The best skincare isn’t just for your bathroom or dressing table. It can also be found in the food cupboard and supplement drawer. Check out our list of foods and beverages that can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Why does food affect the skin?
The food we eat or don’t eat will affect our skin’s health and appearance.
This is evident in the skin disorders caused by vitamin deficiencies. A vitamin B deficiency can cause symptoms such as dermatitis, fungal infections, and patchy red rashes.
We get most of our vitamin intake from food, especially fruits and vegetables. These foods provide us with nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E. Our diet can also provide antioxidants that are important for overall health, including skin.
What colour foods are the best for clear skins?
Foods that are yellow, orange, dark green and red contain high amounts of beta-carotene. The body converts this skin-essential vitamin into retinol, its form.
Vitamin A is essential for the normal function of the immune system, growth, development, and reproduction.
Retinol, it is claimed, helps maintain the vital skin support structures of collagen and elastin.
Vitamin C is also found in many fruits and vegetables. This antioxidant is vital for collagen production. Our expert explains the process in 10 foods that are good for collagen.
Our article on superfoods explains the importance of eating a colourful, varied diet.
Which foods contain antioxidants?
Eating at least five portions of fruits and veggies daily is one of the best ways to get more antioxidants.
Fruits and vegetables with intense colours are rich in antioxidants. Think about a rainbow on your plate7, with green veggies like kale, fruits like kiwi or orange pumpkins, satsumas or tomatoes, or even fruits like satsumas or orange pumpkins.
Try to include a variety of colours in your meals.
Best foods for skin
A high water content in foods may help to hydrate your skin.
The study concluded that higher water intake in a regular diet positively impacts normal skin physiology. The study concluded that a higher intake of water in a normal diet positively impacts skin physiology.
These six foods have a high water content:
- Water – 96% of the lettuce
- Cucumber – 95% Water
- tomatoes – 94% water
- Watermelon – 92% aqueous
- Strawberries – 91% Water
- Cantaloupe Melon – 90% Water
These foods are also beneficial to your skin because of their high nutrient content:
- Carrots are a great source of vitamin A that helps maintain normal skin. Other vitamin A-rich foods include kale and sweet potatoes.
- Brazil nuts are rich in selenium (an antioxidant) and omega-3 fatty acids. Selenium, an important antioxidant that also supports normal immune function, is found in Brazil nuts.
- Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps maintain normal skin. Citrus fruit, peppers, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, and potatoes are all vitamin C-rich foods.
- Chia seeds have been found to be hydrating when soaked in liquid (or water). They’re also a nutritional powerhouse. Why not try our chia-berry pudding with omega-3s?
Best drinks for skin
A higher intake of dietary water can increase skin hydration10, which is crucial for retaining moisture. Dry skin may result from inadequate water retention.
- Six drinks to support your skin water!
- Green tea
- Beetroot juice
- fennel tea
- ginger shots
- aloe vera juice
The Final Word HTML0
Colourful ingredients are not only a great way to brighten up your meals but also offer a wealth of antioxidants and nutrients.
A healthy diet can help support healthy skin. Skin health is largely determined by the sebum content of your skin, its hydration level and pH.
Check out these foods to get that glowing skin.
