Do you struggle with breakouts or dull skin no matter what new products you try? Sometimes, the promises on the bottle don’t hold up, but don’t worry. There are natural ways you can achieve the clear skin of your dreams.
A healthy diet impacts all aspects of your health – including your skin health. If you want a picture-perfect complexion, try incorporating these foods into your regular diet.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a superfood for protecting your skin. A study on a tomato-based supplement notes improvement in participants’ skin features like tone, lines, pore size and elasticity. The fruit has inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Citrus
A citrus fruit a day can keep skin problems at bay. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and more are incredibly rich in Vitamin C. This nutrient is paramount to smooth and supple skin. Peel and eat them as they are or juice them. Don’t forget to get some of the pulp to get every drop of nutrients.
3. Grapes
Grapes require no preparation at all. Simply wash a bunch and put them in a bowl on your home office table for a sweet treat. Plus, grape consumption can provide greater resistance to skin erythema induced by UV radiation. Skin erythema is characterized by skin sensitivity and redness that can be a prelude to skin cancer.
4. Berries
Other berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are also staples. They contain a variety of antioxidants to improve skin health in the long run. Create a breakfast bowl with yogurt and your favorite mini fruits.
5. Tea
For drinks, water is a great skin hydrator. You can also consider making yourself a cup of tea if you want a bit of flavor. Tea can slow down skin aging by combatting the free radicals in your body with its antioxidants. It also offers other health benefits, such as improving blood flow and securing heart health.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is a versatile spice for stews, soups and tea. It provides many health benefits for the body, from pain relief and liver protection. Turmeric is also an ideal additive when clearing the skin. Mixing the powder into your food and beverages can target and alleviate inflammation.
7. Fish
Fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 and other fatty acids. These essential nutrients help with improving your skin’s natural oil barrier. If you have dry skin or live in colder climates, consider adding this to your diet. Just remember to eat in moderation to avoid too much oiliness.
8. Caviar
Caviar is a luxurious food option made from salt-cured roe. This food contains vitamin E, which can absorb UV light and radiation to minimize the harm caused by sun rays on your skin. They also have a considerable amount of amino acids to strengthen the rest of the body. Eat a spoonful if you have the chance or apply it to buttered toast.
9. Leafy Greens
Whether you love or hate vegetables, this food group has an undeniable list of benefits to the skin. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale and bok choy specifically are all rich in nutrients. Vitamins A, C and K can improve skin elasticity while strengthening your eyesight and bone health. Cook them down to add to your dishes or create a fresh salad with these veggies.
10. Cucumber
Add cucumber to your salads and sandwiches. It can add extra hydration since it’s mostly made up of water and electrolytes. In addition to eating them, you can also apply them directly onto the skin. Juice the vegetable into a toner or create small slices to put on the eyes and cheeks to reduce dryness.
11. Probiotics
Kombucha, yogurt and the like are important options to have in your diet. Inflammation in your gut can affect your overall digestion of food, which can influence the state of your skin. Most people commonly notice acne build-up when their gut health is low. Luckily, probiotics in those previously mentioned foods can improve gut barrier dysfunction.
12. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower extract is a common ingredient in skincare. It removes dryness and improves the skin’s overall glowiness. For your dietary consumption, you can look forward to getting sunflower seeds. Just make sure to eat less than 30 grams of sunflower seeds daily since they can be high in salt and calories.
13. Walnuts
Walnuts are a great alternative if you can’t get your hands on sunflower seeds. Their fatty acids also improve skin moisture in the long run. You can top it off on smoothies and other dishes for a delicious crunch.
14. Sweet Potatoes
Everybody loves russets and Yukon Golds, but sweet potatoes also deserve some love, too. They have a high concentration of Vitamin A, which unclogs pores and clears up discoloration. Boil and mash them to eat them as they are. You can also make a delectable sweet potato pie.
15. Avocados
Avocados are also known for their high antioxidant content, which can clear up blemishes and reduce skin pain. If you’re having nachos, throw in some guacamole on the side. You can also whip up a quick avocado toast before work.
16. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a great base for soups and other dishes that need flavor. They offer plenty of collagen to bring back a youthful look and feel to the skin. Plus, it’s easy to make with some leftover animal bones. Don’t let all the cartilage and marrow go to waste!
Achieve Clear Skin
Before you go buy new skincare products to fight breakouts, take a look at your diet. The right foods can solve so many problems. Incorporate some of these foods into your daily meals and watch as your skin starts to glow.