6 Underrated Beauty Secrets Dermatologists Swear By That Every Girl Should Try
While we can spend money on expensive creams and beauty products, dermatologists say the key to a glowing complexion actually comes down to just a few basic habits.
By 
Koty Neelis
We all know the common advice beauty experts give like always wear sunscreen and drink more water, but aside from the essential habits of skin care there are tons of other ways to improve our skin and look even better. While we can spend money on expensive creams and beauty products, dermatologists say the key to a glowing complexion actually comes down to just a few basic habits. Here are the underrated beauty secrets they swear by.
1. Replacing processed food with greens and lean proteins.
Dr. Lancer, Hollywood dermatologist and creator of The Lancer Method, says so much of what you eat can affect the way your skin looks and how you age. When he changed his own diet he saw noticeable results.
“In 2013, I lost nearly 60 pounds by making small changes to what I ate — largely cutting out breads, pasta, sugars and any processed food and adding in lots of lean protein, greens and healthy fats. The improvement in my complexion and energy levels was astounding. Fresh greens like arugula, kale and collards oxygenate the body and skin unlike any topical you can apply. Protein provides skin cells with the building blocks they require to turn over effectively and maintain hydration. My rosacea went away, my under eye circles and puffiness faded. It was quite something,” he said.
2. Having sun-kissed skin.
Ranella Hirsch, MD, a dermatologist in Cambridge, MA, says having “a little tint takes years off your face by evening out your skin tone.”
She suggests picking a lotion that doubles as a low self-tanner like Olay’s Complete Touch of Sun Daily UV Moisturizer + A Touch of Sunless Tanner, one of her favorite drug store buys.
3. Nurturing your skin during your daily cleansing routine.
If you wash your face every day you might think that’s enough but dermatologist Jennifer Kramer, founder of Corrective Skincare, says you must spend more time caring for your skin in your daily routine.
“Wash your face like you mean it. Sounds simple enough, but too often people are in a rush and don’t take the time to ‘baby’ their skin. Imagine washing a pan full of grease. If you don’t take your time and wash it thoroughly, the grease and oil will still be left in the spots you didn’t pay attention to.”
4. Improving circulation with yoga poses.
DC-area dermatologist Hema Sundaram recommends yoga to help achieve great skin because it improves circulation and reduces inflammation, especially with poses like Downward-Facing Dog and Child’s Pose. “The boost of oxygen is what gives skin that lovely yoga glow.”
5. Finding ways to remind yourself to stick to your beauty regimen.
NYC derm, Francesca Fusco, says she had a difficult time sticking to her anti-aging regimen at bedtime, so she decided to keep her products next to the night stand.
“So if I’ve forgotten—or was just too tired to apply products at the sink—I can do it easily while in bed.” Her favorites are: Renova (an Rx retinoid), EpiCeram (an ultra-hydrating Rx moisturizer), SCO lip balm, Earth to Skin Care Cracked Heel Renewal, Creative Nail Design Solar oil (to soften cuticles), and Listerine White Strips.
6. Adding almonds to your meal.
Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, swears by adding almonds to her breakfast.
“They contain essential fatty acids, which help put the brakes on inflammation that accelerates fine lines, sagging, and blotchiness.” If you don’t like almonds, you can find the same results by eating salmon or tuna. 
