There is nothing quite as annoying as getting that killer zit on your face the night before a big event!

You know that no amount of concealer will cover that whopper, yet you ruthlessly try to no avail to disguise your embarrassment.

More frustrating still, is the fact that you DO make a conscious effort to care for your skin. You use well respected products. Make sure that nothing will clog your precious pores. Never poke or prod your face. And are always diligent about removing your makeup before bed. So why these viscous breakouts?

Perhaps the problem is in fact internal...

What many of us may not know is how often skin reflects our inner health. This goes far beyond the tales of breaking out once in a blue moon from eating too much chocolate or greasy foods. The key to continually healthy skin is to constantly be living a life that enables your body to do its job of eliminating toxins on a regular basis.

Ok, you're thinking...so what does this mean?

This means caring for your internal organs, especially your liver, as much or more as you do for your skin (and I'm sure if you're reading this articles...that's a lot). Unlike those 'detox kits' and 'two week liver cleanses,' you need to allow your body the gift of treating it right on a regular basis (not two weeks every few months...Yikes!)

This can be achieved through implementing a number of strategies into your everyday life. Now remember, don't stress yourself out and try to take on every tip at once. Start one at a time and allow your self to get used to the change.

The first, and MOST important tip involves introducing yourself to an alkaline diet. Basically, most of the foods we like to consume as a nation (breads, milk and dairy, meat, sugary treats) become acidic when our body ingests them. Meanwhile, foods such as vegetables and fruits become alkaline in our bodies (which is the state our bodies need in order to function optimally). While the percentages vary depending on whom you consult, a good ratio of acidic foods vs alkaline foods entering your body would be around 1:4. This means quite and increase in our fruits and veggies.

But worry not, because below are some helpful tips to gradually reach the alkaline state your body needs:

- Start the day with a glass of water with pure lemon juice squeezed in. (It's hard to wrap your head around but lemons and limes become alkaline in our bodies despite how we've come to percieve them).

-Introduce fruit to your breakfast if you haven't already. Cut up a banana and spread it on your toast, or put in cereal. Have a fresh orange or some grapefruit. Let it become a routine to start your day with some nutritious alkaline foods.

- Carry around some carrot sticks or celery sticks in your purse or bag to munch on when you are feeling hungry, rather than impulsively buying an unhealthy snack

-When eating heavier meals, such as dinner, eat the vegetable portion first before eating the carbs and meat. This allows your body to fill up first on the good, easy to digest alkaline foods.

-Avoid food that has been dyed. Although sadly this is easier said then done, you can at least cut down on the amount of colored drinks (think pops and gatorades) that have been colored just to attract your attention. These synthetic dyes put a strain on our livers and kidneys which does nothing for our internal health.

Take one or two tips from this list and give yourself a few weeks of trying it out before incorporating any more lifestyle changes. It is a slow process, but the true health of your body will begin to reflect in your outer appearance as well.

Of course this doesn't mean you should ditch your regular skin care routine. It should be incorporated into your life till it becomes second nature. Not only will your body feel more at ease, but it should give you the edge in achieving and maintaing naturally flawless skin.