One might believe that only direct exposure to certain factors affect overall skin health. Dermatologists and other skincare specialists tend to disagree. It is true that facial creams and serums, exfoliation, sun exposure, cleansing and many others could have a positive or negative outcome on the way our complexion looks and feels. But your eating-habits can and will alter the effects of a tried and tested Neora skincare routine, either by aiding or sabotaging it.
With that in mind, what will you do? Will you try paying more attention to the not-so-mysterious ways in which you feed your body on a daily basis? What you put in your stomach shows on your face. You could be glowingly healthy, or fight wrinkles and pimples that never seem to go away. If you’re willing to make some changes, read on…
How to Use Food to Your Skin’s Advantage
Let’s start simple: with water. We know this isn’t exactly food, but drinking enough of it is a basic skincare rule. Keeping your body hydrated from the inside will moisturize skin on the outside. On the contrary, less than six glasses a day might leave your skin looking dull.
Have you heard of the 5-a-day principle? In case you haven’t – or even if you have, a reminder can do no harm in this case – it refers to eating at least five portions of fruit or vegetables each day. Only having fruit might mean too much sugar, but a combination of these food groups gives you enough antioxidants to fight skin-damaging external factors, like pollutants and UV rays.
On the same note, we recommend a balanced diet. Excess or complete lack of one food group or another always does more harm than good. Unless specifically prescribed by a medical professional, of course... Going on crash diets affects the vitamin and mineral levels in your body, while often weight changes could show on the skin in the form of wrinkles or sagging.
This said, never give up fats entirely, they come in healthy forms too. Unsaturated fats improve skin elasticity by giving it more moisture. Also, omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory effects which help in the case of skin conditions, such as eczema. Omega-6 fats can be good too, but only if paired with those previously mentioned.
Don’t overdo it with the no-carbs fashionable diets either. Obviously, processed sugars are unhealthy, they could promote faster skin-aging or acne. On the other hand, carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, which means a slow sugar release, keep your energy at proper levels and leave your stomach feeling full for longer after you’ve eaten.
Keyword: vitamins. You probably know vitamin C is great for the immune system, but it also boosts collagen production, which leaves skin feeling stronger and smoother. Also, vitamin E protects skin from damage. Minerals like selenium are antioxidants which fight sun damage, while zinc helps repair previous tissue damage.
Food Superheroes and How They Rescue Skin
Basic tips being covered, it’s time to take a look at actual examples of food which can help you achieve those skin-health goals. For instance, where do you get that vitamin C? This is probably and easy one, but one common source can be found in citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits. But you’ll also find it in those cute little blueberries. They are powerful antioxidants, which help reduce wrinkle appearance.
Red peppers and Brussel sprouts have strong antioxidant effects as well, which increase collagen production, thus improving skin elasticity. Broccoli, although seemingly disliked by children, is a bomb combination of vitamins C and A, plus zinc. It protects skin from sun damage and cancer, while also making it less dry.
Now, who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? You’ll be happy to know they have anti-inflammatory benefits, not just their insides, but their skins too. They’re a source of magnesium and beta-carotene, protecting the skin from sun burns or dryness. Don’t forget tomatoes either.
We’ve talked about fats earlier and mentioned omega-3. These specific fats can be found in fish, like salmon or mackerel. While keeping skin strong and moisturized, they also help prevent acne and redness, protecting skin from damaging UV rays. Fish is also an important source of vitamin E.
Avocados represent yet another popular source of healthy, unsaturated fats. They keep skin supple and prevent oxidative damage. Nuts and seeds are beneficial fats as well. For example, you could try sunflower, pumpkin seeds or walnuts, which contain a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
Soy beans will prove to be strong soldiers in the war against wrinkles and old age, especially for women, by boosting collagen production. Furthermore, brown rice prevents premature aging, through selenium which regulates blood sugar levels.
One thing you might not hear often: chocolate can be good for you. We’re talking about dark chocolate, with a cocoa percentage of above 70%, which hydrates skin and helps it withstand sun damage. On the same sweet note, mango is an amazing skin revitalizer, while also making us happy through its taste.
The beauty market has brands and creams to help of us with our skin issues. You could find truly beneficial ones, such as the Neora products, which can provide the anti-aging effects you’re looking for. But it’s up to you if you’re willing to help speed up the process or slow it down. It all comes from the inside: in mental-state terms or, even more, in healthy diet terms.
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