Eating well is good for you all around. As we know, unhealthy foods can cause you to gain weight and feel worse, along with a slew of other long-term consequences. Another consequence of eating unhealthy foods that people often forget is how it affects your skin. More and more studies have made it clear that what you eat can seriously impact the health and aging of your skin. What you eat will show up on your face whether that’s with acne, wrinkles, dull skin, or all three! Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep these foods for healthy skin in mind.
Best foods for healthy skin
Avocados
Avocados are not only delicious and versatile, they’re also high in healthy fats. With enough of these fats, your skin stays flexible and moisturized. Studies have shown that avocados may protect your skin from sun damage as well. You’ll also get a healthy serving of vitamin A, D, and E.
Fatty fish
Salmon, mackerel, and herring are all examples of fatty fish that are excellent for skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining skin health and are important for keeping the skin moisturized and supple.
Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of essential fatty acids. They contain a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. While too much omega-6 can promote inflammation, omega-3 fats reduce the inflammation. Walnuts can also provide small amounts of vitamin E, C and selenium – selenium protects cells from damage and calms down inflammation.
Peppers
Bell peppers are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in your body. They’re also amazing sources of vitamin C, which is necessary for producing collagen to keep the skin firm and strong.
Broccoli
Broccoli is chock full of vitamins and minerals that promote overall skin health. In broccoli, you’ll find zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C and lutein. Lutein works like a beta-carotene and protects your skin from oxidative damage to keep your skin moisturized and supple. It also contains a special compound called sulforaphane, which protects skin from sun damage and may also have anti-cancer effects.
Dark chocolate
Yes, eating chocolate for your health is a thing! Cocoa is amazing for your skin. Studies have found that after consuming cocoa powder, skin is less rough, less sensitive to sunburn, and has better blood flow (which brings more nutrients to your skin). Dark chocolate should have at least 70 percent cocoa to be effective and be careful of the sugar content!
Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which make it an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It can help protect your skin from sun damage and reduce redness from sun exposure! Green tea has also been shown to improve the skin’s hydration, thickness, and elasticity.
Berries
Fruits are amazing for your diet and berries provide an excellent source of antioxidants. With blueberries, raspberries, and cherries, you’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin C and combat cell damage and free radicals that can harm your skin.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are tons of other foods that make your skin happy. The bottom line is to find foods that are high in antioxidants and a good source of essential vitamins and fatty acids, and steer clear of sugary, processed foods!
Take your skin care one step further by preventing dead skin build up and promoting skin health and hydration. This month at ANU, we’re offering a dermaplaning facial that is customized to your skin type and exfoliates to remove built up dead skin.
