Just because you use some of the best skin care products on the market right now, doesn’t mean you’re done. It’s also important for to keep in mind what you’re putting in your body, and what effect it has on the skin. Here are a few things that will help you get maximum skin health, along with a great skin care routine, morning and night.
Water. This may, or may not, be a no-brainer. But this is more important to your skin health than you realize. Water keeps your skin hydrated, and supple. This means that when drinking enough water per day, this can help keep fine lines and wrinkles away. And really, who wouldn’t want that? Water also helps your skin cells take in nutrients and get rid of toxins by flushing them out. It also helps with blood flow, which gives you a nice natural glow. So how much water, exactly? Research suggests you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces per day. This translates like this: Body weight: 100lbs Water: 50oz/day. Drink up!
Another really great food for your skin is Green Tea. We’ve all heard about the chilled tea bags on our eyes to prevent puffiness, but did you know that the high levels of anti-inflammatory properties in green tea actually may help reduce your risk of skin cancer? Just to be clear, this does not replace your daily SPF.
Foods like colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, apricots, beets and squash are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help aid the fight against free radical damage to your skin, which breaks down the collagen in the skin. When the collagen and elastin starts to break down, you start to get fine lines and wrinkles.Foods high in Vitamin C will help firm up those properties in your skin, also giving your skin a healthy glow. Vitamin C is also a natural skin brightener, and may help against sun damage.
You can also fight free radical damage by eating foods high in CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10). Your body makes this substance naturally, however as we get older our bodies slow down, and make less and less over time. It helps your body with energy, and helps your cells work. You can find CoQ10 in foods such as tuna, whole grains and also in organ meats such as liver.
Olive Oil is a great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6, which helps your skin keep its natural oil barrier. Your skin should always have a good oil/water balance, because it keeps skin looking youthful, and with a smoother texture. Essential Fatty Acids can also be found in walnuts, flaxseed and fish such as salmon and sardines.
As always, its great to have a good skin care routine daily. Foods for your skin won’t replace your skin care products, but knowing whats in your food can help with certain kinds of skin problems you may be experiencing.
*Individual results may vary.
