Taking care of your skin on the outside is important, but feeding it from the inside is also essential to a radiant face. Expensive skincare products aren’t the answer, but these fresh foods are. Glow up with these natural sources.
1. Citrus
These acidic fruits aren’t just amazing in your cocktail. Oranges, limes, grapefruit, and lemons are all chock full of Vitamin C, which is a game-changer for skin. It produces skin-smoothing collagen, and is integral to improving the texture of skin. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that can protect against hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, and sun damage.
2. Green Tea
This tea is a powerhouse for your body, inside and out. It releases catechins, an antioxidant that has anti-cancer properties and is anti-inflammatory. These properties can also increase blood flow to the skin. Make sure you consume it hot instead of iced, since its antioxidants can start to break down as it cools.
3. Sweet potatoes
Much of the goodness in sweet potatoes is found due to the high level of Beta-carotene in it, which is converted into vitamin A when consumed. It also acts as a natural sunblock and can help keep cells alive while preventing burns and wrinkles. It is also said to add a warm tone to skin.
4. Bone Broth
This isn’t just a social media and celebrity trend. Bone broth is decadently rich in collagen, and while that doesn’t automatically turn into collagen in your skin, consuming it drastically improves skin elasticity and hydration for a supple, glowing look.
5. Avocados
Another reason to indulge in Taco Tuesday – guacamole is life anyway, so incorporating more of it in your diet shouldn’t be too bad. It is high in the antioxidant vitamin E, and studies show that women have better elasticity in their skin when they eat avocados.
6. Bell Peppers
Specifically red or yellow peppers are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It contains 92% of the daily serving needed for Vitamin A, and Vitamin C helps create collagen which keeps skin firm. They’re delicious raw and dipped in hummus.
7. Spinach
Along with fighting many types of cancer, these iron-rich leafy greens are packed with Vitamin E and beta-carotene. These substances help to protect skin cells from free radical damage (a culprit of fine lines, skin cancer, and hyper-pigmentation.) It also has a high water content which will make your skin less wrinkled and more plump.
8. Tomatoes
Pasta fans, you’re in luck. Lycopene is a phytochemical that makes tomatoes red. It also happens to get Reid of skin-aging free radicals that UV rays cause. When veggies are heated, your body gets the most protective nutrients. Half a cup of tomato sauce or 16 mg of lycopene is a good daily dose.
9. Salmon
Fatty fishes have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and helps keep skin hydrated and supple with a strong protective barrier. Dry skin is often caused by a diet that doesn’t have enough omega-3 fats. You can also eat mackerel and herring.
10. Dark chocolate
Yes, in a sea of healthy foods, you can still eat dessert without compromising your skin or bringing on acne. Pure cocoa is high in antioxidants (make sure to research before you buy one) and can improve the appearance of wrinkles as well as providing UV protection.
