Category: Latest Articles

Crockpot BBQ Beef (Healthy and Whole30) – The Real Food Dietitians

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U.S. News & World Report Names Diet-to-Go #1 for Best Vegetarian Meal Delivery Service Overall

by Caitlin H,

Aug 21, 2023

Being a vegetarian can definitely mean eating healthier. In fact, studies show that vegetarians tend to eat less saturated fat and cholesterol and enjoy more nutrients, like dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamins C and E.

But trying to lose weight as a vegetarian can also be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to begin.

That’s where we come in. Diet-to-Go’s No. 1 rated Vegetarian Meal Plan has been helping people lose weight for over 30 years. Our dietitian-approved menu delivers restaurant-quality flavors and balanced potions of delicious, chef-crafted meals. And the best part? You just heat and eat.

Ready to learn more?

U.S. News & World Report Names Diet-to-Go #1 for Best Weight Loss Prepared Meals

by Caitlin H,

Aug 7, 2023

Diet-to-Go has been crafting balanced, nutritious, tasty meals that help people eat healthy and lose weight since 1991.

Along the way, we’ve adapted our menus to align with sound scientific research and healthy eating trends that purport actual results that ultimately lead to a long-lasting lifestyle change for our tens of thousands of customers across the U.S.

Want to learn more about healthy eating?

A Deep Dive into Intuitive Eating

by Caitlin H,

Jul 24, 2023

Remember when you were a small child, and you ate when you were hungry and stopped when you were full? Even if you faced challenges surrounding eating, such as temptations from sweets or rules about finishing everything on your plate, there truly was a time when your body told you what it wanted to eat and how much — and you listened.

That’s the core message of intuitive eating, a method that dates back to 1995 but has recently gained momentum in mainstream healthy living culture.

U.S. News & World Report Names Diet-to-Go #1 for Best Mediterranean Prepared Meals

by Caitlin H,

Jul 10, 2023

Here at Diet-to-Go, our team of nutritionists and chefs work tirelessly to ensure Mediterranean plan meals adhere to this diet’s cultural and nutritional guidelines. That means delivering high-quality, tasty meals packed with healthy fats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

It’s hard work, but it pays off. Diet-to-Go is thrilled to announce that U.S. News & World Report named us No. 1 for Prepared Meals on its 2023 “Best Mediterranean Diet Meal Delivery Services.”

Alternative Ways to Track Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jun 26, 2023

When you embark on a weight loss journey, you may find yourself focusing solely on one thing: the scale.

It’s easy to get hung up on that number and feel frustrated when it doesn’t budge, no matter how hard you try. While the pounds do play a part, they don’t tell the complete story, not by a long shot.

Let’s explore why scales don’t give the full picture and additional ways to track your progress for a more comprehensive understanding of just how far you’ve come.

Do You Really Need 10,000 Steps a Day?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 19, 2023

When you think about how many steps you need to take in a day to be healthy, what’s the number that immediately comes to mind? There’s a solid chance it’s 10,000.

That’s because 10,000 steps a day has become the fitness industry baseline for living a healthy lifestyle. After all, it’s the default setting for most pedometers and fitness trackers, and a simple internet search will yield thousands of articles on the topic.

But is that number, which generally equates to about 5 miles daily, really based on science?

Do You Struggle With Self-Confidence?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 12, 2023

Confidence is a powerful, sometimes obscure, sense of self-assurance that leads to believing in yourself, your judgments, your abilities, and your identity.

The more confident you are, the more quickly you’ll be able to tackle life’s challenges, achieve your goals and find positivity in your day-to-day life.

Thankfully, there are practical ways to boost your self-esteem and improve your overall confidence, which can go a heck of a long way toward improving your personal and professional life.

7 Reasons to Book a Wellness Retreat

by Caitlin H,

Jun 5, 2023

Imagine waking up feeling energized and fresh in a clean, luxurious hotel room before heading to a short yoga session with a stunning backdrop of distant mountains or a beautiful blue ocean and sandy beach. Then, consider how great it would feel to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal and spend the rest of your day getting a massage or spa treatment, exercising with a trained fitness instructor, or working with therapists to learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

Those are just a few of the extraordinary things you can expect when you take a wellness vacation, which are getaways designed to help you focus on your overall well-being.

Turn Your Daily Stroll Into a Walking Meditation

by Caitlin H,

May 29, 2023

One of the most accessible and perhaps enjoyable fitness activities to make a part of your daily routine is walking. That’s especially true during the late spring and summer months when the fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful scenery can elevate it to the next level.

And while those things may improve your fitness and well-being in and of themselves, what if there were a way to make them even more beneficial?

Enter…meditation.

12 Healthy Snacks Everyone Should Have On Hand

by Caitlin H,

May 22, 2023

Do you often find yourself eyeing the snack machine in the office or scanning the pantry at home between meals?

Constantly feeling hungry can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to weight loss, especially if you’re snacking on unhealthy foods like chips or candy bars all day.  Stocking your pantry or office desk with healthy snacks packed with filling nutrients like fiber and protein is essential.

We have 12 suggestions for filling, healthy, simple snacks that can break the hangry cycle and keep you satisfied and energized all day.

10 Tips to Break a Bad Habit for Good

by Caitlin H,

May 15, 2023

Many of us structure our lives around habits, such as getting up at 7 a.m., drinking a cup of morning coffee, or eating dinner at 6 p.m. These regular practices may be a critical part of ensuring your everyday life is consistent and manageable, and that’s a good thing.

But some habits—such as smoking, overeating, drinking, consuming too much caffeine, or scanning social media right before bed—can negatively impact your overall health and well-being.

There’s a good chance you can quickly identify your own bad habit (or habits). There’s an even better chance you are well aware of their harmful effects. So how do you go about breaking those bad habits? 

7 Brain Exercise Activities to Keep Your Mind Sharp

by Caitlin H,

May 8, 2023

Creating a healthy lifestyle is about many things. It’s about a consistent diet with balanced nutrition. It’s about staying active and exercising. It’s about ensuring your mental well-being. And it’s about keeping your brain active and engaged.

Need a little help keeping that mind sharp, engaged, and present in the moment?  Read on!

10 Signs Your Diet is a Dud

by Caitlin H,

May 1, 2023

If you’re like many of our customers, there’s a solid chance you have tried some weight loss plans in the past—and didn’t see the long-term results you desired.

Here’s the thing: The people who find lasting success do so by making it a lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try a diet. But it means you need to find a diet that works for you and allows you to incorporate healthy eating into your everyday life.

But how can you tell if that “diet” can become a lifestyle?

Delicious Recipes For Our Favorite Spring Fruits

by Caitlin H,

Apr 24, 2023

Spring is the most colorful time of year, and that’s especially true when it comes to spring fruits!

While you can find these fruits year-round in supermarkets, using seasonal produce tends to elicit the best-tasting results. You can also visit farmers’ markets to support local growers and get the freshest stuff available.

We love springtime and the colorful fruits that come with it. Now is the perfect time to try a new light, healthy snack or dessert that everyone will love!

Financial Analyst Loses 10 Pounds in One Month with Diet-to-Go

by Caitlin H,

Apr 17, 2023

Hailey’s 32nd birthday weekend in February was filled with the kinds of things most people like to do on their birthdays — dinner and drink outings, celebrations with friends, and enjoying time with her fiancé.

But after that weekend, Hailey stepped onto the scale and quickly realized she had gained 5 pounds over those few days alone.

Find out how Diet-to-Go helped Hailey lose 10 pounds in 30 days!

10 Fun Fitness Ideas to Make Exercise Enjoyable

by Caitlin H,

Apr 10, 2023

Exercising can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you go to a gym and see what looks like elite athletes pumping weights or pounding out mile after mile on the treadmill.

It’s okay. We get it. And you are certainly not alone. Thankfully, exercising can take place anywhere, anytime, and in all sorts of fun formats.

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated and How Much Water to Drink

by Caitlin H,

Apr 3, 2023

Water is an essential part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. In fact, studies show that hydrating often may slow the aging process and help you live longer. In addition to adding years to your life, there are also a host of other benefits of drinking water and staying well-hydrated.

So, how much water should you drink each day? 

Here’s the thing, it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. But, we can help you figure out what amount is right for you!

5 Weight Loss Tips That Fit Into Your Hectic Schedule

by Caitlin H,

Mar 27, 2023

Remember when it was just before the new year, and you were highly motivated to lose weight and get healthy?

Between balancing things like work, kids, social events, and everything in between, our hectic schedules often mean there’s not much time left for self-care or healthy habits, and that resolution might have fallen to the wayside.

But here’s the thing: Taking care of yourself ensures everything, and everyone else will get the best, most productive version of yourself.

How do you make taking care of yourself a priority again though?

7 Scientific Reasons You Should Try Meatless Monday

by Caitlin H,

Mar 20, 2023

Burgers, steak, lamb chops — red meat is a staple of the American diet.

While it may be unreasonable to cut it out of your diet completely, going vegetarian at least one day a week can go a long way toward improving your health. That’s why we outlined seven scientific reasons why you should try Meatless Monday and reap all the benefits of reducing your meat consumption.

Reverse Your Prediabetes With These 5 Tips

by Caitlin H,

Mar 13, 2023

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It could be considered a blessing in disguise. Knowing that you have it allows you to make new, healthier choices to reverse the condition and hopefully help you avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Beef and Lentil Stew (Moroccan-Spiced) – The Real Food Dietitians

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Conventional retinol has long been a mainstay of skin care, finding its place in topical formulas that target the visible signs of aging. Unfortunately for some, the benefits of conventional retinol come with plenty of uncomfortable side effects. If you’re interested in finding out more about conventional retinol, but looking to avoid the side effects, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our guide to conventional retinol in skin care and how to incorporate natural alternatives into your routine.

What Is Retinol?

Conventional retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, an antioxidant that is essential for healthy eyes and skin. Because the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own, it needs to be supplied by diet and/or applied topically to the skin. It is often added to skin care products because of its ability to promote skin cell turnover, build collagen, fight free radicals and target fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does Retinol Work?

In order for the skin to benefit from retinol, enzymes in the body must convert it to retinoic acid (also known as tretinoin), the active form of Vitamin A. Retinoic acid works on a cellular level to optimize several functions that improve skin’s health and vitality. Among these functions:

Speeds Up Skin Cell Turnover

Efficient cell turnover is necessary for skin growth and repair. When you are a child, your skin cells naturally turn over every two weeks. However, as early as your twenties, the turnover process starts to slow to every 28-35 days. By fifty, it takes as long as 45-90 days for dead skin to fully shed from your skin’s surface. As a result, skin becomes drier, thinner and more pigmented. Conventional retinol prompts surface cells to turn over more quickly, enabling your skin to grow healthy cells and shed dead layers more efficiently.

Stimulates Collagen And Elastin Production

Over time, your skin’s stores of collagen and elastin — proteins that provide necessary support and elasticity to the skin — begin to deplete. Suddenly, skin starts looking less dense, plump and smooth. As the production of collagen and elastin declines, the skin begins to loosen and sag, and fine lines and wrinkles set in. Retinoic acid not only stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, it also prevents their breakdown, helping your skin stay elastic (aka, able to bounce back).

Neutralizes Free Radicals 

Ninety percent of skin aging is caused by environmental factors like pollution, blue light and UV rays. These stressors expose skin to free radicals — highly reactive molecules that cause oxidative stress and damage healthy skin cells. Unchecked, this can degrade the skin’s structural integrity and lead to premature aging. Conventional retinol’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and reduce their reactivity, thereby improving your skin’s resilience. 

Retinol Benefits And Side Effects

Through these actions, conventional retinol provides the following benefits:

Removes dead skin cells
Clears congestion
Tightens pores
Smooths uneven skin texture
Minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
​Keeps skin firm and plump
​Fades the appearance of dark spots

However, regular use of conventional retinol can cause the following side effects:

Dryness
Peeling 
Redness
Itching
Irritation
UV sensitivity

Most dermatologists advise that you skip conventional retinol if you suffer from rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. It’s also a no-go for sensitive skin and super dry complexions.  

A Retinol Alternative

You can reap the benefits of conventional retinol (and skip its side effects) by opting for a natural, botanical-based alternative like bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It has been used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for hundreds of years, but has only recently been introduced to the modern skin care landscape.

A plant-based powerhouse, bakuchiol offers many of the same results as conventional retinol without the harsh side effects or concerns. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help restore firmness, refine skin texture and even out the look of skin tone in a gentle yet effective way. 

Benefits of Bakuchiol

Doesn’t Irritate

Peeling, redness and sensitivity are often associated with a topical retinoid. Bakuchiol is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive, and can be used day and night (conventional retinol should only come out after dark) because it doesn’t cause sun sensitivity, which is a major bonus.

Smooths The Look Of Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Clinical studies have demonstrated bakuchiol’s potential in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its ability to enhance cell turnover results in smoother and more even-looking skin by boosting elasticity and firmness. Incorporating bakuchiol into your skin care routine can help you achieve a youthful-looking and rejuvenated complexion. 

Improves Firmness And Elasticity

As skin ages, it’s common for elasticity and firmness to decrease. This loss of elasticity can be caused by a reduced production of natural oils, pollution, oxidative stress from sun exposure and gravity. Studies have shown that, much like conventional retinol, bakuchiol can improve firmness and elasticity in the skin. Bakuchiol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, giving you skin that looks firmer, plumper and tighter.

Evens Out Skin Tone 

Uneven skin tone can show up in a number of ways. Hyperpigmentation that shows up as blotchiness, dark spots or uneven texture can be caused by sun damage, melasma and acne scarring. Conventional retinol is often suggested as a way to fade the appearance of dark spots — though it can be a slow process and irritating to the skin. Bakuchiol can be a safer alternative to conventional retinol for people looking to even out their skin tone. It will help encourage cell turnover without causing irritation.

Suitable For All Skin Types

As mentioned, bakuchiol is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive skin or some combination, this is an ingredient that will almost certainly work for you. Like with all new ingredients, it makes sense to start out slow and see how your skin reacts, but it’s safe to say that chances are, your skin will love it and you will love the results!

How To Add Natural Retinol To Your Skin Care Routine

If you’re liking the sound of this plant-based retinol alternative, our new Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Collection might be exactly what your skin needs. We have created two new products that lean into the benefits of bakuchiol as well as another major skin care multitasker, niacinamide. A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide helps lock in hydration, minimizes large pores, improves the look of uneven skin tone, softens the appearance of fine lines and visibly brightens the skin. Like we said, a major multitasker. 

The new collection includes two products, a moisturizer and an SPF fluid that introduce a combination of ingredients designed to hydrate, replenish and protect your skin, while revealing a soft, smooth complexion. 

Our Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer will help restore your skin’s natural hydration and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This gel cream moisturizer is formulated with the combination of retinol alternative bakuchiol and niacinamide, plus hydrating panthenol. This trio helps to smooth wrinkles while visibly firming skin and minimizing the look of large pores and uneven texture with no visible irritation.

For daytime, we recommend adding the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid, an all mineral SPF that helps protect skin from the harsh effects of the sun while smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. With a hydrating, nourishing feel and dewy finish, this SPF keeps skin looking ageless while offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection for combination to dry skin.

Natural Retinol Alternative

Another way to enjoy the benefits of conventional retinol (and skip the side effects) is with products that contain our proprietary Natural Retinol Alternative. This formulation is derived from chicory root and tara tree extract, two natural compounds that help create a complex that mimics the effect of conventional retinol by appearing to lift and tighten the skin. If you’re looking to add another retinol-like ingredient to your skin care routine, our Natural Retinol Alternative improves skin firmness and elasticity while minimizing the visible signs of aging.

One of our favorite products with Natural Retinol Alternative, the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser, is infused with exotic monoi and finely ground olive seeds. This refining cleanser rejuvenates skin for lifted appearance. It also removes impurities and surface debris to encourage the appearance of smooth-looking skin.

You can also add a retinol-free treatment step to your skin care routine by using the Bamboo Firming Fluid. This silky concentrate, formulated with our Natural Retinol Alternative, smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles and tightens the skin. Bamboo and coconut are additional ingredients that tone and condition for a complexion that appears firm and ageless.

Eminence Organics customer and fan, Judy, says in her five-star review: “I’m absolutely in love with this product. The formula is incredibly lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft, supple and well-hydrated. I have noticed a significant improvement in the firmness and texture of my skin, especially around my eye area. Fine lines and wrinkles have become less noticeable, and my complexion looks brighter and more radiant.”

For best results, apply the Bamboo Firming Fluid after your favorite toner and before moisturizing your skin. Like all Eminence Organic Skin Care products, a little goes a long way! A thin layer is plenty to keep your skin soft, smooth and wrinkle-free.

Do you use conventional retinol in your skin care routine? Would you switch to natural and organic alternatives? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics spa to find out which products are right for you.

No overnight bean soaking needed with this easy Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup! This easy weeknight meal requires very little prep and comes together quickly in the Instant Pot with many ingredients you likely already have on hand like canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and spices.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup is hearty, comforting and completely satisfying. Requiring very little prep and coming together quickly in the Instant Pot, it makes a perfect weeknight meal with many ingredients you likely already have on hand. 

The Instant Pot makes this soup a game changer because you don’t need to soak the beans overnight! I don’t know about you but I always forget to soak beans ahead of time so this is a huge time-saver!

Beans are a great source of protein, iron, zinc and fiber, making this soup a delicious, cozy meal that will keep you full. They also tend to be widely available, inexpensive and have been found to help to improve gut health, disease conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and low-grade inflammation.

This soup can easily be made vegetarian / vegan by leaving out the ham and using vegetable broth! I would add some mushrooms or parmesan cheese for umami flavor and you may want more salt.

I love to serve this soup with a crusty artisan bread that soaks up all of the delicious flavor and provides a nice crunch with its crust. Top off each bowl with freshly cracked pepper, parmesan cheese, and some parsley and you are good to go! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

15 bean soup mix: any 1 lb bean soup mix will work. If your bean soup mix comes with a seasoning packet you can discard it – you’ll be adding in your own seasonings with this recipe

olive oil: used to coat the veggies for sautéing and it’s also a good source of dietary fat and antioxidants 

yellow onion: adds aromatic flavor to the soup

celery: essential aromatic veggie for soup along with carrots, onion and garlic

carrots: provides aromatic flavor and adds a subtle sweetness

garlic: packs in the flavor. You can substitute for garlic powder if you don’t have fresh on hand

diced tomatoes: provides some acidity, texture and liquid

oregano: gives a bright and bold flavor 

smoked paprika: adds a smoky, spicy, and subtle sweetness

chili powder: gives a boost of spice and heat

bay leaves: adds another layer of flavor to compliment the oregano and thyme 

thyme: adds an earthy, minty, lemony flavor 

ham shank: adds more protein and contributes to the soup’s smoky, salty flavor – can leave it out if making the soup vegetarian

chicken broth: can substitute with vegetable broth if you want to make the soup vegetarian 

water: provides more liquid for cooking

salt and pepper: enhance the flavor of the soup 

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

Instant Pot

How to Make Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup

Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot then add onion, celery and carrots and sauté until onions are translucent and celery softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
Add ingredients and spices. Add diced tomatoes, bean soup mix, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, bay leaves, dried thyme, ham shank, chicken broth, and water.
Cook. Set Instant Pot to high manual pressure cook for 40 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes then turn quick release valve to let out the rest of the pressure. Remove and shred ham hock then stir it back into soup. 
Serve. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with freshly cracked pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Expert Tips

Recipe FAQs

What’s in 15 bean soup?

A 15 bean soup mix typically includes 15 bean varieties such as, northern, pinto, large lima, yelloweye, garbanzo, baby lima, green split, kidney, cranberry, small white, pink, small red, yellow split, lentil, navy, white kidney, and black beans.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the ham shank and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. I would add some mushrooms or parmesan cheese for umami flavor and you may want more salt.

Do I need to soak the beans beforehand?

For this recipe, you do not need to soak the beans. Soaking beans before cooking is typically done to decrease cooking time but since we are using the Instant Pot this step isn’t necessary. I still like to rinse my beans though to make sure there are no stones or other debris. 

Storage and Preparation

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat on the stovetop, use a small saucepan and heat over medium-low until reaches desired temperature. To reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat for 1-3 minutes, depending on the microwave. 

Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipes That Pair Well

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Kale Salad with Pomegranate

Charred Asparagus Salad with Egg

Grilled Cauliflower Hummus Sandwich

Air Fryer Cauliflower

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

Instant Pot Asparagus Soup

Easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Slow Cooker Chipotle Corn Chowder

Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup

Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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 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.

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Easy Taco Soup Recipe (Instant Pot, Stovetop or Crockpot) – The Real Food Dietitians

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As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And when it comes to taking care of your skin, this advice is spot on. While there are many products designed to replenish skin and repair damage, it’s also true that the less damage there is, the less you’ll need to repair. So how do you prevent these signs of aging from happening in the first place? And can you reverse wrinkles once they’ve appeared? Read on to to find out.  

Protect Your Skin From The Sun | Cleanse Daily | Retinols And Retinol Alternatives | Hydrate | Don’t Forget The Eyes | Eat Well And Exercise

Protect Your Skin From The Sun Every Day 

Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging, period. From rough, uneven texture to blotchiness, sagging skin, dark patches and wrinkles, sun exposure in the form of UVA and UVB rays shows up on the skin and robs it of its glow. And since these pesky rays exist everywhere and year-round (yes, even on the cloudiest winter days), we are all susceptible to this type of damage. Lucky for us, there are products designed to help mitigate the fallout. 

Though often overlooked, SPF is literally the most important and effective anti-aging product out there. Thankfully, it is available in so many different forms these days, so there’s an option out there that’s suitable for any skin type or preference. Chemical and physical sunscreens can be found in creams, oils, fluids and powders — so there are zero excuses. A broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is a must, and reapplying throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors, is the best way to stay protected. Another way to keep the rays from wreaking havoc on your skin is to cover up with sun-protective clothing — like lightweight and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.

Take a look at our new Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. This lightweight yet nourishing formula glides on effortlessly for a dewy, hydrated finish. 

 

Bonus Tip: Apply self-tanner if you’re looking for a little color. Every tan is actually caused by sun damage and prematurely ages your skin. This is true whether you get your tan from the sun or an indoor tanning bed. Both emit harmful UV rays that accelerate the aging process. Oh, and your hands are not immune. If you’re into gel nails, the UV light used to cure the color is the same UV light you get in tanning beds. So slather on the SPF before you hit the nail salon. 

Cleanse Daily, But Gently

While removing your makeup, SPF, sweat and environmental pollutants like dirt, dust and smoke is essential, using too much pressure when scrubbing your skin clean can cause irritation. And skin irritation accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing is more than sufficient when looking to get rid of the dirt, sweat and grime. 

If a deeper clean is what you’re after, choose a cleanser with gentle physical and/or chemical exfoliants built in. They will give you that squeaky clean feel without harsh scrubbing. Plus, many exfoliants help reduce the signs of aging, so you’re getting major bang for your buck. Some of our favorite gentle-yet-effective options include our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser, Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser or a few sprinkles of the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant or Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant into any cleanser of your choice. Website reviewer, Penny, raves about our stone crop formula, calling it: “The best exfoliant I’ve ever used!”

And if a morning cleanse isn’t part of your ritual, it might be time to add that step. Cleansing the skin before applying your daytime products will help them absorb better and, shocker, work better!

Product Picks

Retinols And Retinol Alternatives

Retinoids are compounds that are derived from Vitamin A and are known for their ability to improve skin texture and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Conventional retinol (one form of retinoid) is a powerful but harsh ingredient that can help strengthen the protective function of the outermost layer of the skin, limit water loss and even protect collagen — a protein that offers structural support to the skin (aka holds it up to prevent sagging and wrinkles). It doesn’t happen overnight, but conventional retinol may ease fine lines and wrinkles and tackle other signs of aging. 

While retinols are a big deal in the skin care world, they’re not for everybody. All of the upside comes at a price, usually in the form of redness, irritation and peeling. Lucky for us, bakuchiol has entered the chat and is changing the game. Touted as an effective and natural alternative to conventional retinol, this plant-based powerhouse offers many of the same results as retinol, without the downsides. Extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant, bakuchiol is a gentle alternative that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help restore firmness, refine skin texture and even out skin tone in a gentle yet effective way. 

Hydrate, Hydrate And Hydrate Some More

Moisture is key when it comes to staving off lines and wrinkles. And, great news, there’s a multi-pronged approach to hydration that will literally benefit your skin from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water is super important to the health of your skin — it helps maintain that glowing look by providing elasticity and plumpness. Dehydration can lead to dry patches, which can leave skin looking dull. And if plain water is getting a little boring, lots of fruits and vegetables are super hydrating: Watermelon, cucumbers, peppers and apples are all high in water — and full of skin-friendly vitamins — so hit the produce aisles. 

Moisturizers are a no-brainer when it comes to hydration, yet they’re not always top of mind in our routines. Between serums, toners and SPF, sometimes the simple-yet-mighty moisturizer gets forgotten. An easy fix is a product that does double-duty, like the Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 40 or the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer. Adding this quick step to your routine will take seconds but could take years off the look of your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are hydration powerhouses.  

Don’t Forget The Eyes 

Another simple step that can help prevent the look of fine lines and wrinkles is the addition of an eye cream. The delicate skin under the eyes needs a little extra TLC, which is why a product designed specifically for the area can be the preemptive step you need in your life. Try the Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream or the Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream. As well as helping to prevent or slow down the formation of lines and wrinkles in the area, these two formulas incorporate ingredients that can reduce the look of puffiness and darkening, while helping to rejuvenate that thin skin.

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Eat Well, Drink Well And Exercise 

We touched on it earlier, but what you put inside your body plays a big role in how your skin looks on the outside. A well-balanced diet that includes vitamin and antioxidant-rich produce, minimal sugar, few simple carbs, lots of skin-friendly healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, salmon, nuts and seeds), plus clean protein sources like grass-fed beef, eggs and beans should make up the majority of your meals. Sugary drinks and alcohol can dehydrate the skin and make it look older than its years, as can processed foods (think anything that comes in a package or has a shelf life longer than your last relationship), so keep those to a minimum. But we don’t suggest cutting them all out altogether. Food and drinks, especially shared with friends, can bring a lot of joy — and that shows on your skin too. Just try to be mindful about indulging in moderation. 

Another important part of a healthy lifestyle that will help your overall glow is exercise. Even moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more youthful appearance. Plus, you can’t beat that natural glow and the flush to your cheeks that a good workout brings.

It’s never too early (or too late!) to start taking care of your skin and help slow the aging process. Adding products like moisturizers, sunscreen, exfoliants and peels, and leaning into ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid, can go a long way to help support the structure, strength and elasticity of your skin. Replacing processed foods with fresh, healthy options, drinking lots of water and limiting alcohol can all be part of the equation. 

Would you like some help coming up with a routine that will help you look and feel your best? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

Beef and Lentil Stew (Moroccan-Spiced) – The Real Food Dietitians