We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” But what about the connection between your food and your face?
Most articles about nutrition focus on the role of your diet in maintaining optimum internal health and warding off disease. For example, many articles talk about how the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can fight free radical damage to your immune cells, your organs and your DNA.
Well, guess what? The same phytochemicals, vitamins, nutrients and minerals that keep your insides in the pink are equally essential for clear skin, bright smiles, strong nails and clear eyes. If you want to look your absolute gorgeous best, keep these diet guidelines in mind:
If you have sensitive skin you may find that many of the treatments you try are too harsh for your skin. While other women are buying skincare products with vitamin C or anti-oxidants, you are using a mild brand with no anti-ageing benefits.
So, what can you do about it? How can you, with your sensitive skin, get the same anti-ageing effects that other women are getting?
Rather than applying expensive anti-ageing products on your skin, you can eat them. Now, of course, I don’t mean for you to eat your expensive night cream or any other store-bought skin products, but you can eat the effective ingredients in them. Since your skin is your largest organ, the benefits of eating the ingredients will be similar to applying them directly to your skin.
Here are some ingredients you can start with.
Green tea: There is plenty of skincare product now that contain green tea. You’ll hear about green tea everywhere and it’s now in many brands of skincare. However, if you have sensitive skin and can’t use those products, then you can drink green tea and have the same effects on your skin. Plus, the bonus is that you’ll be benefiting every other part of your body as well. Some other benefits of green tea are weight loss, lower cholesterol, and possibly a lower risk of cancer.
Cucumbers: An increase in fruits and vegetables in your diet can have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your skin. Increase your vegetable intake and your skin will thank you. The side effects of this option? Well, you may lose some weight and feel more energy, but that’s not such a bad thing, is it?
Vitamin C: Take a supplement or increase your intake of oranges and other fruits. The anti-oxidants in them are wonderful for your skin. Make sure to also feed your face with vitamin C to help maintain collagen, the most important component of connective tissue contributing to the underlying foundation of your skin. The best sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers and green peas.
Antioxidants: Found in abundance in colourful fruits and vegetables, these nutrients help combat signs of ageing caused by the oxidation – the rust, if you will, of our cells. Beauty foods that are potent sources of antioxidants include pomegranates, prunes, concord grape juice, blueberries, blackberries, purple cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, dried plums, kiwis, raspberries, strawberries, raw spinach, oranges, apples and watercress.
Essential fatty acids: Certain polyunsaturated oils are called “essential” because they must be included in our diet. EFAs, like omega-3 and omega-6, may reduce inflammation that can clog skin and lead to wrinkles. Sources include seafood – such as salmon, sardines, trout and flounder – as well as almonds, walnuts and flaxseed.
Avoid simple carbs: Some research suggests the insulin spike caused by simple carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and sweets, may trigger a series of metabolic reactions that can lead to breakouts.
Maximize water, moderate alcohol: Water, and lots of it, will help keep your skin hydrated, while alcohol over one 4-ounce drink a day can dry it out. Also, some dermatologists say alcohol’s dilation of fragile facial capillaries can cause and exacerbate rosacea.
Healthy fat: While it’s always important to minimize artery-clogging saturated fat, don’t shy away from healthy monounsaturated fats, like olive oil and other liquid, plant-based oils that keep skin emulsified.
Weight-loss bonus: Pound for pound, fruits and vegetables have fewer calories than other food groups. Plus, they have plenty of fibre, so they’ll help you feel full. Such a fruit-and-vegetable-rich diet helps ward off cravings by ensuring the body gets the full spectrum of nutrients, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals it needs to function.
The bottom line is that there’s nothing more beautiful than vibrant good health, and there’s nothing healthier than a regime that includes plenty of exercises, rest, water, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
Remember, your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it by feeding it well, whether you’re putting products on it, or feeding your body with nutritious foods. And, for those of us with sensitive skin, we’ll be saving a fortune, avoiding those expensive jars of cream and instead of heading straight for the grocery store produce aisles.
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