Good Skin Starts from Within!!!
“I am a firm believer in a good Skincare routine! There are some fabulous products out there, some are preventative and some are great at tackling complaints and skin issues but it is very important to remember that good skin starts from within!!!”
Eating the correct balance of food can really help you get beautiful skin. You can feed the skin vital nutrients to stay soft, supple, plump and blemish free. Eating Healthily is vitally important for every aspect of the body and the Skin is no different! Many people forget that the Skin is the largest Organ in the body and has the highest turnover rate. The skin needs certain vitamins and minerals for good health and eating these, in turn, helps to prevent premature ageing.
So what do I need?
Water….Drinking plenty of water will rehydrate your skin and leave it bright, clear & blemish free – aim for eight glasses a day. Tea, coffee and juices do count, but for really great skin stick to plain water and don’t smoke.
Vitamin C…Eating foods rich in vitamin C help to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that feed the skin. Vitamin C can be found in; chili, blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids… You will find omega-3 in oily fish, but plant sources like linseeds and flax oil are excellent too. For omega-6 try safflower, sunflower and corn oils. You can use supplements if you don’t eat enough of these healthy fats.
Vitamin E… Most of us know we need Vitamin E for great skin, but many only think of it in terms of skincare. You can feed the skin from within with Vitamin E by eating foods such as almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower and corn oils.
Zinc… Zinc is fabulous not only for muscle repair but for skin repair as well. Foods rich in Zinc are; wheatgerm, liver, pumpkin seeds, sardines and oysters. They will help to repair skin damage and keep it soft and supple.
Vitamin A… Vitamin A helps new skin to grow. Liver, eggs, milk and oily fish are good sources along with fortified cereals.
Vitamin B…Of all the B vitamins are vitally important for achieving great skin. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin helps your skin glow. Best sources include beef, cheese, eggs, liver and Marmite.
Foods that contain sulphur… can help to keep skin smooth – garlic and onions are ideal.
Iron…Iron can help to improve your skin tone. Eat a few dried apricots every day or add sesame seeds to cereals and muesli.
If you make changes with your diet, you will see results in the appearance of your skin!!!!Don’t expect an overnight change. It takes six weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary changes can take just as long depending on its current condition. Drinking plenty of water will certainly provide faster effects, so get sipping and make some changes today !!!
Skin Specific Issues: How to tackle specific issues using your diet…
Again, there are some fabulous skincare products that can help with some of the following issues and obviously, if you have certain issues with your skin, I recommend you seek professional assistance but trying to look at what you skin needs, is vital to gaining healthy, balanced skin. By looking at your diet as well as your skincare, you can use a two pronged attack and beat those skin issues….
Dry Skin… If you suffer with very dry skin, you may not be getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet. By upping your intake of omega-3-rich oils or adding a teaspoon of flax oil to salad dressings you can feed your skin from within. You can also try increasing your intake of foods rich in beta-carotene (such as yellow and red peppers and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach).
Oily Skin… If you skin is very oily, you may need to cut down on processed/junk foods, foods high in sugar, (such as cakes and biscuits) and hard fats. Switch to healthier options and see results in your skin.
Itchy Skin… If you have itchy skin, and have ruled out a medical complaint, you may be able to get some relief by eating foods high in B vitamins, such as eggs, fish, lentils, nuts and wholegrains. B vitamins improve poor circulation, which is sometimes associated with itchiness.
Acne… If you suffer with acne, I definitely recommend this two pronged attack. Use skincare to calm and clear the skin and try selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, walnuts and wholemeal bread. Combine with vitamin E for the best effect. Again, remember changes take time, so start today.
Author: Anna Sharp