As you approach this festive season filled with parties and family gatherings, keep these tips in mind to keep your skin glowing and healthy.

Consume high quality sources of protein. This includes fish and moderate amounts of seafood (salmon in particular is a very good choice because of its essential fatty acid content), lean fowl (turkey, chicken) and vegetable protein (legumes, tofu). Beware of any kind of processed meat, such as bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin.

Head toward the crudités and fresh fruit. Raw veggies and fruits contain enzymes necessary to prevent free radical damage. As well, look for foods containing garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, since these contain sulfur that helps keep skin smooth and youthful. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is for your eyes, and don’t limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes and peppers. Apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk contain alpha-hydroxy acids, that, internally, are responsible for keeping skin pH balanced.

Power-boost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and helps repair damaged skin cells. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets, drug and health food stores. Kelp is also an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water, and is found in several forms. Coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful free radical scavenger that has positive side effects like lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increases energy and fights weight gain.

Eliminate junk foods, soda, sugar and other empty calorie foods. This will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help reduce those extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (like those found in the supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, since these and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.

Jackielyn Turner is the owner of Beautiful Expression Skincare Studio in Downtown Melbourne, FL. For information and appointments call 321-728-3223.