Eat Your Way To Glowing Skin

When it comes to skincare, it makes sense that the foods you eat affect the skin in various ways. A poor diet will negatively affect the skin because you will lack the essential nutrients and vitamins that aid the skin in repairing itself. This can therefore increase dehydration and occurrence of blemishes. Likewise a good, healthy and balanced diet will provide the skin with the nutrients it needs for optimal hydration and plumpness.

Let’s take a look, first, at the top 5 foods that are the main culprits and should be avoided or reduced as much as possible.

Dairy

Dairy has been linked to blemishes; cow’s milk causes a spike in blood sugar leading to an increase in blood hormones such as insulin causing breakouts

Alcohol

As alcohol dehydrates the body it dehydrates the skin also. Drinking can deprive the skin of vital nutrients and vitamins and overtime can lead to permanent damage to the skin.

Too Much Caffeine

Coffee acts as a diuretic, pulling water from the body and skin leading to dehydration this will have an impact on the skins glow and plumpness, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance.

Junk Food

Usually rich in toxic unsaturated fats, refined carbs and salt, like caffeine too much will have the same dehydrating affects.

Healthy “food” Alternatives

Think Rick Cakes and “Healthy” Cereal, these alternatives are usually very high on the Glycemic Index, causing a spike in blood hormones (insulin) leading to breakouts in teens and younger people and in older people can lead to damaging sugars attaching themselves to vital collagen stores in the body, causing harm and breaking down our most abundant (and vital) protein in the body. Collagen feeds our joints and our skin.

Now that we’ve looked at foods to avoid (or reduce) let’s look at the top 5 foods to add for glowing, healthy skin.

Water

Ok, not technically a “food” but if dehydration is the number one evil to our skin it makes sense that we include water as the top choice for healthy, glowing skin. A whole host of problems come from dehydration for the body alone, never mind the skin, so drinking more water is clearly a smart choice if you want hydrated and plump skin.

Fatty Fish

Think your Omega’s, so fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent choices for healthy skin (among a long list of other health benefits). These are rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids. Called “Essential” because the body cannot make them and they must be obtained through the diet. These fatty acids are vital for maintaining skin health, protection against free radicals and inflammation.

Avocado

The healthy fats found in avocado benefit many bodily functions, not least of all are the health of your skin. Getting enough of these fats will keep skin flexible and moisturized. There is evidence that shows that avocados contain compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage. UV damage is linked to pre-mature aging of the skin.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in a nutrient called Beta-Carotene. Containing pro-vitamin A, which means it, can be converted into vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant, protecting against free-radical damage. Beta-Carotene can also be found in oranges, carrots, and spinach as well as sweet potatoes. Carotenoids like beta-carotene keep skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock.

Dark Chocolate

The effects of cocoa on your skin are phenomenal. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants. And this affected the skins hydration, texture and how sensitive the skin is to sunburn. It also has positive effects on blood flow which brings more nutrients to your skin. Make sure that you are choosing 70% cocoa or higher in order to reap these benefits, also, ensure that added sugar is kept to a minimum. Lindt is a great choice of brand.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended for treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment or medical advice. Please seek a licensed medical practitioner if you believe you are affected by anything mentioned in this post.