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The Best Plant Based Protein Powder (2024) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Probiotics vs. Prebiotics (And How They Support Gut Health)

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Tailoring Your Fitness to Your Age

by Caitlin H,

Feb 19, 2024

You know that exercise is essential, with countless studies showcasing how it can improve everything from heart health to immunity, skin vitality, and more. But if you’re getting on in life, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed any movement becomes a bit more difficult the older you get — whether you’ve ever been an avid exerciser or not.

The reality is that while you should always strive to make exercise an integral part of your life, it’s going to look different at various stages in your life — and that’s more than okay.

We’re here to help you figure out what type of exercise might be appropriate for you to try!

7 Lifestyle Tips to Lower Bad Cholesterol

by Caitlin H,

Feb 12, 2024

Cholesterol plays a vital role in your body, ensuring your body’s blood cells can replicate and you get essential vitamins.

But high cholesterol levels can have the opposite effect, increasing your risk of serious diseases that lead to strokes, heart attacks, and even death.

Wouldn’t you like to have a few easy lifestyle tips you can implement immediately to lower cholesterol levels and possibly add years to your life?

Satisfy Your Valentine’s Sweet Tooth with These Sweet Recipes

by Caitlin H,

Feb 5, 2024

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you plan on busting out the cooking skills for a quiet night in with your sweetheart, adding a delicious, light dessert at the end of the meal will show them you’re next-level. Or, perhaps you want your kiddos to take the dessert of the year to their Valentine’s Day class party.

Either way, you can’t go wrong with our list of eight healthier Valentine’s Day dessert recipes to satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth.

Recipe Roundup: 8 Scrumptious Salads for Every Season

by Caitlin H,

Jan 29, 2024

It’s a combination that goes back over a century: salads and healthy eating. Most healthy diets incorporate salads regularly, and most salads are part of a healthy diet.

And in case you’re among the many people who make the mistake of thinking salads get boring, think again. Salads are delicious year-round, as long as you are open to trying a bit of creativity!

Morning Exercise Provides a Host of Benefits

by Caitlin H,

Jan 22, 2024

Exercising at any time of day can go a long way toward boosting your physical and mental health. However, a recent study found that people who worked out in the morning, specifically between 7 and 9 a.m. tended to be thinner than those who exercised later in the day.

Could the time of day you fit in your fitness really make a difference?

Being Fit Earlier in Life Means Reduced Cancer Risk Later

by Caitlin H,

Jan 15, 2024

Life gets complicated as we age. Our time becomes more limited as the responsibilities pile up, we have kids, we focus on building our careers, you name it.

The more complicated it becomes, the more challenging it can be to fit in exercise and focus on taking care of our physical health. You may have prioritized fitness, working out at least four or five days a week in your younger years, only to have it fall by the wayside as you age. You know that science says fitness can prevent cancer and other diseases, but it feels nearly impossible to do it consistently.

If that rings true to you, there may be some good news.

The Science on Mindfulness and Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jan 8, 2024

You’re starting a weight loss journey. You’ve probably researched and read up on how to do it successfully. You’ve thought about the essential things you need to do to meet your goals.

One thing you may not have even considered is the importance of mindfulness. 

This journey is about more than just what you eat and how you exercise. Incorporating mindfulness can play a vital role in ensuring your success lasts for life

10 Weight Loss Affirmations to Keep You Going Strong

by Caitlin H,

Dec 18, 2023

When you start out on a journey to lose weight, it can feel daunting. You have to change your eating and drinking habits, get educated, set a timeline, and measure your success along the way. You may even incorporate fitness into the mix, which brings a whole new level of complication. But no matter how difficult the journey seems, it’s always worth it in the end.

Getting there is challenging, but one very effective way to keep going when the going gets tough is through positive affirmations.

Need a mantra to keep your mind motivated? Don’t worry, we have some ideas for you! 

Tips to Stay on Track While You Travel

by Caitlin H,

Dec 11, 2023

The busy holiday traveling season is right around the corner.

And, if you’re like the millions of Americans who plan on hopping on a plane and heading home for the holidays or on a vacation, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your weight loss goals.

It’s not impossible to stay committed to your healthy eating and fitness routine event when your bags are packed and you’re ready to go.

7 Realistic, Can-Do Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

by Caitlin H,

Dec 4, 2023

A quick Google search will yield all sorts of articles sharing all the ways you can stay healthy and keep your diet going strong during the holidays.

But how realistic are they?

The truth: not very — at least not if you want to enjoy your time with friends and family without severely restricting yourself (and possibly driving yourself mad).

With that in mind, we put together a list of seven realistic, can-do tips to enjoy the holiday season with as much healthfulness as possible — but not too much to make it miserable!

Top 2 Ways To Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

by Caitlin H,

Nov 27, 2023

If you are living with Type 2 diabetes, there’s a good chance you know how critical a healthy lifestyle is to manage the condition.

We’d like to talk about two highly effective methods of managing your Type 2 diabetes, and to share information on our award winning Balance Diabetes meal plan.

We’re here to help!

New Research Indicates How Cholesterol Types Impact Heart Disease Risk

by Caitlin H,

Nov 20, 2023

Cholesterol is one of the primary factors analyzed when researching heart disease — HDL (healthy) cholesterol to indicate protection, and LDL (lousy) cholesterol to indicate a higher risk. A recent review of previous studies shows that it’s actually more complex than knowing your numbers.

People who may be at risk for heart disease should ask their doctors for a blood test measuring for LDL and HDL cholesterol, non–HDL-cholesterol, and cholesterol particle size. By learning your cholesterol details, you can work with your doctor to create a plan to lower your chances of getting the disease.

But what else can you do to mitigate your risk of getting heart disease?

How “Skinny Dave” Lost 45 lbs with Diet-to-Go

by Caitlin H,

Nov 13, 2023

When 56-year-old healthcare administrator David Rockwell went to see his doctor for an annual checkup in May, he knew walking in that he might not get good news. Sure enough, his bloodwork showed he faced many health issues, including high cholesterol and blood sugar. His doctor immediately talked about prescribing him several medications.

David decided before he settled for a regiment of medications he told his doctor he was going to make a concerted effort to make a major lifestyle change.

Find out how Diet-to-Go helped him to shed those pounds and improve his quality of life.

Treadmill Fails That Are As Hilarious As They Are Alarming

by Caitlin H,

Nov 6, 2023

Ah, the treadmill — this stationary piece of equipment gives fitness enthusiasts the ability to walk or run anytime — rain, snow, or shine.

But let’s face it. The treadmill can be pretty damn boring. Add in that its functionality clearly baffles some people, and you have a recipe for some hilarious blunders.

You know you want to see our top 10 Treadmill Fails…

10 October Fruits & Veggies with Recipes to Match!

by Caitlin H,

Oct 30, 2023

People embrace October for all sorts of reasons — cooler temperatures, the stunning golden, brown, and red fall colors, the comfort of returning to a steady routine after the hustle and bustle of summer, and, of course, the seasonal produce!

Fall is the peak season for a wide range of fruits and vegetables — affording plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp deliciousness raw or as the star in healthy, scrumptious recipes for all meals.

We thought we would highlight 10 of our favorite fall fruits and veggies (5 fruits and 5 veggies) and throw in a few recipes for each one! Which one will you try to add to your shopping list this week?

5 Practical Steps to Keep Loneliness at Bay

by Caitlin H,

Oct 23, 2023

If you’ve ever felt lonely, you know how challenging navigating it can be. Many things cause loneliness, including some that you may not even realize are to blame. Reasons could include anything from life events to social media, your personality type to mental health challenges. And it’s important to note that it’s possible to feel lonely not only when you’re along, but when you’re surrounded by family and friends.

Loneliness is a very powerful emotion that can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical health, including your weight loss journey.

So what exactly can you do to combat loneliness?

Size 10 Again: Retired Teacher Drops Over 40 Pounds

by Caitlin H,

Oct 16, 2023

When Lara took her retirement trip to Kauai she loved it, but at 200 pounds she felt uncomfortable and was self-conscious.

“I was mad at myself for being so big during this special thing.”

That was one catalyst that pushed Lara to make a change. She had tried dieting in the past, but ultimately decided to try Diet-to-Go. And when 55-year-old Lara recently fit comfortably into a pair of size 10 pants she’d held onto for years, it was a powerful moment for her.

Examining the Link Between Stress and Weight Gain

by Caitlin H,

Oct 9, 2023

Traffic. Work. Groceries. Bills. Stress is a part of life — and most of us face it daily. Thankfully, we tend to be proficient in managing all those common day-to-day stressors.

But when stress gets overwhelming, it can make maintaining a healthy weight very challenging.

What exactly is the link between stress and weight gain?

Living with Type 2 Diabetes? Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

by Caitlin H,

Oct 2, 2023

Healthy eating plays a significant role in whether you may develop type 2 diabetes — and a recently published study confirms that.

According to the study, a considerable rise in people living with type 2 diabetes globally directly results from poor diet. The study demonstrates just how essential it is to improve the quality of your food. If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, changing your diet is critical to improving your health.

So, what should you be eating?

How Do the Most Popular Diets Rank for Heart Health?

by Caitlin H,

Sep 25, 2023

Skim any social media feed related to weight loss, and there’s a good chance you’ll see it chock full of everyone from fitness influencers to celebrities touting a diet that helped them shed pounds in record time. Here’s the thing: Many of those diets — such as very-low-fat and very-low-carb — may indeed help you lose weight, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for you.

What makes a diet heart healthy and where does Diet-to-Go stand in the rankings?

The coziest coffee drink! This lavender latte is made with espresso, your milk of choice, and sweetened with a quick and easy-to-make lavender simple syrup.

Why I Love This Recipe

Warm, grounding and oh so cozy, this latte is perfect for a slow morning or when you just need a peaceful moment to yourself.

I’m an avid tea drinker but I’m also a sucker for a mid-afternoon latte. I really do love the taste of coffee. Even more so, I love the haunting aroma of coffee. A latte around 2pm is just what I need to rally for the remainder of the workday. I also love a latte on a cozy weekend when I’m curled up with a good book!

Adding culinary dried lavender to your latte (or any recipe for that matter) tastes and smells amazing. And there’s something really cozy about recipes that call for lavender. Like this latte – SO. COZY.

You can make this recipe with regular milk or any non-dairy milk, depending on your preferences. Any milk you choose should provide that creamy, smooth texture we know and love from lattes when frothed. Although I personally love regular milk and oat milk the best!

Enjoy this cozy latte as we brave the last weeks of winter and start approaching spring! Floral flavors always make me think of springtime temps and blooms. Get excited! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

water: works with the sugar to create a simple syrup. 

sugar: second ingredient alongside water in making a simple syrup. 

dried lavender: the star of the show! You can purchase culinary grade lavender from major online retailers.

espresso: any espresso or strong coffee will work here. I used one Nespresso pod.

milk: your milk of choice! I personally love using regular milk or oat milk – especially the barista variety!

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission)

Small saucepan

How to Make a Lavender Latte

To make the lavender syrup:

In a small saucepan, bring water to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Add sugar and lavender and stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 25-30 minutes).
Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain syrup, discarding lavender buds. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

To make the latte:

Make the espresso and pour into a small mug.
Stir lavender syrup into espresso.
Steam the milk using an espresso machine or heat the milk then froth it using a milk frother or whisk.
Pour the milk into the espresso and top with a little foam. Optional: garnish with extra lavender buds. 

Expert Tips

I usually add 1 tablespoon of lavender syrup to the espresso when making this latte for myself, but feel free to adjust according to your sweetness taste preferences. 
This recipe yields 1 cup of the simple syrup. It is wonderful used in lavender flavored cocktails too!
It’s hard to find culinary grade lavender in the grocery store but most major online retailers (think Amazon, Walmart, etc.) sell it. 

Storage and Preparation

Lavender syrup can be stored in an airtight bottle or container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Recipes That Pair Well

Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

Veggie Egg Bites

Oat Flour Banana Bread

Almond Butter Protein Balls

Asparagus Leek Quiche

For more beverage inspiration, check out my other recipes below!

Pomegranate Smoothie

Refreshing Rhubarb Cocktail with Gin and Strawberries

Wild Blueberry Turmeric Zinger Smoothie

Blood Orange Gin Fizz

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

Don’t ever miss a recipe! Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter with a round-up of recipes from the previous month and get my FREE guide when you sign up: Rediscover the Joy in Eating: 5 Simple Steps to Stop Stressing Over Food + Enjoy Every Bite

This recipe was retested, reshot and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and most beautiful) dish! The original post was published March 2018.

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The Best Crispy Smashed Potatoes – The Real Food Dietitians

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by Caitlin H,

Feb 19, 2024

You know that exercise is essential, with countless studies showcasing how it can improve everything from heart health to immunity, skin vitality, and more. But if you’re getting on in life, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed any movement becomes a bit more difficult the older you get — whether you’ve ever been an avid exerciser or not.

For example, running a mile or two in your early 20s may seem challenging but not too terribly difficult. That’s quite a different story when you’re in your mid-to late-40s or beyond — when running a mile may take a good deal of training.

The reality is that while you should always strive to make exercise an integral part of your life, it’s going to look different at various stages in your life — and that’s more than okay.

We outlined a plan to create a fitness routine tailored to your age, plus some expert-recommended workouts, to make it as easy as possible to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
 

20s

Ah, your early 20s — you’ve got the youth, the energy, the ability to stay up all night and go to work the next day with no problem — it truly is a glorious time in terms of physical health.

Being young means you can go longer and harder when it comes to working out. With that in mind, aim for at least three 60-minute weekly cardio routines and two or three weight-lifting routines. Be sure to challenge your body by increasing your speed and resistance each time.
 

 

Running, cycling, Cross Fit, yoga
Weight training

 

30s

The later you get into your 30s, the more likely pulling an all-nighter or taking on a hard workout with no recovery time will be a no-go.

That’s why you may want to swap out some of the hardcore cardio days with resistance training, which can help combat things like osteoporosis and arthritis. If you’ve been going hard with steady-state cardio most days (i.e. running), it may be time to try out high-intensity interval training or lower-impact options a couple of times a week. This also may be a good time to hire a personal trainer to help you create a routine that works well for your personal life.
 

 

Circuit training, spinning
Presses, pulls, squats

 

40s

If you haven’t noticed changes in your body yet, you’ll likely start to as you progress throughout your 40s. Your metabolism naturally slows, and muscle mass starts to decrease, particularly if you haven’t done a lot of weight lifting previously. You should plan to do lower-impact cardio for 45 minutes or so at least five days a week, as well as focusing even more on resistance training and adding intensity to weight-lifting. You’ll also want to pay close attention to each area of your body to adapt your routine based on what needs more work.
 

 

Stair climbs, hiking, light jogging
Squats, pilates, weight-lifting

 

50s

If you’re in your 50s and haven’t yet, now is a more important time to incorporate fitness targeting bone and muscle, especially in your core, back, and shoulders. Strength training can increase bone density and help slow muscle depletion that comes with aging. You may also want to shorten your cardio sessions (and maybe do them more often) to give your body ample recovery time between each workout. Warming up, cooling down, and stretching become even more critical now, too.
 

 

Low-impact sports, walking, stationary bicycles
Curls and presses, planks, lunges

 

60s

All those years spent leaning over a keyboard or staring at a computer screen may start to show up in your 60s. Back pain and poor posture (the classic “hunch, for example) may be a problem. Thankfully, you can combat these two by doing exercises that work on your back and shoulder, as well as continuing with short bursts of cardio all week long. You may have to cut way back on aerobic exercise that puts extreme pressure on your joints (like running), but you can replace it with slower cardio that doesn’t stress your joints and muscles as much. Ultimately, be okay with doing lower-intensity workouts fewer times a week.
 

 

Walking, water aerobics/water jogging, low-impact sports
Pilates, low-weight/high-rep strength training
 

70s+

You deserve a serious round of applause if you’re still exercising regularly in your 70s. Energy may be harder to come by these days, but you’ll likely find that working out at least a few days a week improves your vitality drastically. Focus on exercise that improves mobility and strength to help you maintain your independence. Be sure to allow for a couple of days of recovery time between workouts.
 

 

Walking, water aerobics/water jogging
Low-weight/high-rep strength training

 

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best workout is one you keep going with, whether you’re 23 or 60. That means incorporating it into your schedule, prioritizing it like you would an important meeting or doctor appointment, and staying consistent.
 

 

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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager

Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

 

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe (With Oven Option) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Looking for skin care tips and tricks from an esthetician? We’re excited to chat with Eminence Organics’ Lead Skin Care Trainer, Natalie Pergar, and tap into her expertise, including the most effective skin care strategies and personal product favorites. Dive into Natalie’s wealth of tips, covering everything from refrigerating your eye cream to multi-functional skin care products. Watch the full video below, or read along for her top tips.  

1. Evaluate Your Time Investment 

Evaluate how much time you can dedicate to your routine, as this will dictate the types of skin care products and treatments you can realistically incorporate into your day. It’s all about finding a balanced approach that’s neither too overwhelming nor unsustainable. Gradually building your routine enhances your lifestyle without causing undue strain on your skin or your schedule. 

2. Gradually Add Products Over Time

Starting with a few key products, such as a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, can prevent overwhelming your skin all at once. This approach lets your skin gradually become accustomed to new products, minimizing the risk of irritation. As you grow more familiar with how your skin reacts, you can carefully add more products. Progressing step by step ensures your routine is both effective and enjoyable and it simplifies identifying any product that might cause a problem.

3. Maintain Product Hygiene For Clearer Skin

To keep your skin healthy and clear, it’s important to prevent contamination when using your skin care products. Instead of using your fingers, which can spread bacteria, opt for a clean spoon or spatula to apply your products. This practice helps keep your products pure. Remember to clean these application tools thoroughly after each use. Washing them with soap and water, or sterilizing them with an alcohol wipe, will ensure that they remain hygienic for every use.

4.  Pop Products In The Fridge

Natalie likes to keep her products cool by popping them in the refrigerator so that they feel cool on her skin. This method can be especially beneficial for products like eye creams or certain serums, providing an additional soothing effect upon application. You may want to do this if you want your eye cream, for example, to feel more refreshing on your delicate eye skin. 

5. Store Your Products In A Cool, Dry Location

To ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your skin care products, it’s best to store them in a cool and dry place. This is particularly important for products containing active ingredients, as heat and moisture can affect their potency.

6. Embrace Multi-functional Skin Care Products

Consider using skin care products that serve more than one purpose, like a cleanser that also offers exfoliation. This approach not only streamlines your routine but also saves you time. 

7. Trying Micro-Masking For Efficiency

If you’re finding it hard to commit time to regular masking, try “micro-masking” sessions. These are brief, about three to five minutes each and you can do one to three of them to meet your skin care objectives. Micro-masking is a time-efficient method that fits easily into a busy schedule, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of masking without it being too time-consuming.

8. Morning Mask Routine

Natalie suggests that applying masks in the morning maximizes their benefits, as they prepare and protect your skin for the day. Morning masks are great for addressing specific issues like puffiness or a lackluster complexion, providing a quick fix for a more refreshed and vibrant look. A favorite of Natalie’s is the Turmeric Energizing Treatment as it’s designed to rejuvenate the skin with an exfoliating and stimulating effect. Ingredients such as turmeric and paprika help to revitalize the skin’s appearance, giving it a soft, radiant glow. Additionally, kaolin clay in the mask acts gently to cleanse and remove the look of impurities.

9. The Ideal Water Temperatures for Skin Care

Begin your facial cleansing with tepid water to gently wash away products. Finish off with a splash of cool water. Tepid water is mild and effectively cleanses without stripping away essential oils. It’s important to avoid extreme water temperatures, as they can be harsh on your skin. For example, using hot water can lead to dryness and irritation and can worsen conditions like acne or eczema by removing natural oils. Tepid water offers a balanced approach, maintaining the skin’s health without causing stress to the skin barrier.

10. Choosing the Right Facial Oil

When adding facial oils to your skin care routine, opt for ones that suit all skin types. High-quality facial oils are concentrated and powerful, so a small amount goes a long way. Usually, just a few drops are enough for your entire face. Natalie suggests starting with the Facial Recovery Oil as it’s high quality and crafted from organic and Biodynamic® ingredients. This oil features age-defying clary sage, balancing ylang-ylang and nourishing olive and sesame oils, making it a versatile choice for various skin types.

11. Prioritizing Nighttime Skin Care

In addition to your daytime skin care products, it’s crucial to select a product that nurtures your skin throughout the night. During sleep, your skin naturally repairs and rejuvenates itself. Nighttime skin care products, such as Natalie’s recommended Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream, are specially designed to support this overnight recovery process by helping hydrate during the skin’s repair cycle. They address overnight moisture loss, aiding the skin in retaining hydration and recovering from the day’s environmental stressors. Incorporating such a product into your nightly routine can significantly enhance your skin’s health and appearance.

12. Extend Care To Neck & Décolleté

Remember to include your neck and décolleté when applying products, like SPF. These often neglected areas are just as exposed to harmful environmental factors like UV rays and pollution, as your face is. The skin in these regions tends to have fewer oil glands compared to the face, which can lead to increased dryness, sagging and the earlier appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just as caring for often overlooked areas like the neck and décolleté is crucial, selecting the right skin care products can make all the difference in your routine. Let’s dive into Natalie’s top picks for esthetician-approved skin care products that can help you achieve amazing results.

Natalie’s Must-Have Esthetician Skin Care Products

Are you ready to incorporate these tips and tricks? Visit your local Eminence Organics Spa to get a personalized skin care consultation for your skin type.

The Best Whey Protein Powder (Dietitian Approved and Tested 2024) – The Real Food Dietitians

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These days, we are becoming more aware of skin care ingredients and what they can do for our complexions. Whether it’s via social media, beauty blogs or our estheticians, information about skin care products is all around us. And with more exposure to the ingredients and their benefits for the skin, plus tutorials at our fingertips, there’s no end to the different recipes we can tweak to make our skin care work at its most optimal level. Read on to learn about the concept of skin care cocktailing and how it can shake up your routine.

What Is Skin Care Cocktailing? | How To Mix An Effective Cocktail | Cocktailing Step-By-Step | Combinations To Try | Mixing Masks | Combinations To Avoid 

What Is Skin Care Cocktailing? 

A multi-step skin care regimen is no longer thought of as high maintenance, it’s just kind of the norm these days. After all, if one effective product is good for your skin, then two or three (or more) must be better. While that is not always the case, there are a lot of ingredients that can be mixed and matched to complement each other and supercharge the effects beyond what they can achieve individually. Skin care cocktailing is a process of combining or layering products within your skin care regimen to enhance the efficacy, absorption, results (or all of the above) for healthy and glowing skin. The process is easy and customizable based on your needs.

Some ingredients bring out the best in each other and amp up their results, taking your skin care to the next level. These combinations can create an optimal skin care routine tailored to your specific needs, but cracking the code takes some work. More is not always more when it comes to ingredients, and layering too many can disturb the actives, cause irritation and defeat the whole purpose of the practice. But, in the same way a good bartender can mix up an amazing drink, the right skin care cocktail recipe can be a magical combination. 

How To Mix Yourself An Effective Skin Care Cocktail  

The key to a cocktail that works for your specific skin is to really hone in on what you’re trying to achieve. Whether you’re looking to create a brighter-looking complexion, clearer and more balanced skin or a smooth and hydrated glow, knowing your end game and working backwards is the most effective way to curate your mixology.

A skin care cocktail routine requires some knowledge on how to layer actives. It’s important to both understand which ingredients work well together and in what order they should be applied. The rule of thumb is to apply based on texture. Lightest products first and thickest last. Toner, serum, oil, moisturizer and SPF for day. 

The timing of the application is also important. Give each product enough time to soak in and dry on the skin before you apply the next one. About five minutes is a good window. A clue that you layered something on too soon could show up as pilling or separating of the product on the skin. Again, while the term “cocktailing” might conjure up the image of one big martini shaker full of different ingredients, this is more about ingredient layering rather than mixing. 

Skin Care Cocktailing Step-By-Step

Follow these easy rules to get the most out of this skin care strategy.

Step 1

Cleanse your face to make sure you are starting with fresh, clean skin. Based on your goals, you can choose a cleanser that aligns with the results you’re trying to achieve. In other words, rather than just cleansing the skin to create a nice, neutral canvas, amp things up by using a cleanser that addresses your issues, from dark spots to fine lines. 

A good tip is to find a product that complements your skin type and addresses any concerns you are struggling with. If your goal is a cocktail that will help with problem or acne-prone skin, our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is a good place to start. It’s both cooling and balancing and reduces the visible signs of problem skin and breakouts. Or try the Acne Advanced Cleansing Foam which effectively prevents acne breakouts and clears blocked pores. 

Follow the cleanse with an exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells and other debris on the surface of the skin that could get in the way of product absorption. An exfoliating cleanser like the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser or the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser will save time by doing double duty. Both will cleanse and exfoliate in one step, priming your skin to drink in the rest of the cocktail. 

Step 2 

Applying a toner and an essence can help enhance the results of your cocktailing routine. A toner completes the cleansing process by getting rid of any residue that may be left on the face. A toner can also address skin concerns, from acne to aging, and can balance out pH levels of the skin. Follow that with an essence that preps the face for the next steps in the routine, while also maximizing hydration, plumping and protecting. Skin is known to better absorb actives when it is slightly damp, so a spritz or swipe of a hydrating essence can prepare the skin to receive the next ingredients in the cocktail routine.

Our Pineapple Refining Tonique is designed to brighten, hydrate and exfoliate with gentle enzymes and acids. If you’re looking to purify the skin and improve barrier function, the Birch Water Purifying Essence is a great option.

Step 3

This is where the true cocktailing begins. As mentioned, some products work well in tandem to enhance the results of each on their own. Two ingredients that play well together are salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that provides protection against acne breakouts and encourages exfoliation and the unclogging of pores. And hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator, meaning it will nourish and moisturize dry skin. Applying the two back-to-back will allow the salicylic acid to do its job of absorbing excess oil, while the hyaluronic acid mitigates any dryness by pumping moisture back into the skin. Our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum does the mixing for you by combining hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid from strawberries for just the right balance.

Niacinamide is another ingredient that our Product Support Team loves because it can be combined with almost anything. Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide visibly reduces pore size, retains hydration, supports the skin barrier and smooths uneven texture. It is commonly combined with ingredients like antioxidants (Vitamin C), glycolic acids, conventional retinol and bakuchiol. Combining Vitamin C and niacinamide can yield hydration, brightening and skin smoothing benefits. And the combo of niacinamide and bakuchiol found in our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer smooths the look of wrinkles, visibly firms skin, minimizes the appearance of large pores and uneven texture with no visible irritation.

If you’re looking for more pairings that target a specific issue, we’ve got you covered. 

Dehydrated Skin

Combining Birch Water Purifying Essence & Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum unites birch water, reishi mushrooms, Botanical Collagen and Botanical Hyaluronic Acid to restore hydration to the skin. Looking for more combos? You can also blend the following ingredients to combat dehydration: Glycerin, ceramides, jojoba oil, PHAs, AHAs and linoleic acid.

Blemish-prone Skin

The dynamic duo of Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum & Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator is a great combination for lightweight, clarifying moisture. Ingredients to look for: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, salicylic acid

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum & Bamboo Firming Fluid. Layer SPF over top during the day to further fight the signs of aging. Ingredients to look for: Natural Retinol Alternative and Vitamin C

Happy customer, Julie, has tried this combo and said in a review on our website: “I mix the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum with Bamboo Firming Fluid and have seen amazing results in the clarity of my skin, the even skin tone and the smooth feel. My Eminence consultant gave me the idea to make a product ‘cocktail’ with this ingredient. Give it a try! You’ll be happy you did!” 

Mixing Masks

If you like the idea of layering or mixing ingredients to personalize your results but don’t want to commit to an entire routine, double masking might be a good option. The right mask can deliver a shot of nutrition, plus all sorts of benefits — from hydrating to brightening the look of dark spots, absorbing excess oil and minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And because they are designed to deliver higher concentrations of ingredients, masks can give your skin an instant boost, making them an easy and convenient addition to your at-home routine. If one mask is good, can doubling (or tripling) down be even better? The answer is yes! Find out more about double masking here. 

Combinations To Avoid

In the same way that some products enhance others, there are ingredient pairings to steer clear of. Avoid using too many chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids in your routine. These can lead to over-exfoliation of your skin and potentially damage your skin barrier. The same goes for conventional retinol since too much can cause irritation, especially on skin that has already been exposed to acids. 

SPF is a non-negotiable in any daytime routine but it is important to note that it should never be mixed with other products. Instead, it should be the last layer applied to the skin before makeup. Mixing SPF with another product can dilute the efficacy of the sunscreen, which can both defeat the purpose of using SPF and potentially cause serious sun damage. However. while we don’t recommend ever mixing your SPF with anything, if the ingredients come mixed with SPF in their formulations (like the bakuchiol and niacinamide in our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid or Vitamin C from passion fruit in our Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer) you’re all good and the skin will benefit from a treatment built right in. 

Of course, SPF should be worn daily to protect your skin, but it’s crucial to apply it the day after using retinol and acids. One more great cocktailing tip for maximum protection is layering Vitamin C alongside your SPF in the morning to protect your skin from environmental stressors. What that looks like is three to four drops of the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum on cleansed skin before applying SPF. 

Are you interested in building a skin care cocktailing routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner for advice about which ingredients you can combine to achieve the results you’re looking for!