Skin Nourishing Foods
by Emily Linehan on January 3, 2020
Truly, you are what you eat! One of the best ways to achieve that glowing, radiant skin that we want is to eat foods that nourish us from the inside out! Some of my top picks for luminous skin are:
Water – There are molecules in the skin that bind to water. Without proper hydration, the skin will appear dull and crepey. Keep in mind that many other beverages will dehydrate the skin (e.g. coffee, alcohol, sugary drinks), so be sure to drink up!
Wild Salmon and Essential Fatty Acids – With high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, EFA’s improve the skin by decreasing the occurrence of clogged pores, reducing the body’s production of inflammatory agents that can lead to skin damage, reducing skin dryness and related problems (such as eczema), and improving the skin’s elasticity. By creating healthier cell membranes, they prevent harmful substances from entering the cells but still allow essential nutrients in. Because these fatty acids strengthen the cell membrane, they help to keep water in and keep the cells hydrated. This helps the skin maintain its proper moisture level resulting in skin that is plump and younger-looking.
Brazil Nuts – These delicious nuts are loaded with selenium and zinc, which improves the elasticity of your skin, helps to battle skin infections, and is thought to help individuals with acne.
Blueberries – These powerful berries help the body manufacture collagen which makes the skin supple and smooth. They are loaded with antioxidant compounds that are very effective in neutralizing damaging free radicals (that lead to skin cell damage and premature skin aging) generated in the skin by excessive UV exposure, pollution, or from other sources.
Sweet Potatoes – These sweet treats are loaded with vitamin C, which smoothes out wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen, beta carotene which helps guard the skin against sunburns, and Vitamin A which can help prevent breakouts.
Spinach – Popeye’s favorite food is rich in folate, a vital nutrient for DNA repair, so spinach helps to keep your skin looking its best — from the inside out. Also high in vitamins A, C, E and K, spinach is also helpful in clearing up acne. Studies have shown that its benefits are even greater when you’re consuming it raw, rather than cooked.
Green Tea – This healthy brew contains catechins, one of the most effective compounds for preventing sun damage like hyperpigmentation. It also contains polyphenols which are antioxidants that combat free-radical damage and help reverse the signs of aging.
xoxo, Emme