By Carolina Diaz-Bordon
Glee Contributor

Every season, the latest wrinkle in fashion arrives and you get to dive into new ways of looking your best. However, when it comes to choosing the best outfit for your skin, the look never changes. Healthy, glowing skin is -- and has been for generations-- in vogue.

The problem is that while you may strive to keep your outer layer the same, your skin is always ready for change and attempts to transform itself every day. Nutrition, fitness and proper skin care play vital roles in helping you fight off and control these daily transformations.

What goes inside your body inevitably shows up on the outside. You are, in essence, what you eat. Balanced nutrition is important for maintaining healthy skin.

Every cell in the human body needs dozens of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that you can only get from food. Deficiencies of certain nutrients may impair the skin's ability to heal and renew.

Improving nutrition often results in younger-looking skin and partial reversal of some signs of aging. eDiets.com's Director of Nutritional Services, Pamela Ofstein says, "In general, overall nutrient deficiency is detrimental to healthy skin. Lack of vitamins can affect the skin and contribute to its 'lack of luster.' Specifically, foods that contain antioxidants (citrus fruits and vegetables) help prevent skin cell damage. Foods high in antioxidants have been associated with protecting the skin cells and limiting wrinkles and visible lines on the skin.

"Your skin requires proper nutrition, too. By eating foods that are rich in these vital nutrients, you are feeding your skin and replenishing it with what is needed."

Fueling your body with proper nutrition is the first step towards maintaining healthy skin. The next is getting your body in motion. These two steps go hand-in-hand to keep your overall physical and mental health at its peak.

However, when it comes to your body's largest organ, there are many factors that have to be taken into account. If your weight tends to fluctuate or you build muscle at a rapid pace, for example, you will be more likely to develop stretch marks. "Stretch marks are usually caused by weight gain and loss -- the stretching of the skin. Keep a diet and exercise regimen to maintain a healthy BMI, and this can help prevent them," Ofstein says.

Adolescents experiencing growth spurts and pregnant women are likely candidates. Many of these factors cannot be avoided.

Raphael Calzadilla, eDiets' chief fitness pro, says, "There are no exercises to help with the appearance of stretch marks. The skin has been stretched beyond capacity. The best way to help prevent excess or loose skin is to not lose weight at a fast rate or gain a lot of weight and then lose it quickly. The people who go on crash diets and try to lose four to five pounds per week are at risk. It's too rapid of a pace for the body. So it has more to do with pace of fat loss as opposed to the workout."

Proper nutrition and exercise are the two most important ingredients in maintaining the best appearance on the outside. Proper skin care is the essential spice that helps sustain the effects of balanced health.

Thankfully, stretch marks can be minimized with the help of top-of-the-line moisturizing creams, such as the ones offered by Belli Cosmetics. The products are based on medically sound research and are the safest skin care products available to pregnant women and new mothers. The company offers two high-quality products to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks: Belli Elasticity Oil and Stretchmark Minimizing Cream.

Belli Elasticity Oil prepares the skin for stretching and helps prevent stretch marks from appearing, while Stretchmark Minimizing Cream helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks once they are already present. Both these products include a unique blend of ingredients. They can be purchased at select department stores nationwide and online at www.bellicosmetics.com.

A sound body and mind are the gateways to beauty. If you want to make sure you are on top of the game when it comes to radiant-looking skin, make sure you have three ultimate accessories at all times -- nutrition, fitness and proper skin care. Showing off a great body and healthy, glowing skin are the best fashion statements you can make.