What you eat also counts – that is why you should ensure your diet consists of food that can be beneficial to your skin, instead of foods that would harm your skin. Let’s consider some of the best foods that you can include in your diet to help improve the complexion, glow, and overall well-being of your skin.
Salmon
One of the best foods that you can eat if you wish to ‘feed your skin’ would be fatty fish – with salmon often being at the top of the list. Fatty fish varieties are incredibly high in omega-3 fatty acids. There are different types of these fatty acids found in salmon, including docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. A deficiency in DHA has bee linked to dry skin. It has been found that omega-3 fatty acids are exceptionally beneficial for skin health and can also help to reduce symptoms associated with common skin-related disorders. Furthermore, adding salmon to your diet can also help to improve your skin’s moisture and help to maintain the suppleness of your skin.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another type of vegetable that can help to improve the appearance of your skin. This is primarily due to the high amount of beta-carotene that is found in this food. Beta-carotene is a type of antioxidant that is exceptionally powerful in preventing free radical damage and may also help to improve the skin’s resistance to the damaging UV rays of the sun. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of sweet potatoes may also help to improve dry skin and could possibly help to reduce the effects of aging on the skin. Studies have also found that beta-carotene can help to improve skin complexion.
Broccoli
Another important food to add to your diet if you wish to protect your skin would be broccoli. This food is high in both minerals and vitamins, which can improve the well-being of your skin, as well as your entire body. Studies have also found that the sulforaphane chemicals that are present in broccoli may help to reduce the effects that the sun’s UV rays have on the skin. In one study, damage dealt by UV rays on skin cells were reduced by 29%. The effects also lasted for 48 hours following the administration of sulforaphane. Furthermore, the same ingredient may help to reduce the risk of skin-related cancers.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a type of treatment that is often recommended as an alternative to unhealthy snacks, such as standard milk chocolate. This type of chocolate is packed with cocoa powder, which contains natural antioxidants that can help to protect the body against oxidative stressors. In one study, scientists found that the consumption of dark chocolate can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin by boosting hydration and making the skin appear thicker. Furthermore, the roughness of the skin was reduced with the consumption of dark chocolate. It was also found that the compounds in this chocolate helped to enhance blood flow to the skin, resulting in a higher concentration of nutrients being transported to the skin.
Red Wine
Red wine may be another beneficial drink to add to your diet, due to the high concentration of resveratrol that is found in this type of alcoholic beverage. Resveratrol is considered to be an exceptionally powerful antioxidant and has been linked to quite a number of benefits – including a reduced risk of heart disease, according to some studies. One study also explains that this type of natural antioxidant can help to protect epidermal aging in the human body, leading to fewer wrinkles and a lower risk of signs associated with premature aging. The key effect here would be the fact that resveratrol can help to protect against free radicals, which are chemicals in the body that is known to cause damage to skin cells, ultimately leading to dry and wrinkly skin.
Conclusion
While it is well-known that skincare products like face washes and even makeup can have an impact on the appearance of the skin, many people do not realize that the food they eat also plays a role. The consumption of fast foods and other unhealthy options lead to an acceleration of skin-related aging. With the right foods in your diet, however, you can benefit your skin. This leads to a glowing complexion, helps to fix a dull complexion, and can even be beneficial for reducing wrinkles and treating acne.