It happens to everyone. You wake up feeling like a Disney princess, greeting your cat (Top of the morning, Mr. Whiskers!) as you put on the coffee. Then you float over to the bathroom in your pretty nightgown and OMG, WHAT THE HELL IS ON MY FACE?! A pimple? A flare-up? Whatever the case, the Disney montage comes to a screeching halt and the whole day takes on a sucky tinge.

In the January spirit of self-improvement, we thought wed do something about it. We turned to pros for tips on preventing the bad surprises and upping our overall glow through lifestyle habits and derm-approved prods. Now thats what we call a fairy-tale ending.

Look inward first: Naturopathic doctor Dr. Erica Arcuri believes in taking an inside-out approach to skin. When patients come into her wellBYND clinic with complexion qualms, she begins by looking at their overall health. First and foremost, we need to consider things like food sensitivities and gut health, she explains. If your body constantly feels like its under attack, whether its from a food sensitivity or microbial overgrowth, then youre in a perpetual state of inflammation and its bound to show up on your skin. Arcuri also recommends checking for hormone imbalances, like period irregularities or thyroid issues, as these can cause breakouts and aggravate inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Eat smart: In population-wide studies looking into foods that trigger acne, the only thing thats really come out is skim milk, says Toronto dermatologist Dr. Kristy Bailey, citing its higher hormone content. That being said, I always tell my patients on an individual level, If you eat a chocolate bar and you get a pimple the next day or your rosacea flares up, avoid that. Other triggers for rosacea include alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine, she says. On the flip side, some foods can improve skin health, says Arcuri. She recommends leafy greens and foods high in fibre, like flax seeds, to regularize bowel movements. Eliminating properly is key, she says. Foods packed with omega 3, like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds, can also help keep skin clear and supple. And then of course, theres all-important water. Stay hydrated, people!

Get your beauty sleep: Sleep is when our body restores every process, says Arcuri. That means failing to catch enough Zs or reach a deep stage of sleep can actually lead to premature aging. To make it easier to drift off to dreamland, Arcuri recommends putting away phones and computers at least 30 minutes before bed. Blue light can really mess with our circadian rhythm, she explains. Taking magnesium, a muscle relaxant, can also help put you in a relaxed state, as can sprinkling Epsom salt (also magnesium) in your bath. Consider the way you sleep, too, says Bailey. Ideally, you dont sleep on your face, because over time the side you sleep on will deflate and youll look more aged on that side, she says. Silk pillowcases can help a little bit because youre not getting the creases from the pillowcase and theyre softer on the skin. She recommends washing your pillowcase at least once a week to get rid of any makeup, dirt or dust mites.

Chill out: The body is not a fan of stress, and it often comes out in the skin and hair, says Bailey. I see it all the time in patients who are experiencing stressful events, whether theyre going through a divorce or are stressed at work. Thats because cortisol, the stress hormone, puts us in a state of fight or flight, and when were in that state too often, inflammation creeps up. You might not notice it right away, but down the line, you can start having a bunch of issues, from headaches and chronic pain to eczema and premature aging, says Arcuri. To tune out the mental chatter, she suggests trying meditation or journaling. Some forms of exercise can also help, but cardio and strength-based training can actually make cortisol levels spike. So if youre using exercise as a way to unwind, choose something more restorative, like yoga, says Arcuri.

Rev up your regimen: Now that weve tackled the lifestyle portion, its time to talk topical. For Bailey, its all about banking on the right products. There are only three that have really good research behind them in terms of anti-aging, she says. The first is broad-spectrum sunscreen, which studies show can make you look 25 per cent younger. As youre meant to reapply it every two hours, Bailey likes touching up with a powder formula throughout the day. The second thing we should all be using is vitamin C, she says. Its been found to brighten skin and protect against free radicals. Last but not least is retinol, which can fade pigmentation, clear breakouts, boost collagen production and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As retinol can be irritating, both pros recommend incorporating it gradually into your routine to see if you can tolerate it. Then, its just about washing your face every night with a good cleanser (the more bland, the better, says Bailey) and keeping your skin happy and hydrated.

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How to have the best skin of your life - Toronto Star