Skincare isn’t just about the external applications like serums, moisturisers, and masks. It’s also about the food for healthy skin that you consume. Here are ten superfoods that can help you achieve that radiant glow from the inside out.
1. Fatty fish: Species like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vital nutrients that maintain skin suppleness and hydration. These fish also provide high-quality protein, vitamin E, and zinc, making them excellent food for healthy skin.
2. Avocados: Avocados don’t just rule the brunch world. They also come loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, both key players in achieving a youthful, dewy glow.
3. Walnuts: These brain-shaped nuts serve as smart food for your skin. They come packed with essential fatty acids, which your body can’t produce on its own. Plus, they outshine most other nuts in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids content.
4. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach: These vibrant veggies boast high levels of beta carotene, a nutrient that your body converts into vitamin A, acting as a natural sunblock.
5. Bell peppers: Whether you favour red, green, or yellow, bell peppers are a beauty essential. They’re packed with beta carotene and vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, the protein that keeps your skin firm and strong.
6. Broccoli: This tree-like veggie is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that protects your skin from oxidative damage.
7. Tomatoes: Not only are they salad staple, they’re also skin superfood. Packed with vitamin C and major carotenoids, including lycopene, which has been shown to protect your skin against sun damage.
8. Dark chocolate: Here’s a sweet excuse to indulge in a piece of dark chocolate: the antioxidants found in cocoa can improve skin thickness, hydration, and blood flow. Just make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximise the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.
9. Green tea: Sip your way to better skin with green tea. Its powerful antioxidants, known as catechins, can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness, as well as improve its hydration, thickness, and elasticity.
10. Red grapes: Famous for containing resveratrol, a compound with a host of health benefits. Red grapes can also slow down the skin’s aging process, leaving you with a youthful, fresh complexion.
While these superfoods can enhance your skin’s health and appearance, it’s equally important to protect your skin from the sun, avoid smoking, manage stress, and stay hydrated. So, incorporate these foods for healthy skin into your diet, and remember that the journey to radiant skin is not just about what you apply externally, but also about the food for healthy skin that you consume. Don’t forget, always drink ample water for a naturally radiant complexion.
