Eat your way to beautiful skin

It’s not all about what you put on your skin but also what you put into your body. Get the skin you’ve always wanted with these healthy foods.

Yoghurt

These products contain Vitamin A, important for skin cell repair, not to mention an important part of the dietary food pyramid. Low-fat dairy products such as yoghurt are great for the skin. Live bacteria, called acidophilus, is also great for the intestines – which manifests in clear and bright skin.

Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums are a rich source of antioxidants, helping to prevent skin cell damage. They also contribute to the body’s manufacture of collagen, leaving skin smooth and supple. Berries are also a source of vitamins C and E.

Salmon

If you’ve never been a big fan of fish, I suggest you change your mind because the advantages of salmon are endless. Salmon and some other fish contain omega 3 and omega 6. These omega fatty acids decrease the occurrence of clogged pores, reduce skin damage caused by inflammatory agents and also reduce skin dryness. They improve the skin’s elasticity and therefore its overall appearance. Omega 3 can’t be manufactured by the body alone so if you just can’t stomach fish then opt for some walnuts or incorporate flaxseed into your daily dietary needs.

Artichokes

Artichokes has been linked to the improvement of skin luminosity due to the vegetable’s high antioxidant potency. The rich source of vitamin C and the powerful antioxidant silymarin improves elasticity, while helping to protect the skin from within against cancers.

Peppermint

Try a peppermint tea this afternoon – its calming properties are soothing for the skin, especially if you are prone to acne or breakouts. Peppermint oil helps relieve red blotches and acne, which is why it is used in a lot of skin creams and toners.

Nuts

Nuts such as Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds contain minerals like zinc and selenium to boost skin cell growth and prevent skin dryness. The mineral selenium improves skin elasticity, protects against infections and also strengthens hair and nails.

Green tea

Green tea acts as an ant-inflammatory, protecting you against sun and other environmental damage. Whether you drink the tea or take a green tea capsule everyday, you may slow the pace of some signs of ageing. Green tea extracts are now used in skin creams to take advantage of the powerful antioxidants being applied topically to the skin.

Avocado

Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy mono and saturated fatty acids. It’s also rich in Vitamin A and E, which work together to produce a powerful anti-ageing duo to keep skin looking more youthful for longer. Avocado oil is said to help produce collagen in the skin, leading to enhanced skin tone and plumper skin.

H2O!

Lack of water can cause dehydration, affecting the body both internally and externally. By hydrating your body with water several times a day, your skin will appear clearer and more supple. Most Hollywood actresses swear by drinking lots of water throughout the day to gain that healthy glow. So, have you been drinking your eight glasses of water each day?