Those awkward young adult years may be behind you, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear when it comes to your skin. “Our chosen lifestyle and diet can have many direct impacts on the skin, well into your 30s,” says Lauren Talbot, certified clinical nutritionist and founder of Glow Detox Diet.

The most common skin concerns for women in their 20s and 30s include adult onset acne, skin cancers, melisma (patchy, brown discoloration of the skin), inflammation, and premature aging and wrinkles, according to Talbot and Dr. Tanya Kormeili, board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at UCLA. What’s more, “ethnic skin, including Hispanic skin, is harder because of a higher rate of discoloration and the difficulty in treating it,” says Dr. Kormeili.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to mend your skin woes; following a healthy dieta and proper skin care regimen are two easy ways to achieve the glowing skin of your dreams. Here are tips for clear skin, even tone and a natural glow.

Secret Comidas

It’s not just what you put on your skin that affects its health, but what you put in your body. “The skin is the body’s largest organ, and serves as the backup organ for the liver and kidneys sending impurities through the pores when they are inundated with waste they cannot quickly and efficiently neutralize,” says Talbot. Real -- not processed -- foods like frutas and vegetables are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and skin. Plus, many contain antioxidants that fight free radical formation and help to keep skin youthful. Incorporating these foods into your daily diet will put you on the path to clearer skin:

·         Berries: Filled with antioxidants, berries such as blueberries protect your skin from premature aging, says Dr. Kormeili.

• Greens: Broccoli, spinach and kale are full of minerals and B vitamins, which may help even skin tone, fight acne and rid your body of impurities.
• Fresh lemon juice: Lemons and lemon juice help promote a healthy blood pH, which is important for healthy skin, says Talbot.
• Seafood: Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and helps your skin retain moisture -- crucial for skin health. Omega-3s additionally protect the skin from UV rays and reduce inflammation, while vitamin D both protects and rejuvenates skin.

Clear Skin Protocol

In addition to a healthy diet and consumption of skin-friendly foods, a proper skin care regimen will help your piel glow.

• Sun protection: Essential in preventing premature aging and hyperpigmentation, which especially affects ethnic skin. Choose a good SPF and wear all year, even when it’s overcast.
• Gentle care: Harsh products may have reverse effects, particularly on Latin skin. Instead of overnight miracle solutions and instant results, look for more natural products that focus on gentle care and cleansing, and long-term results.
• Moisture: Lack of moisture in the body can result in dryer skin, and production of oils to overcompensate. Consume plenty of liquids and foods high in water content (fruits and veggies), and always apply a moisturizer to skin.

And to keep your skin glowing and gorgeous, here’s a foundation routine that will play up your natural radiance!

Despite upbeat reports about the country’s economic improvement, employers have remained cautious when it comes to hiring and job interviews. That’s why making a lasting impression during a brief in-person interview is especially important. But hitting the right notes requires properly preparing for a job interview. Las Fabulosas speaks to three experts who share simple and surprising techniques to help you ace your next interview.

Use Social Media: According to Shay Olivarria, author of 10 Things College Students Need to Know About Money, understanding what your prospective employer does will give you an idea if the job and environment are a good fit. “Use Google, LinkedIn and Facebook to look up the company and the person” that will be interviewing you if possible,” says Olivarria. “Find out any professional history about the person,” and the company’s clients.

Ask Critical Questions: Before you show up to job interviews, come prepared with at least two thoughtful, researched questions to ask. “The interviewer wants to know that you will able to contribute something to the company,” says Olivarria, founder of BiggerThanYourBlock.com. “Asking thoughtful questions shows that you understand how your job will contribute to the overall well-being of the company.

Know Your Personal Brand: “Articulate your capabilities and skill-sets succinctly and how your personality traits will add-value to the workplace,” says Annette Prieto-Llopis, director of the Center for Hispanic Leadership. Prieto-Llopis also suggests being specific with your techniques and approach to your work.

Draft Talking Points: Olivarria emphasizes going to job interviews with a game plan. Write down at least three things, such as previous experience, that you want to get across before an interview is over, she says. This is an opportunity to “showcase your ability to see the big picture and that your interest in contributing to the organization is well beyond the job you are interviewing for,” says Prieto-Llopis.  

Dress to Impress: “Know what you are wearing the night before,” says Andres Gutierrez, a financial expert and speaker whose website, andresgutierrez.com, offers tips and products to improve financial literacy. “Plan on what time you are leaving the office so no matter what, you’ll be there on time.”

Get Excited: Get pumped by reviewing the positive aspects of the job opportunity and “stand tall” during the entrevista. Gutierrez adds, “If you are not excited about working there, they won’t be excited about hiring you. Shake hands firmly, look people in the eye and have a good posture during the interview.”

The stats are startling. A mujer born in the United States today has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer at some time during her life. According to the American Cancer Society, Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with larger tumors and late-stage breast cancer than white women. Researchers believe there might be a biological or genetic reason behind the differences between breast cancer in Hispanic and white women. But thanks to high-profile educational and fundraising events, such as the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure (with over 1.6 million participants in over 140 races annually), breast cancer awareness is at an all-time high. In honor of October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Las Fabulosas spoke to three breast cancer survivors for tips on detection, prevention and coping with the illness.

Breast Self -Examination

For Luisa Lavalle of Seattle, WA, a monthly breast self-examination was part of her routine. This allowed her to detect her breast cancer at a very early stage. “Because my cancer was detected so early, I ended up not having to get chemotherapy after the cancer was removed,” says Lavalle. As for making it through the trying times post- diagnosis, Lavalle made stress reduction her main priority. “For me, the best way to cope was to try to be realistic and to put emotions and drama on hold, and concentrate on how to move forward.” Indeed, recent research has shown that psychological stress can weaken the immune system, which can increase cancer cell growth.

Family History

Prior to her diagnosis, Michelle Marquez of the Bronx, NY knew to be extra vigilant about breast cancer, since her mother had passed away from the illness. “It helps tremendously to know whether you have immediate or distant family members who have suffered from cancer,” Marquez says. Statistically, a woman who has one immediate female relative with breast cancer has nearly twice the risk of a woman without a family history.

Early Detection

Rachel Galarza of Dallas, Texas was trying on a bathing suit for a winter vacation to Hawaii when she felt a small lump in one of her breasts, which turned out to be cancerous. Galarza, who was young, healthy and had no family history of cancer, was shocked by the diagnosis. “I didn’t think it could ever happen to me, but it did,” says Galarza. “I was lucky I caught the cancer when I did, since I never used to do breast self-examinations. All women should do monthly breast self-examination, no matter what their family history is.”

To find more information on the causes of breast cancer visit the American Cancer Society and for more information on what you can do to help find a cure, visit komen.org.

Buying a home is typically the biggest purchase anyone makes, which makes it the scariest, too. Las Fabulosas dug deep for must-know tips before jumping into the real estate game.

Plan Your Life First

Younger individuals and couples should plan -- when possible -- for life changes that may occur. “For young people, there are too many changes that happen initially to buy immediately,” says Andres Gutierrez, financial expert and host of The Andres Gutierrez Show. Career changes, marital status changes and having children can all affect your financial status.

Know Your Budget

Do not buy a home until you are 100 percent free of debt, including any loans. Once that is checked off, Gutierrez suggests this simple formula: Your mortgage shouldn’t be more than 25 percent of your take-home pay. Pay for the home with as much cash as possible, to avoid the rapidly rising interest rates. Also, try to use a 15-year mortgage, as opposed to 30. “Pay off your house before your newborn goes to college. Then use that payment toward their education,” he says. Remember to account for taxes and home insurance in your monthly budget. “The biggest mistake is buying more home than you can afford,” says Gutierrez.

Find a Trusting Agent

When interviewing real estate agents, ask the tough questions, “Learn their fortés, what they have sold in the past year, and ask to see their résumé,” says Sarah Carmona, agent at Dreams Realty in Nevada, who was listed as a top real estate agent by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. Your realtor should also understand your needs and wants. “Get on their multiple listings service to directly stay on top of the market,” says Carmona.

Prepare an Emergency Fund

Home ownership, versus renting, will always require repair and maintenance -- even with new constructions. “Have three to six months living expenses saved as an emergency fund,” suggests Gutierrez. The emergency fund accounts for small and large repairs, as well as the chance of a reduction in take home pay.

Don’t Rush

Remember, this is a huge purchase, so take it slowly. While the market is currently booming and houses are selling like pan caliente, it’s still important to play it safe and protect yourself. “Make sure you are preapproved before starting the house-hunting process, to know how much house you can afford,” says Carmona. “You don’t want to fall in love with a house you can’t afford.” Shop rates with several lenders -- not just one. Start with your bank and other bigger establishments, which Carmona says usually have lower closing fees. Once you make an offer, take time to follow necessary steps such as getting an inspection. You want to go in with your eyes wide open on what the actual costs will be.

Are you trying a new dieta each month only to find yourself in the same shape -- or even gaining weight?

The next time you try to lose weight, focus on the quality of your calories versus the number itself. “Go back to the basics with ‘nature’s foods’,” says Dr. Linda Marquez, a certified nutritionist and wellness educator. Here are her recommendations for superfoods to help you burn fat and lose weight. 

Frutas
Marquez lists grapefruit as a good fat-burning food to incorporate into your daily diet. “It isn’t a magic fruit,” she says, “but is very filling and will satisfy your appetite because of the fiber content.” Grapefruit helps stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin levels, so you’re less likely to want to reach for an afternoon candy bar. It also contains disease-fighting properties and is packed with nutrients and vitamins.

Fruits that are high in agua content will also make you feel fuller, leaving less room for more fattening foods. Marquez recommends watermelon, nectarines, tangerines, apples and pears, which are also high in fiber.

Vegetales
Do you find yourself telling los niños to eat their broccoli? Take your own advice. “Not only is it high in fiber content, but broccoli has a chemical that helps metabolize the excess estrogen that we’re getting in our foods,” says Marquez. “Estrogen is the reason we’re rounder with more curves.”

Look for low-calorie, water-rich vegetables such as celery, zanahoria and cucumbers. These foods will fill you up while providing nutritional benefits such as antioxidants and vitamins.

Marquez recommends choosing organic fruits and vegetables when possible, to avoid chemicals that foods are sprayed with and exposed to. “These chemicals can create a hormone imbalance, leading to possible obesity and diabetes,” she says.

Proteína
The body burns more calories when it has plenty of protein, so opt for comidas in this food group instead of starchy carbs, says Marquez. Your best option is protein-rich fish such as salmon or tuna. “Fish is low in fat, high in protein and contains lots of B vitamins,” she says. These vitamins help your body burn fat and make energy from food.

Other high-protein foods include eggs, which contain the fat-burning vitamin B12; high-fiber nuts such as almonds and peanuts; and gluten-free grains like quinoa and oats, which are also good sources of iron and fiber.