“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” -Robert Urich
Fill Up on Fatty Acids
Nutrition helps your body from the inside out, and while you may not notice the results instantly, adding foods high in fatty acids can help your body build better skin. Salmon ranks high on most doctors’ lists because the rich omega-3s are good for your heart. But when thinking about your overall skin health, the fatty acids and antioxidants in food strengthen your natural moisture barrier, so that your skin can ward off nasty things like pollution. As an added bonus, omega-3s “can also protect your skin from sun damage,” but you still need to wear sunscreen.
Eat Your Vitamins
You probably know that topical vitamin C serums improve skin’s texture and may even provide some form of sun protection, but did you know that foods containing vitamin C can keep your skin taut and resilient? Yep! Vitamin C is an essential part of collagen synthesis, and according to researchers at Oregon State University, it works even better when vitamin E is involved. So, how do you get both vitamins in at one time? Try adding some avocados to your diet. Just like salmon, they also contain fatty acids and antioxidants.
Squash that Sweet Tooth
We all know that excess sugar leads to weight gain and eating too much processed food puts us at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. But did you know that there’s a connection between sugar consumption and skin aging? When you eat high-glycemic foods or sugary treats, your body can undergo a process known as glycation. Simply put, the sugar joins forces with fats or proteins and create molecules known as AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) that target collagen and break it down, leaving wrinkles and loose skin in their wake. That extra donut or soda doesn’t look so good now, does it?
Learn to Love Phytonutrients
With all the healthy foods we’ve discussed so far, you didn’t think we’d forget those green, leafy vegetables, did you? Aside from adding much needed fiber to your diet, these yummy ingredients contain phytonutrients that can fend off free radicals, up your hydration level, and even flush out toxins. And if acne is a concern, then you’ll appreciate the fact that the vitamin A in green vegetables may reduce your body’s sebum production. Since they offer so many health benefits, why not incorporate them into salads, side dishes, and smoothies? Try adding spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens to your meals to make the most of their nutrients and vitamins.
To your skin health,
Team Reflect
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