Skincare is becoming increasingly popular, especially on social media. More and more people are sharing their skincare routines, along with helpful skincare products.
However, many individuals leave out a key component of skincare: your diet! What you consume plays more of a role in the appearance of your skin than most realize. In fact, you can have all the best skincare products in the world, but your skin won’t be at its best if your diet is not up to par.
So, here’s a few diet tips to help you achieve healthier, glowing skin.
Eat More Fruits & Veggies for Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for skin health. It helps to prevent ageing, wrinkles, and oxidative damage; softens your skin and boosts collagen production; and protects against UV damage. It also helps with wound healing, meaning it’s great for any facial blemishes. A healthy amount of vitamin C will also help you achieve a natural glow, so try to up your intake!
Some fruits that are high in vitamin C are:
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Orange & Grapefruit
- Watermelon
- Strawberries, blueberries, & raspberries
- Mango
- Melons, like Cantaloupe
Some veggies that are high in vitamin C are:
- Broccoli & cauliflower
- Green and red peppers
- Tomatoes
- Spinach, cabbage, and other leafy greens
Cucumbers are also a great veggie to boost your intake of, as they are packed with a mineral called silica, which is awesome for your skin health.
Eat More Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants known as beta carotene. When consumed, beta carotene, along with other carotenoids, are incorporated into your skin and used as a natural sunblock. This helps to protect your skin from sun exposure, which prevents sunburn, wrinkly skin, dry skin, and cell death. High amounts of beta carotene can also add a warm color to your skin, resulting in a healthier, glowing appearance. So, try to up your intake of sweet potatoes, too!
Eat More Dark Chocolate
Not only is dark chocolate good for inflammation and your heart health, but also your skin. Several studies have shown that cocoa can work wonders for your skin.
In one study, participants who consumed healthy cocoa powder for 6-12 weeks had thicker, more hydrated skin than in the beginning of the study. They also reported having softer skin, increased blood flow, and less sensitivity to sunburn. Other studies have observed that eating dark chocolate that is high in antioxidants reduces the appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin twice as resistant to UV radiation.
Remember, not all dark chocolate is good for your skin, though. Only dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and minimal amounts of sugar will boost your skin health.
Drink More Water
We’re sure you’ve heard this before; but water is crucial to your skin health. If you had to follow just one of the steps listed in this blog, this one is the most important. Ever wondered why in practically every interview on beauty secrets, one of the first things mentioned is to drink lots of water daily? It’s because hydration is an absolute must for glowing skin!
Water serves as a natural detox, flushing your body and skin of unwanted toxins that can cause acne and impurities. It evens your skin tone, prevents aging, promotes healing, reduces puffiness, and tightens your skin. Water is also great for your gut health and digestion, which also contributes to clear, glowing skin.
Cut Back on the Sugar
This is another thing you’ve probably heard before, but it’s another step that could make a huge difference in your skin.
Many studies have shown the direct link between too much sugar and poor skin health and skin damage. Excessive sugar leads to increased inflammation, and inflammation breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin. A decreased amount of collagen and elastin leads to wrinkles, saggy skin, and even dark patches. Excessive sugar also exacerbates skin conditions, like acne and eczema. So, it’s best to minimize the sugar. Not only will your skin thank you, but also your overall health.
Drink Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, like green tea and chamomile tea, are packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that maintain healthy skin cells, slow aging, and stimulate collagen production. High amounts of antioxidants also help to prevent wrinkles and dull skin. Drinking herbal tea is also a great way to increase your intake of water and maintain hydration, which promotes moisture and elasticity in your skin.
For best results, try to make yourself a nice cup of soothing herbal tea at least once or twice a day. There’s plenty of herbal teas to choose from that are all very delicious!
Eat More Healthy Fats
Interestingly enough, our skin is made up of fat. So, to maintain your skin’s elasticity and natural shine, it’s important to eat enough fatty foods!
Your skin won’t appreciate just any fats, though; you need healthy fats. Saturated, unhealthy fats will only make your skin more dull. However, “good,” unsaturated fats will boost the youthfulness, moisture, elasticity, and overall appearance of your skin. Healthy fats also combat inflammation, which preserves your collagen and elastin.
Some examples of healthy fats are avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, chia seeds, nuts, edamame, pork, and pumpkin seeds.
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