Skin juggles a demanding workload as your body’s largest organ. It not only makes a first impression, it also faces an onslaught of outside aggressors every day, like damaging sun rays and urban pollution. While daily facial cleansing encourages acne-free skin by removing dirt and oil buildup, eating foods rich in key nutrients means health from the inside out.
1. Power Berries
Next time you make a smoothie, go heavy on the colorful berries and your skin will thank you. Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and tannins. That blend of immune-boosting ingredients encourages collagen production and limits inflammation, which means better cell turnover and brighter skin. Skin cells also need a regular boost of regenerative vitamin C, which stops dark-spot-inducing free radicals—from sun damage and dry skin—in their tracks.
2. Tomato Protection
These juicy dietary staples contain a slew of skin-protective and healing properties. They deliver a healthy dose of vitamin A, which is a crucial nutrient required for producing healthy new skin cells to replace old or damaged ones. Tomatoes also contain high levels of vitamin C, which fights off free radicals and encourages higher collagen production; meaning skin heals more efficiently and keeps age spots at bay. Tomatoes also contain lycopene and beta-carotene, both of which help protect skin against free radicals from sun damage and the resulting of dark sunspots.
3. Go Nuts
Dry skin comes with a laundry list of problems, including inflammation and skin cell damage, which can leave behind unwanted discoloration and make skin more vulnerable to breakouts. Fortunately, a healthful intake of nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans, can give your skin a lift. These little nuggets are packed full of healthful, essential fatty acids, which help skin create a protective barrier against outside acne-inducing intruders and keep skin moist and supple. Finally, nuts deliver a punch of fiber, protein and phytosterols, which help skin to repair more effectively as it turns over.
4. Omega Nutrition
If you’re a fan of salmon, tuna and mackerel, then you get a boost of omega-3 fatty acids every time you indulge in your favorite piece of fish. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation throughout the body. They also keep skin hydrated and encourage healthy circulation. These three elements work together to keep cell turnover high and inflammation low, which reduces the appearance of dark spots. They also keep skin hydrated, which builds a natural defense against acne and discoloration.
Also read 4 Surprising Benefits of Oily Skin
