For those who want healthy, vibrant, and youthful skin, there is a secret that goes beyond what’s applied to the skin – it’s what goes into your mouth! Yes, diet is just as important to the health and glow of your skin as the products that go on it. Below is a list of some of the nutrients that can help in your pursuit of lovely, supple, and youthful-looking skin.
Water is one of the most oft-overlooked “potions” that can help to add luster to the skin. If you aren’t getting your 8 glasses per day, your skin can appear sallow and dull. Hydrate your skin with plenty of clean, refreshing water. And remember, if you’re thirsty, your body may already be beginning to get dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water and drink throughout the day, refilling it when needed. Some nutritionists even recommend taking your body weight and cutting that in half, resulting in the number of ounces to drink per day (example: if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 oz. of water per day).
Vitamin E is important for the skin because it helps to seal in moisture, preventing the skin from becoming dry and scaly. It also acts as a guard against the sun, offering a protective layer as it were. Sunscreens have Vitamin E as one of their main ingredients. Almonds and sunflower seeds are great sources of Vitamin E.
Antioxidants are one of the most important “ingredients” in your regimen for beautiful, lustrous skin. Antioxidants help to stop damage to skin cells, and promote the formation of new collagen. Some of the best antioxidant-containing foods that are helpful for longevity of the skin are berries, tomatoes, spinach, and green tea.
Omegas 3’s are essential fatty acids that help stave off inflammation that causes wrinkles and dry skin. These fatty acids help keep the protective layer of your skin moist, so that it remains softer, firmer, and more elastic. Some good food sources of Omega 3’s are salmon (and other fish), walnuts, and flax seeds.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant (as is Vitamin E), but deserves special mention. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is the main structure of the dermis (inner layer of skin) helping to keep the skin firm, and helping to prevent wrinkles. Vitamin C is also necessary for wound healing and DNA repair. Good sources of Vitamin C that are helpful to the skin are sweet potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers (green and red), and of course citrus fruits.
Vitamin A is another antioxidant very important for the skin. It helps to reverse aging, boost collagen, protect against the sun, and unclog pores. Of course, one of the best sources of Vitamin A is carrots. And just one mango contains more than 80% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin A.
Selenium is a mineral that acts as a protector against skin damage from the sun, helps the skin to maintain its elasticity, and possibly helping to prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Only small amounts of selenium are necessary in the human diet. Good sources of selenium to help optimize the skin are Brazil nuts, whole wheat bread, turkey, and tuna.
To look and feel beautiful on the inside and out, make sure you maintain a well-balanced diet. Your skin will thank you for it!
Amber Merton is a proponent of natural living, proper nutrition, and a good dose of fitness. She writes for the natural latex foam mattress manufacturer, Plushbeds.com.
