Maintaining healthy skin at home begins with what you are eating and drinking every day and ends with how you are taking care of your skin throughout the day.
You are what you eat!
Over 90% of the world’s population is affected by acne at some point in their lives.
Twelve Foods to eat that promote good skin health include the following:
- Fatty Fish
Fish like salmon, mackerel and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and they are important for maintaining skin health. Not only do the omega-3 fatty acids reduce redness and inflammation in our skin, they also make skin less sensitive to harmful UV rays from the sun. Oil supplements may help with conditions like psoriasis and lupus too.
- Avocados
Avocados are specifically high in healthy fats, Vitamins E and C, that help to keep skin flexible and moisturized and they also protect skin from oxidative properties and the sun’s UV damage.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3, zinc, Vitamin E, selenium and protein, all needed for healthy skin.
- Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and protein.
- Sweet Potatoes
They provide pro-vitamin A that is converted into Vitamin A in the body and they are rich in beta carotene, which acts like a natural sunblock.
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
These peppers carry beta carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A and they have a high source of Vitamin C, which keeps skin firm and strong.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is high in zinc, Vitamin A and C. It also has sulforaphane which has anti-cancer effects and protects against sun damage.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C and lutein and the carotenoids with lycopene. The latter protects skin from sun damage.
- Soy
Soy contains isoflavones which have been found to reduce fine wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. In postmenopausal women it was found to improve skin dryness and increase collagen. Additionally, it keeps skin from UV radiation.
- Dark Chocolate
Cocoa in one study resulted in thicker, more hydrated skin. It also allowed participants to withstand twice as much sun before burning from UV radiation.
- Green Tea
Green tea helps skin through hydration, skin thickness, and elasticity. It also protects skin from UV sun rays.
- Red Grapes
Red grapes contain resveratrol which helps to reduce the effects of aging.
Drinking Water
Without sufficient water, skin becomes flaky, dry and tight and it will become more prone to the effects of aging.
Benefits of drinking sufficient water include fewer wrinkles, an improved complexion, reduced puffiness, faster healing of skin from sunburn, clearer skin from acne as toxins are released, the aging process is slowed, pores are cleaner and smaller, there is a reduced itchiness when skin is not as dry, skin is tighter, and there is a proper pH balance of the skin.
Wash Face Twice a Day
Be sure to wash your face before going to bed at night so the skin can breath freely and be freshened from all its exposure to the raw elements during the day.
You elect when to wash you face the second time. Many people elect to do it when they wake up, to help them wake up.
Shower After a Work Out
Remove dead, sweaty or dirty skin after a workout.
Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer
Look for oil-free products so you don’t clog pores.
Try Advanced Skincare Products
There is an enormous number of skincare products on the market to treat every kind of skin, and every kind of issue from acne to wrinkle, and sun damage to hyperpigmentation. Our current favourites are the Zo skin health product range.
Apply Sunscreen
When skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces more oil. Look for an oil-free sun-screen that can be applied daily.
Change Bed Linens regularly
Change bed linens at least once a week to keep from rolling around in dead skin cells, especially your pillow covers.