How to Eat for Healthy Skin
 |
You’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but you might not have heard that it will help keep your acne away, too. While eating specifically for healthy skin can be tricky, the good news is that a healthy diet in general will help maintain your complexion. The key lies with colorful fruits and vegetables high in fiber and antioxidants that help neutralize damage caused by free radicals. With these substitutes, you can improve your skin and your health in general. Plus, your fruit and veggie shelf will brighten up your kitchen!
First of all, carbohydrates and sweets will raise your insulin level, which is believed to cause breakouts. That means it’s time to swap your potato chips, pasta, and white bread for low-fat popcorn, brown rice, and whole grain breads. If you’re a mashed potato addict, try acorn squash sprinkled with cloves and cinnamon instead. The squash offers antioxidant Vitamin A, which prevents premature aging, and lots of fiber. Citrus fruits and berries offer a sweet alternative to desserts and boost your immune system with Vitamin C. Avoid sodas and juices and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Second, don’t go running from words that have “fat” in them. Consider fatty acids, for example. Fish, avocado, and nuts contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6, which will not only help prevent blemishes but signs of aging as well. So while the occasional steak and hamburger won’t hurt you, smoked salmon or tuna fish sandwiches are leaner and contain those complexion-friendly EFAs.
And the secret skin saver sitting in your pantry as you read? Olive oil! It helps prevent dryness and flakiness, and promote Vitamin A absorption. High in Vitamin E, olive oil can moisturize your face and hands as well as improve radiance. Mixed with an egg yolk and honey, you can make a facial mask; add sugar and you have an exfoliating scrub. It can always be worn or used on its own, too.
While all these foods help your skin from the inside out, it’s important not to forget the external maintenance. Wash with a skin cleanser detox, exfoliate, and moisturize twice a day every day to fight the free radicals from the environment causing dullness and breakout. Of course, don’t forget your sunscreen.
