180 Nutrition: Ask someone about their skincare routine, and you’re likely to hear a variety of habits ranging from good old fashioned soap and water to an elaborate routine consisting of all kinds of lotions and potions.
Men and women alike look after their skin to not only keep clean but also to reduce wrinkles, smooth fine lines and halt the signs of ageing.
But what if I told you that the key to a good skincare starts from the inside, and works its way out?
The foods that you consume have just as much of an impact on the quality and tone of your skin as the creams and tonics that you put on the outside and many common skin complaints such as acne and psoriasis stem from specific intolerances or allergies to certain foods.
Whatever your skincare goal; whether you want to reduce the signs of ageing or you just want to look and feel your best, here are ten foods which will promote healthier skin. (Disclaimer: You need to consume these foods and liquids and NOT rub them into your skin!)
1) Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 acids which are essential for healthy skin. The body can’t make omega 3’s by itself, so it’s vital you consume enough through your food to avoid a deficiency which can result in dry skin, rashes, psoriasis and acne.
2) Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene which acts as a natural barrier to the sun. The sun has been proven to increase the signs of ageing so regular consumption of all forms of tomato, including tomato paste, work to counteract this.
While giving your skin a helping hand with tomato consumption is advisable, this is NOT a replacement for sunscreen, and your regular sun protection routine should always apply, regardless of your tomato consumption.
3) Green Tea
Green tea is jam packed full of anti-oxidants which increase blood flow to the skin. This blood flow transports oxygen and other essential nutrients which keep your skin hydrated to reduce dryness and give it a healthy glow.
4) Kale
Have you ever noticed how clear your skin is after a few days of introducing a green smoothie into your routine?
Kale is a great source of Vitamin A which promotes the growth of healthy skin cells and replaces the dead skin which is dry and lacklustre.
Kale is also an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps your body to produce collagen. Collagen is a protein which helps skin cells join to increases the strength, tone and overall appearance of your skin.
5) Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit is another excellent source of vitamin C which promotes the production of collagen. Introduce a daily green smoothie into your routine and add some Greens Plus powder to a cup of water, half a cup of kale, a kiwi fruit for a skin nourishing treat.
6) Sardines
Sardines are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids and have been proven to reduce inflammation throughout the body. It’s this inflammation which is believed to be one of the leading causes of skin complaints such as acne.
7) Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of the best sources of beta-carotene which the body converts into Vitamin A. As with kale; vitamin A promotes the growth of healthy skin cells which give you soft, smooth skin.
8) Oysters
Oysters are exceptionally high in zinc, and you only need a small portion to meet the RDA easily. Zinc helps to rejuvenate skin cells and leaves your skin feeling soft, firm and supple.
9) Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids which destroy free radicals and reduce oxidative stress which contributes to ageing skin. The acids found in olive oil also reduce inflammation present in the body which weakens skin cells and leaves them prone to damage.
10) Water
The good old-fashioned cure for everything is water, and your skin is no exception!
Your skin is an organ, and just like all of the organs in your body, it performs at its best when it’s hydrated. While water intake has not been proven to improve your skin’s appearance directly; lack of fluids will leave your skin dry and flaky, and water is one of the very few liquids which don’t contain any toxins that have a harmful effect on your body.
The skin is the last organ that water reaches so it’s important that you have an adequate intake or you must put water directly onto the skin to receive the moisturising benefits.
While a skincare routine consisting of soaps, creams and moisturisers might be essential to the appearance and elasticity of your skin; consuming nutrients that these foods contain will also play a significant role in making sure you look and feel your best.
