Though other skin-care experts have identified free radicals and cellular inflammation as key triggers to the breakdown of healthy skin, renowned dermatologist and former National Institutes of Health fellow Jeannette Graf, M.D., has discovered a way to prevent these saboteurs from developing in the first place—rather than just treating the symptoms they’ve caused.

Based on the scientifically groundbreaking premise that our cells—and consequently our skin—can only function best when the pH balance of our body is at its proper level, Dr. Graf’s four-part plan focuses on changing your body’s ratio of acids to alkalines. Most of us tend to eat three acidic-building foods (like sugar, refined carbs, meat, and dairy) for every one alkalinizing food (dark green leafy vegetables, garlic, onions, olive oil, lemon, fruit, nuts and seeds, and whole grains)—the reverse