You’ve heard that true beauty comes from within, and it’s 100% true especially when we are talking about skin care! Have you been having breakouts, extra dry skin, or other skin problems? The cause may be the foods you consume or don’t consume.
Let’s take a look at how a balanced diet can help you to also have a balanced complexion.
Balanced Diets = Healthy Skin
Quality nutrients from the foods you eat are essential for giving you a stunning complexion. Vitamin C, vitamin E, the omegas, and water work from inside of your body to create a beautiful exterior. Here are the foods that you should make part of your dietary lifestyle. For women over 50, if you're struggling to get the nutrients you need through your diet, there are many vitamins you can take to help. The best multivitamin for women really depends on what you're lacking. So consider that when you're at the store again. Feel free to ask your doctor what they recommend!
Vitamin C
Fruits and veggies – You need 5 servings per day. They provide your body with essential antioxidants that neutralize nasty free radicals from UV damage which cause wrinkles, brown patches, and other skin problems associated with aging.
Best vitamin C foods to eat:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been used in skincare for ages! It’s still one of the best micronutrients for supporting new skin cell growth, for increasing cell regeneration time, and for treating wrinkles by boosting collagen production. You can actually use it as a topical treatment in conjunction to eating foods that are rich in it.
Best vitamin E foods to eat:
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
- Sun flower seeds
- Hazelnuts
- Spinach
- Avocados
- Tomatoes
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids that our bodies can’t make. We have to supply our bodies with these “good fats” through diet. What do they do for skin? Omegas are anti-inflammatory compounds which stave off eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. They also help prevent skin dryness and thinning.
Best omega packed foods to eat:
- Alaskan salmon
- Mackerel
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
H20 – All Powerful Water
Hydration! We don’t typically think of beverages as food, but they are and they really have a huge impact on skin. Sugary drinks can exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea and acne. Artificial sweetners are no better. Some people have allergic reactions to products like Splenda in the form of rashes, hives, redness, itchy skin. Replace these beverages with good old water.
Your skin is made of cells which need adequate amounts of water for optimal functioning. Hydrated skin cells are more flexible and full giving your skin a youthful appearance. When skin cells are dehydrated, your skin looks dry, old, even slightly discolored.
Drink six to eight glasses of water per day and maybe eat some foods that contribute to water intake.
Foods that contribute to water intake:
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Soup
- Carrots
- Green peas
Every day think about the meals you prepare and the snacks you pack. Tell yourself, “I can eat my way to healthy skin.” Keep up with healthy, balanced dietary habits because what you put inside your body shows on the outside.