We can spread all the creams, serums and liquids on our faces, but our efforts are a tiny bit futile when our nutrition could be seriously affecting our skin. We all know how the food we eat have an effect on our organs, but we shouldn’t forget that our skin is our biggest organ. The ever-growing amount of research is proving that diet can completely change the health of our skin, as well as increase or decrease the process of skin ageing.
We’re here to look at the best foods that keep our skin healthy, glowing and young looking. We’ll also direct you away from diets that could be causing havoc.
WHAT SHOULD I EAT?
We’ll start with the positives – things you should incorporate into your diet to make your skin the best it could be.
# AVOCADOS
Avocados are bursting with healthy fats, which have multiple benefits, including helping with the health of your skin. Incorporating enough of these healthy fats into your diet will keep your skin springy and soft.
There’s also some evidence to suggest that avocados contain compounds that could protect your skin from UV damage, the prime culprit for ageing skin. Avocados also have a really special vitamin in it – vitamin E, something most of us are lacking in our diets.
# NUTS AND SEEDS
Nuts and seeds are perfect skin-boosting foods. The best of the bunch are:
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Brazil Nuts
- Pistachio nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
These are packed full of vitamins and nutrients to give your skin that really great “glowing look”.
# SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are so great, mainly because of a nutrient called beta-carotene, which is found in it. These nutrients keep your skin healthy and act as a natural UV protection. Interestingly, the beta-carotene also adds a warm, orange colour to your skin, usually associated with a healthy overall appearance.
# SOY
Soy contains isoflavones, which mimic oestrogen in your body. This can benefit your skin immensely by boosting collagen production and improving your skin tone. Soy has the potential of improving skin dryness, reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
# GREEN TEA
Okay, it’s a drink but it’s part of your diet nonetheless. Green tea protects your skin from any kind of damage and ageing. The antioxidants will fight DNA damage from UV rays, reduce irritation, redness and swelling. Green tea can also reduce the frequency and severity of acne break outs.
THE FOOD TO BE AWARE OF OR TO AVOID
Now it’s the harder part; the bit where you have to keep things out. We’ll just dive right in.
# MILK
We’ll mention this one first, mainly because of the last point about green tea. It can be tempting to add milk to it, but this can actually reduce the impacts of the antioxidants in green tea.
Cow’s milk can also cause acne through the hormones present in it. It’s best to just avoid milk and dairy altogether, opting for dairy-free vegan options instead.
#GLUTEN
This is quite specific to the person but if you’re suffering from acne, gluten could be the cause.
Some people have a gluten intolerance, and they don’t even know it. If you’re looking for new ways to help with your skin, cutting out the gluten could really help. Give it a try, and see if it helps.
# SODA
Soda is literally just swimming in sugar, that’s basically all it is. In general, you should be aiming for as little sugar as possible in your diet.
Added sugar is one of the worst foods you can consume for ageing, it can speed up skin ageing and just make your skill look duller and lifeless.
# PIZZA
This might be the hardest but it’s definitely worth cutting out. It’s just a combination of the worst foods for your skin: greasy, dairy and gluten. It’s best to keep the consumption of pizza at its lowest.
Having perfect skin isn’t a simple thing, nor is it the most important thing in the world, but having a good diet and correct nutrition could prove very beneficial for your overall wellbeing. It’s also the best thing for your health too – a healthy body equals healthy skin.