Foods to Assist with Your Skincare
Everyone knows that when you eat healthy, you feel better. Some people may be on a health-conscious diet to lose weight, or simply cannot tolerate and digest high-processed foods. Regardless of the reason, it is very important to remember that what happens within will manifest on the skin. In other words, what you put into your body will have a direct effect on the quality of your skin. After reading this post, you will be filled to the brim with knowledge about skin-specific healthy foods. This will allow you to recognize the best options that keep your skin in mind. Let’s dive right into some excellent examples of nutritionally rich foods. Good news, chocolate made it on the list!
- Fish Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon, herring, and tuna all have one thing in common: Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3s have the ability to improve your skin’s barrier function. A strong skin barrier is what protects against moisture loss, which leads to dry, dull, flakey skin. Incorporating Omega-3s into your diet will allow your skin to retain moisture, resulting in a subtle, glowing appearance. They also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This is very helpful for skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Just two servings of cold-water fish per week is all it takes to reap the benefits. Supplements are another option if you are not crazy about the fish-y taste. They will provide the same benefits, just in a capsule form.
- Grains, Beans, Nuts and Seeds
Believe it or not, these little guys pack a punch full of nutritional benefits. Walnuts contain nourishing essential fats that attract moisture from the air which soothes dry skin. Since your body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own, it is important to replenish them. They are also anti-inflammatory, which we know can help with breakouts and irritation. Sunflower seeds are full of antioxidants which protect your skin against free-radical damage and oxidation. Less free radical damage means less degradation of your skin’s resilience- in turn, less fine lines and wrinkles. They also contain essential fatty acids which promote collagen production and smooths your skin’s texture. Just a handful or so per day is the idea serving to take advantage of their nutritional value.
- Avocados = Glowing Skin?
Oh yes, you heard that right. Not only do they taste delicious, but Avocados are also loaded with fats, antioxidants, and Biotin. They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Lutein (an antioxidant that prevents the breakdown of important skin lipids). The two types of fat found in Avocados, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, help to moisturize the skin and protect against harmful UV rays. In this case, fats are not the enemy. They are crucial for smooth, hydrated skin which in turn appears much younger.
- Chocolate!
Ahh, yes. The one you have all been waiting for. Rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E and Antioxidants, Cocoa in its raw form can provide a plethora of skin-specific benefits. Unprocessed cocoa has among the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity. This means it's pretty darn good at disarming free radicals. The Flavonoids in dark chocolate help prevent sunburn and discoloration from sun exposure. It also has the potential to reduce dark spots and pigmentation. The combination of our Pro-Bright Pigment Correcting Serum and a little dose of dark chocolate will yield a beautiful, even skin tone.
- Superfood for the Skin: Sweet Potatoes
Our fifth and final superfood for glowing skin is sweet potatoes. These wonderful starchy vegetables are full of Beta-Carotene: a fat-soluble vitamin that is converted into Vitamin A in the body which provides protection against UV Rays and protects your own collagen from external damage. This can be considered your “internal sunscreen”. They are also high in Vitamin C, which is a key player in collagen production...these guys are providing both protection of existing collagen and production of new. THAT is pretty awesome. One sweet potato per day is enough to see the effects of wrinkle reduction and increased elasticity.
Skincare has the ability to protect and correct your skin from the outside, however there are so many delicious and skin-nutritious foods that can be added to your diet to improve your skin’s quality even more. If you can upgrade the quality of your skin from the outside and the inside, why not?
