It’s not all about what you put on your skin, but also what you put into your body. Here are the tips to get great skin (and also help your waistline).

Dairy products

These products contain Vitamin A, important for skin cell repair, not to mention an important part of the dietary food pyramid. Yoghurt, in particular, is great for the skin. Live bacteria, called acidophilus, is great for the intestines and it just so turns out this reflects in the skin too.

Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums are a rich source of antioxidants, preventing skin cell damage. They also contribute to the body’s manufacture of collagen, leaving skin smooth and supple. Berries are also a source of vitamin 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 most other fish contain omega 3 and omega 6. However, omega 3 can’t be manufactured by the body alone. These omega 3 fatty acids decrease the occurrence of clogged pores, reduces skin damage caused by inflammatory agents, it also reduces skin dryness caused by eczema. These fatty acids improve the skins elasticity and therefore, its overall appearance. If you just can’t stomach fish then I’d opt for some walnuts, fish oil tablets, or incorporate flaxseed into your daily dietary needs.

Artichokes

More recently, artichokes has been linked to the improvement of skin luminosity due to the vegetables high antioxidant potency. The rich source of vitamin C and the powerful antioxidant silymarin improves elasticity, while protecting 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 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 contain fat – but don’t worry, these are good fats (who’d have thought?) The vegetables’ vitamin A and E work together to produce a powerful anti-ageing duo to keep skin looking more youthful, longer. The avocado oil is said to help produce collagen in the skin, leading to enhanced skin tone.

H20

Lack of water can cause dehydration, affecting the body externally. By hydrating your body with water several times a day, your skin will appear clearer and more supple. Most celebrities 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?

Now, get out there and eat (and drink) your way to more beautiful skin! CBM