Who wouldn’t want clear, healthy skin? Every person you meet is most likely to use at least one skin care product regularly. This makes the skincare industry a billion-dollar industry in the United States. Through time, skin care products have evolved and advanced, and consumers really have a lot to choose from; but keep in mind that having clear and healthy skin does not only come from using skin care products. Having healthy skin starts with nourishment from within. Experts have consistently found that what you eat can significantly affect health, as well as the aging of your skin.
Here are 5 healthy foods to take for glowing skin.
Fatty Fish
Salmon and mackerel are examples of fatty fish. These healthy, and should I mention delicious, fish are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids that aid in maintaining healthy skin by keeping it supple, thick, and moisturized. The omega 3 fats in fish also reduce inflammation, which is the main culprit for redness and acne. Aside from this, omega 3 fats are also found to make skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. [1]
Happiness is the secret to beauty! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
And if that’s not enough reason to love salmon and mackerel more, these fatty fish are also good sources of vitamin E, a very important antioxidant in the body, and zinc, which regulates inflammation and the production of new skin cells.
Tomato
Next time you prepare a bowl of salad, do not skip the tomatoes! Packed with natural minerals and vitamins, tomatoes are powerfully nutritious. Get this: they contain vitamins A, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, and vitamin C; but what makes it a standout in the beauty world is its richness in lycopene, another important antioxidant with powerful anti-aging properties.
Avocado
Avocados are packed with healthy fats that benefit many bodily functions, as well as the health of your skin. They are also good sources of vitamin E that protects your skin from oxidative damage. Aside from including it in your daily diet, you can also apply avocado topically as it is rich in lutein and beta carotene that aid in softening and hydrating the skin. Mix this super fruit with honey to make a moisturizing mask.
Avocado acts as an antibacterial agent that helps reduce acne and scars. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Dark Chocolate
Need a reason or excuse to eat chocolate? Well, here it is: it’s good for your skin! Dark chocolate is loaded with polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins, among others, which make it a powerful source of antioxidants. Flavanols can protect the skin against sun damage, increase skin density and hydration, and improve blood flow to the skin. It is important to note, though, that you must choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximize its benefits.
Soy
A highly nutritional plant, soy promotes healthy, younger-looking skin. Soy is packed with isoflavones, which are found to have a favorable impact on skin. A study found that eating soy isoflavones reduced wrinkles and increased skin elasticity in middle-aged women. Adding soy to your diet and opting for soy-based skin care products and treatments can help reduce acne, lessen redness and inflammation, and decrease the severity of cellulite. [2]
