Radiant skin requires more than just skin care— what you consume daily also impacts how your face and body look. The right food can make your complexion more glowy and clear and is also key to maintaining this flawlessness in the long term.
Practicing a healthy diet can initially seem daunting, but it’s all about picking the right food and setting good habits. Here are some suggestions to include in your skin-loving meal plan.
1. Fruits
Fruits are full of vitamins that improve your skin. Bananas and figs provide vitamin B for nourishment, while oranges offer vitamin C for glow. Red grapes help combat free radicals, which damage skin cells.
Avocados and tomatoes are also great fruits to include in your diet. While you can eat them as they are, you could also include them in various recipes. Create a guacamole and salsa combination for chips, burritos and more.
2. Vegetables
Sweet potato is a powerful vegetable with plenty of vitamin A to increase skin cell protection. Carrots and bell peppers also have the same properties while providing vitamin C and collagen to firm the skin.
Remember to eat your greens as well. Spinach can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Broccoli contains lutein, which protects the skin from oxidative damage, such as dehydration.
3. Nuts and Seeds
When you feel snack-ish, reach for nuts and seeds throughout the day. Junk food and preservatives are full of chemicals and additives, so turn to more natural options.
Almonds and walnuts are delicious, especially when lightly salted. They also have a high magnesium concentration, which minimizes skin inflammation and irritation. Sunflower seeds, whether roasted or raw, also have the same properties.
4. Oats and Millet
Carbohydrates like rice and pasta are essential for a well-balanced meal, but it’s important to swap them out for healthier alternatives occasionally. Consider other grains like oats and millet, which also contain fiber and antioxidants.
You can make a sweet dish by adding milk and fruits to the grains. Vegetables and meat are also ideal if you crave a savory dish. You can also create a natural face and body scrub by combining leftover oats with honey.
5. Seafood
Seafood has so many nutrients to keep your complexion glowing. For instance, fatty fish like salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which boost your skin’s barrier.
Shrimp and crab are also ideal for maintaining your collagen levels, which is important for skin firmness and elasticity. Add them to your plate if you’re dealing with signs of aging. Clams are also fantastic as they contain vitamin C.
6. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a great food option to incorporate into your diet. It’s made from boiling animal bones, skins and tissues into a liquid concentration. You can drink it as is or use it as a base for soups and sauces.
Using bone broth is a genius move for increasing the skin’s hydration. The liquid gold also contains collagen to help combat saggy and dull skin. It can also ease inflammation throughout the body.
7. Tea
Tea is a much more conventional beverage to add to your healthy diet. It contains antioxidant properties to fight free radicals and slow aging. Remember to keep the milk and sugar to a minimum to avoid overshadowing the benefits.
Green tea is a standout option as it increases protection against sun damage by reducing inflammation. You can also use ginger root or peppermint to target other skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation and hormonal acne.
8. Water
Combat skin dryness by hydrating yourself with water. Although six to eight glasses of fluids are recommended daily, you should drink according to your body’s needs.
Avoid drinking too much water, though. Overhydration can cause headaches and vomiting. Others may also experience drowsiness and muscle cramps. As clear as you want your skin to be, strike a balance.
Extra Tips
While you get your grocery list ready, you should also build the correct habits. Here are some tips to maintain a well-balanced diet:
- Time your meals: A healthy diet should include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avoid skipping meals by having a set time to eat throughout the day. You can space it out according to your schedule. If you feel hungry in between, count on nature’s snacks like nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
- Portion control: Eating a nutritious diet is a great start to getting glowy skin, but you must also control your portions. A standard-sized meal helps you feel satisfied without overloading the skin. You can work your way down to a smaller plate or practice meal prepping.
- Treat yourself: Some people struggle with following a diet if it’s too restrictive. Be kind to yourself and focus on striking a healthy balance. Afterward, you can reward yourself with the occasional dark chocolate. The good news is it improves blood flow and keeps your skin healthier.
Eat Healthy for Better Skin
A healthy diet can help you achieve the glowy skin of your dreams. Just remember to work on consistency and discipline along the way. It takes time to get into the routine, but you’ll find the process and results worthwhile.