It's the salt on those fries. Yes, it is salty foods and food high in iodides that are the culprit in making acne worse. Here's a list of foods typically high in iodides. We tell people to not go crazy around eliminating these foods, just be aware of eating too much of them. For example, we had a client who was almost clear. She came into our clinic all broken out and we couldn't imagine what was going on – I asked her if she was eating a lot of seafood or seaweed. She said, "why yes, I'm sprinkling kelp on my food every day." As you can see by the chart, kelp has the most iodide of any food. We got her off the kelp and her skin cleared again.

Iodide Contents in Food (parts per million of iodide)

Salt
Iodized Salt (1/4 tsp) – 100
Seasoned Salt – 40
Sun Evaporated Salt – 30
Uniodized Salt – 19

Meat/Poultry
Beef/Liver – 325
Turkey – 132

Seafood
Kelp – 1020
Cod (3 oz) – 87
Squid – 39
Crab – 33

Vegetables
Asparagus – 169
Broccoli – 90

Dairy
Cheddar Cheese Spread – 27
Milk – 11
Butter – 26http://www.visagebymarieclaire.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php
Mozzarella Cheese – 13

Miscellaneous
Tortilla Chips w/ salt – 80
Potato Chips w/ salt – 40

If you're a "soap and water" girl (or guy), you may want to rethink your cleansing strategy. One of the best beauty tips around is to use a pH balanced, and make sure it is sulfate-free. One of my  favorite cleanser is the green tea gel, it's pH balanced, great for any skin type, is packed with antioxidants, and SLS-free. Most bar soaps are alkaline at a pH of 9 and full of wax….no thanks.

2- Sunscreen… your best anti-aging weapon

While most of us know it reduces the risk of skin cancer, did you also know it's an amazing beauty secret that can help keep skin looking young? The reason, say experts, is that when sunscreen blocks out the sun's damaging rays, it also blocks their aging effects. The sun impacts collagen production in the skin, and without collagen, skin won't naturally maintain that plump, moist, youthful, wrinkle-free look.

Before you see the plastic surgeon, before you plunk down an entire paycheck on laser treatments, in fact, before you do anything, put on sunscreen. I always recommed a physical sunblock over a chemical sunscreen. If you are acne-prone ask me about which one I recommend.

3- Update your hair and make up every 2 years

Experts say that if you can't even remember the last time you changed your hair and makeup, it's way overdue.

Ideally, your image, including hair and makeup, should be updated at least every two years. If you walk into your high school reunion and hear a chorus of "you haven't changed a bit" RUN to the nearest beauty salon! haha (could also mean you have managed to keep the fine lines and wrinkles at bay =).

By keeping your look current, you also look younger and more modern. Nothing dates a woman more than outdated makeup, I know you've seen it….. harsh lip liners, and very matte dark lipsticks, heavy unblended eyeshadows ( I could go on and on). I will forgive the outdated hair because God knows I love some 70's big hair .

Have questions or comments? Just leave them in the "comment box" below…I love reading them :)

• 2 capsules of a good Probiotic
  (found at Wholefoods or any other health food stores)

• 4 Tablespoons of organic safflower oil 
  (Apart from benefiting the hair, there are also many safflower oil skin benefits. Safflower oil helps keep skin moisturized and supple. People are also recommended the use of safflower oil for acne treatment. Application of safflower oil on the skin helps in getting rid of other skin problems like scars, and wrinkles).