Healthy skin is a reflection of internal health. There are many creams and cosmetics to put on top of your skin but there are also lots of things you can do to nurture and nourish your skin to better health from the inside.
How better to do this than with food?
Your skin needs many nutrients: water, essential fats, vitamins, and amino acids. Here are five foods (and drinks and lifestyle tips) I highly recommend if your goal is healthier-looking skin.
Let’s dive in.
Skin Food #1 - Water
No doubt hydration is key for healthy-looking skin! Water and other hydrating fluids are great to help your skin stay moist and supple.
And for a bit of an extra anti-inflammatory hydrating boost, try boosting your water with anti-inflammatory green tea (sugar-free if possible).
Skin Food #2 - Fish
Fish contains many nutrients important for skin health - omega-3s, and vitamins A and D to name a few.
Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory to help cool the flames of inflammation. Vitamin A can help with blemishes and dryness, while vitamin D helps with skin tone.
Skin Food #3 - Bell peppers, citrus, and broccoli
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in our body. It’s also known to help our skin stay firm and supple.
Vitamin C is necessary for your body to make collagen. So foods rich in vitamin C are great for your skin. Cue: bell peppers, citrus, and broccoli.
FUN FACT: Overcooking vitamin C-rich foods can destroy some of the skin-supporting vitamins. So, try having these lightly steamed or raw for maximum vitamin C levels.
Skin Food #4 - Bone broth
Homemade bone broth contains a lot of the amino acid glycine. Glycine is another essential component of the skin protein collagen.
Glycine helps speed the healing of the skin and the gut. Win-win.
Skin “Food” #5 - Sleep more & stress less
I know these aren’t exactly foods, but they’re an important part of naturally great skin. When we don’t sleep enough, or stress too much our body flips on systems that affect our whole body… including our skin.
Stress hormones can increase inflammation and lead to not-so-healthy looking skin. Prioritize sleep and stress management, and you can see results in your life, and in your skin.
Some people have an intolerance or allergy to certain foods, and may affect your skin. Each person is biochemically unique, so you may have to go through this and see what applies to you.
Limit Ultra-processed Foods
Noticed how I didn't say eliminate?! You gotta live a little
Let's talk a little about ultra-processed foods such as chips, pop, candy, fast-food, etc. These foods can affect your health in so many ways, as they are high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. These foods can affect the way your skin looks and feels. Favour a diet of whole foods as much as possible. Not just for your skin, for your whole body (and mind).
Conclusion
Skin health is not just about what you put on your skin, but what your skin gets from the inside too. There are lots of important nutrients and foods to help support healthy skin. Which also means, that there are lots of foods that can affect your skin in negative ways as well.
Hydrating, eating nutrient dense whole foods, and limiting processed foods may make all the difference for you!
Book a Complimentary Discovery Session with me today, to see how I can help you reach your health and wellness goals.
-Rebekah
