emma sumrell

By: Emma Sumrell

hi, me again! today we are going to be diving into the precarious world of how skin care and diet collide. aka how to achieve flawless skin while still enjoying ALL of the food. this journey can be filled with dietary & skincare mishaps and the occasional existential crisis but i can assure you it is worth it. so grab a handful of cheez-its (or kale, if you’re feeling virtuous) and let’s dive in!

fast food: grease is NOT the word. nothing screams skincare disaster like a greasy cheeseburger and french fries. i can literally feel my pores plotting their revenge as soon as i even think the words. with that being said, i encourage you to embrace the term “home-cooked meals”. throughout the past two years of my weight-loss/lifestyle change journey, i have discovered various ways to create my favorite restaurant inspired meals at home. yes, this does include burgers & fries (sponsor me Ore-Ida). but in all seriousness, you’d be surprised how oils in general (specifically high-fat oils) have a negative impact on skin health. do you ever feel really puffy after a late night binge of pizza, grilled cheese & cheeseburgers? it’s always been crazy to me to think that certain foods can result in such adverse reactions. of course, everyone is different. i’m merely speaking on my own personal experiences. BUT if you are someone that experiences a negative reaction to certain foods (specifically high-sugar, high-fat, greasy foods) then i recommend some small changes to help ensure you wake up with a glowing complexion. i know i sound like a broken record at this point but i truly cannot say enough good things about an air fryer. it gives you that same flavor without all of the harsh chemicals & oils. this is a tried and true favorite : (Dash Air Fryer).

and please don’t forget to drink lots of WATER. it is the elixir of life and the bane of my existence but damn, it works. invest in some home-cooked meals, switch to grilled chicken instead of fried, and drink more water and notice the changes.

i’ve been pairing my kitchen inspired glow up with a consistent skin care routine. this can be daunting, but you can start small, like remembering to wash your face after a night out (took me a while to achieve this one). i also recommend investing in a good retinol serum (again, everyone reacts differently to this so make sure to consult with your doctor/esthetician before using). this is the one i use and it doesn’t have to break the bank to be a good product (Good Molecules Retinol ). lastly, MOISTURIZE (CeraVe Moisturizer ). if there’s anything you take away from this please let it be water & moisturizer, we’re not auditioning for the role of the Crypt Keeper here.

and that’s all for now, folks. until next time, stay fabulous, stay hydrated and never underestimate the power of a home-cooked meal and a great skin care routine.