For most people, taking good care of your skin means slathering on an array of drugstore cleansers and moisturisers or treating yourself to the occasional fancy spa facial but what most don’t know is that a big part of skin health comes from within. The first time I was ever introduced to this concept was as a blemished hormonal teenager when the manager of the Chinese restaurant I worked at advised me that I should cut down on eating sugary foods and stop eating peanuts (which I snacked on constantly throughout my shifts) and I would stop getting spots. She was an older and very wise Chinese woman so I listened to her and sure enough my skin cleared almost completely. And still to this day I swear if I eat anything with peanuts in it I’ll have a spot pop up the very next day!
Anyway, as I got older and more into my nutrition career I started researching, not which foods are bad for your skin, but which foods actually promote clear, glowing and supple skin. Adding foods to your diet that have a positive skin effect also works long term and there’s such a variety of these foods that you’ll find it quite easy including them. They also work very well in combination with the Pure Elixir supplements for an extra healthy boost. Here is my list of the ten best skin feeding foods that will certainly give you that gorgeous glow!
1.) Salmon and Sardines
These two fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which are responsible for the health of the skin cell membrane which not only acts as a barrier from toxins, but is also the passageway for nutrients to enter and for waste products to be excreted from the cell. These fatty acids also reduce inflammation which causes the redness and swelling of blemishes.
2.) Fresh Herbs
Thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil...all fresh herbs contain a high amount of antioxidants which help fight off harmful free radicals that enter your skin from the UV rays of the sun.
3.) Walnuts
Another food high in Omega-3 fatty acids which cuts down inflammation while keeping skin cells healthy and supple (and no wrinkles!). This is best for vegetarians and vegans that don’t eat salmon or sardines.
4.) Eggs
Hard boiled, poached, scrambled...eat them however you like and you’ll be getting a big dose of vitamins A and D which aids in cell development and healing and you’ll get an even bigger dose of selenium which activates enzymes that protect your skin from damage.
5.) Peppers
All varieties of peppers, but especially bell peppers, have a significant amount of vitamin C and Beta-Carotene which protects the skin from damage from oxidation and free radicals as well as rebuild any existing damage.
6.) Oysters
The high zinc content of these ocean delicacies makes them your skins best defense against acne. Zinc is responsible for regulating your body’s hormone balance and promoting skin renewal which prevents pores from clogging.
7.) Dark Chocolate
You heard me correctly, you can have your chocolate and eat it too! The cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate (I’d go for 70% or higher) aid better circulation and keep your skin hydrated leaving you baby smooth.
8.) Tomato Paste
This concentrated form of tomato is super packed with the antioxidant Lycopene which when eaten is like putting on a layer of sunscreen from inside your body. Try adding it to whole grain pasta or stir it into a hearty stew.
9.) 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
The probiotics (good bacteria) found in fermented foods like greek yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and miso balance out the bacteria in the gut keeping the bad bacteria from escaping out into the bloodstream and wreaking havoc on your skin. These probiotics are also know to have anti- aging qualities and help tame chronic skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and acne.
10.) Water
Last but definitely not least is water. Drinking an ample amount of water everyday is absolutely essential for your skin cells. Not only will it minimize wrinkles by keeping the cells supple at all times but it’s also necessary for flushing out the toxins in our bodies that may create problematic skin.