5 Steps to Great Skin

Skin care gets a little more complicated every year. New products tout "never-before-seen" benefits, while the ingredient du jour earns top billing as the next "beauty breakthrough." With these 5 steps to natural skincare, you can be sure you're getting the essentials.

• Start with a gentle exfoliant, rather than a harsh soap, to cleanse-As skin regenerates, dead cells compromise luster and clog pores. Derived from plant and milk sugars, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) slough skin without harsh scrubbing.
  

Natural Pantry Staple - Vino!

A little bit of wine can add complexity -- not to mention antioxidants -- to sauce or desserts. Fruity reds (Pinot Noir and Zinfandel) are natural partners for duck and beef, while fragrant whites (Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling) work with lighter, herby fish and chicken dishes.

Natural Pantry Staple - Green Tea

Not just for an antioxidant-rich beverage anymore! Green Tea can be used for desserts, like green-tea gelato. It also makes a light, herbal marinade. Brew a pot, let it cool, then soak fish or chicken in the liquid before cooking.

Sea Salt - Natural Pantry Staple

Naturally evaporated, sea salt has more minerals and flavor than processed table salt. It adheres better to food than table salt, which means you need less to get the same flavor kick.

Natural Pantry Staple - Legumes

Chickpeas, black beans, lentils, and kidney beans all offer plenty of fiber and folate, which help strengthen your heart.

Nuts for the Natural Pantry

When it comes to nutrition, nuts like almonds (high in calcium, magnesium, and fiber), walnuts (packed with omega-3 fatty acids), pecans (full of vitamins B6 and E), and pine nuts (one of the best sources of protein in the nut family) rank at the top of the list.