Ask Charlotte: What Are The Easiest Changes I Can Make for Better Skin?

Ever wonder what the easiest changes are that you can make right now for amazing skin? You're definitely not alone. A reader asked us how to get better skin with small but significant changes. And we asked Dr. Whitney Bowe for her best tips. In her new book The Beauty of Dirty Skin, Dr. Bowe delves into diet, the microbiome, and how it all ties together to make your skin glow (or not, if you're not taking care of the rest). And while it's totally doable, we get it if you're not ready to make the commitment just yet. Here are some ways you can jumpstart your journey.

Q—CHARLOTTE’S BOOK READER

What are the easiest changes I can make right now for better skin?

A—DR. WHITNEY BOWE, DERMATOLOGIST

Swap whey-based protein for plant-based options.

Your protein bar or shake might be the source of your acne! Whey-based protein supplements (powders, bars) have been strongly linked to severe acne. I encourage my patients to make the switch to plant-based protein supplements.

Swap skim milk for almond or coconut milk.

Skim milk contains high levels of two proteins: whey and casein. They are used to make the milk taste less watery. Whey increases insulin levels while casein promotes the release of IGF-1, which is an insulin-like hormone. If you drink too much of them, it can lead to skin disorders such as acne. Alternative milks such as almond and coconut milk are naturally rich in minerals and Vitamin E, which will help your health and your skin.

Let go of squeaky clean!

You want to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin tight and squeaky clean. If you overcleanse using harsh ingredients, your skin actually pumps out more oil, which is the opposite of what we want. One of my favorites is La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, which is a soothing creamy cleanser made with La Roche-Posay’s Prebiotic Thermal Water. It’s free of soap, sulfates, oils, fragrance, parabens, and it's non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). It leaves my skin feeling gently cleansed while keeping my skin’s natural invisible barrier healthy. The cleanser also contains glycerin, which keeps my skin hydrated. I also love that this product is so affordable and accessible. You can buy it right at CVS for under $15! We want to protect our skin’s good, healthy bugs so that they can help keep our skin healthy!

Include lots of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet.

Antioxidants are absolutely essential when it comes to radiant, healthy skin. They pack a powerful punch to fight free radicals.

Try these changes (and more) for 21 days.

These are just a few of the changes I suggest for immediate changes in your skin. I promise my 21-day plan for better skin and gut health is extremely workable and realistic!  

Read This Next

Here's what dirty skin is and why it's good for you. Plus, read more about the connection between your gut health, stress, and skin.

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