By Brandi Koskie
If you’re one of the millions who seeks anti-aging remedies, you need to look no further than your own diet. Healthy skin is younger-looking skin, and that healthy glow is attainable by watching what you eat.
If you’re eating too much of fried, fatty, nutritionally void foods, your skin is going to show it. Acne breakouts, eczema and dry, sallow-looking skin are all results of a poor diet.
Put your best face forward by feeding your body from the inside-out by eating plenty of these complexion-friendly foods:
1. Low-Fat Dairy. Vitamin A is necessary for the skin cells to do their job, and low-fat dairy is a great source. Try low-fat yogurt, especially those with probiotics (live bacteria), as they also promote digestive health.
2. Dark Berries. The high amount of antioxidants found in blackberries, strawberries and blueberries protect skin cells from damage that can be caused from free radicals, like sun exposure.
3. Omega-3 and -6. The essential fatty acids found in foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 allow the good stuff to enter skin cells and prevents that of the bad stuff. This means the cells are able to hold more moisture, and that results in healthier looking skin. Food sources include salmon, walnuts, flax seeds and canola oil.
4. Healthy Fats. Yes, there are healthy fats and your skin uses these to stay lubricated. Monounsaturated fats like olive oil and canola oil are ideal. Choose those that involve little processing, identified by “extra virgin” or “cold-press” labeling.
5. Selenium. This might be a little-known mineral, but the role it plays in healthy skin is substantial. A diet rich in selenium makes skin cells better suited to fight off the damaging effects of the sun. Food sources include whole grains, turkey, tuna and Brazil nuts.
6. Green Tea. It’s not a magic bullet for weight loss, but it can be a line of defense between you and unhealthy skin. Green tea is an anti-inflammatory and is full of antioxidants, so it prevents breakouts and damage by free radicals.
7. Water. It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water each day has vast health benefits, and this includes your complexion. Hydration needs are different for everyone, but a general recommendation is 64 ounces of water a day, or one half-gallon. When skin cells are hydrated they give your complexion a radiant glow.
While not edible, you can protect your skin and ensure its healthy appearance in two other ways:
1. Sunblock. Using sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 throughout the year will protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and greatly reduce your risk for skin cancer.
2. Facial Cleanser. Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oils and other environmental toxins that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
