skin’s top layer, the epidermis, gets thinner and begins to let moisture seep out instead of holding it in.
• Cell production slows and skin doesn’t repair itself nearly as fast.
• You produce less collagen, the substance that plumps your facial tissues, so wrinkles and lines look even deeper.
• The fibers that make skin more “elastic” and resilient wear out, allowing it to wrinkle and sag.
• The skin makes less sebum, or oil, and sweat glands decrease, leaving skin dry, rough and flaky.

Preventing damage to the skin is best but you can’t go back and un-lie in the sun or un-smoke. You can make the most of what you have today, and protect it for tomorrow. Beware of stress and lack of sleep — both interfere with the all-important skin repair process. Plus fatigue makes under-eye circles appear even darker so you look older.

Perhaps the biggest factor is poor diet. If you don’t get proper nutrition every day — vitamins, fiber, phytochemicals, protein, and antioxidants to fight oxidative stress — your skin will be starved of all the raw materials it needs. Eat fruits and vegetables, fiber and especially foods and supplements with antioxidants to promote clearer, smoother and lovelier skin.

SKIN SOLUTION: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Seal in moisture and help seal out environmental effects with a good moisturizer. After every cleansing, moisturize your skin to hydrate and lock in dewiness. Look for a product with ingredients that smooth and soften skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and firm and plump the skin surface.

Favorite quick fix: Cut way back on sugar to limit inflammation. Sugar binds to protein and accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to dull skin and wrinkles. It’s okay to have one cookie, not an entire sleeve.

Hair

Most women worry about their hair — a lot. We spend ridiculous amounts of money and time coloring, cutting, styling and generally altering the hair we were born with. But just when you think you’ve conquered your hair and finally know how to make it look good, it changes.

Hair feels its age just like your skin: the texture is either too coarse or overly flyaway; it becomes lackluster and loses its shine; the hair shaft dries out; and worst of all, hair can thin drastically, and even fall out. Hair loss is simply one of the most upsetting and discouraging — but common — concerns for women at midlife.

Because of physical changes to our hair, we often have to learn how to style it all over again, and that leads to extra damage from hair dryers, flat irons, and torturous styling tools. Sun, wind and product overuse take their toll as well.

And let’s not forget going gray. If you hate your grays, see your hairstylist about blending them in using highlights. If you’re very gray, learn to love it — or go for all-over color. In general, salon color is far superior and more natural looking than at-home kits, though more expensive.

HAIR SOLUTION: Be nice to your follicles. Hair follicles love protein and hate inflammation, which can speed up hair loss and impair new growth. If you’re starving yourself, your hair will show it. Best protein choices for hair include eggs, beans, and poultry. You can fight hair-damaging inflammation by eating avocados, pomegranate, and herbs like turmeric, mint and rosemary.

Favorite quick fix: Eat oysters. Oysters are loaded with high levels of zinc, a super ingredient that speeds up the repair of damaged hair follicles. Since zinc deficiency is closely linked to hair loss do your hair a favor and enjoy a few oysters on the half shell today.

Fingernails

The look and condition of your nails can be a huge confidence boost — or not. Some women need to have pretty nails. Executives, healthcare specialists, office workers, retail salespeople and women whose hands are often on display all want fingernails that look professional and presentable.

What’s ruining your fingernails?

• Exposure to detergents
• Excessive use of polish remover
• Malnutrition
• Low thyroid function
• Underlying medical conditions
• Trauma
• Repeatedly wetting and drying

Unsightly, jagged or split fingernails can make you so self-conscious that you’re embarrassed to show them. Certain medical conditions, injuries and lifestyle all take their toll. Definitely wear thick rubber gloves when cleaning, and pull on warm gloves when it’s cold to protect your fingernails and the skin around them.

Nails can develop faulty structure and become brittle as they lose their flexibility and strength. They can break or chip easily, or split and peel right down to the quick — exposing the tender nail bed and causing pain, soreness, and sometimes even bleeding. Not pretty!

When your nails are weak, just the acts of opening doors and buttoning coats become potential nail-ripping activities. While super-long fingernails may not be your thing, you do want them to be neat, tidy and healthy.

NAIL SOLUTION: Give nails a breather from polish. Salon polish treatments, like gels and shellacs, prevent nails from absorbing moisture, making them even more brittle. Take a break every couple of months and consider supplementing with biotin and silicon. Though the studies are small, new research suggests that biotin can improve the condition of nails. Supplements with ingredients containing silicon, like horsetail, are thought to be good for nails too.

Favorite quick fix: Buff your nails. Gently buffing nails with a mildly abrasive four-sided block from the drugstore raises blood and lymph into the nail matrix — the tissue underneath the nail. It will also smooth out ridges and add shine.

How to be radiant — inside and out

One final tip for inviting radiance to your skin, hair and nails: leave enough time each day to get plenty of sleep. Your body’s repair-and-restore mechanisms only turn on while you are in the deepest levels of sleep. Being radiant is natural for all women, but only when we give the body what it needs — every day.

Your DO list:

• Add at least one antioxidant-rich food to each meal and snack.
  Best antioxidant foods include carrots and apricots and other yellow and orange fruits, along with vegetables, spinach, and blueberries. Try an orange for dessert — oranges are filled with hydrating water and vitamin C, which helps make all-important collagen. Skin also loves foods like beans and lentils, salmon and nuts.
• Choose radiance supporting supplements.
  Add in a supplement specifically formulated to target skin, hair and nails. One that contains alpha-lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q 10, milk thistle and vitamins A, C, and E — all well-known antioxidants. These nutrients will work their magic deep within your body, supporting better hair, skin and nails but also your overall wellness. Better health = more radiance.
• Promote improved circulation by getting exercise.
  Do everything and anything that promotes healthy circulation — that will make you look more radiant by increasing blood flow to your face, scalp and fingernail beds. Circulating blood takes oxygen and nutrients directly to your cells, while the same mechanism carries away waste products like free radicals.

Working from the inside out — it’s a cliché because it’s true! — is the only way to truly restore radiance. Good looking skin, hair and nails are all the visible signs that your body is healthy. What you eat and do every day can change how you look very quickly one way or the other — the choice is always yours.

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