Keeping skin healthy does not revolve around the latest creams and lotions in the beauty aisle. Groceries found in the produce and health food sections are more likely to play a part in skin health. Adopt these 11 food habits that improve your skin.
1.) Always stay hydrated.
Skin requires hydration for proper cell activity. Drinking plenty of water each day can boost skin health. Water is great at removing toxins from the body, including the skin.
2.) Add fruits and vegetables to dinner.
When people sleep, the body takes the time to recover and prepare for the following day. Making sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits at dinner will provide the skin with the kind of fuel it needs for optimal overnight healing.
3.) Citrus fruits do more than taste good.
They also provide protective benefits for skin. A diet rich in citrus fruits boosts skin cell’s resistance to sun damage, which reduces the risk of wrinkles.
4.) Pass the leafy green vegetables.
Kale, spinach and swiss chard offer plenty of skin-healthy antioxidants. Rich in folate, these vegetables also play a role in keeping skin elastic and hydrated.
5.) Go easy on the alcohol.
Unwinding each evening with a glass of wine may sound perfect to some. Skin may not benefit as much from the indulgence, however. Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body. Dehydrated skin can appear dull, and long-term drinking can result in visible signs of dilated blood vessels.
6.) Don’t necessarily say no to fat.
Some healthy fat is essential for skin health. Healthy fats actually add a glow to the skin, and some studies have even linked certain fats to wrinkle reversal.
7.) Skip the artificial sweeteners.
Research continues to pile up showing that artificial sweeteners have very few beneficial qualities. Their effect on skin health is no exception. In sensitive individuals, artificial sweeteners can cause cell inflammation and skin irritation. Natural sweeteners may be the way to go for a little dietary sweetness.
8.) Opt for less sugar.
A sweet tooth can be dangerous for a healthy weight and for healthy skin. High blood sugar levels have been linked to acne problems due to surges of insulin. Keep sugar intake to a minimum, and acne may take a hike.
9.) Eat chocolate without the guilt.
Studies have shown definite benefits to consuming cocoa and dark chocolate for skin health benefits. Cocoa produces hydrating qualities, such as firm, supple skin. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, has high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep skin looking fresh and smooth.
10.) Go nuts with walnuts.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. With their age-delaying attributes, walnuts help skin stay elastic and stimulates the production of collagen, which improves skin texture.
11.) Pick up some peppers.
Green bell peppers are a versatile vegetable that can add heartiness to breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are a good source of vitamins C and E, which play a role in skin health and cell protection. This can leave skin less vulnerable to the sun and wrinkles.
Diet plays an active role in how skin looks, feels and ages. For ultimate skin improvement, get healthy from the inside out.