Ever heard the phrase: “you are what you eat”?
Well, full disclosure: the secret to healthy and glowing skin doesn’t lie in expensive skincare products.
It actually lies in your diet.
In fact, there are some superfoods that have the power to keep your skin supple and smooth in addition to helping prevent acne and age-related damage.
Want more details? Not to worry - we’ve got you covered. Read on for the 5 best foods you can consume to get gorgeous skin - and fast.
1. Fatty Fish
First things first, did you know that certain varieties of fatty fish (including sardines, cod, salmon, mackerel and herring) are a rich source of vitamins A and D, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc?
As a result, incorporating fatty fish into your diet is considered much more effective than applying moisturisers to your face (if you can believe it!)
Why? Well, because they form a protective barrier around your skin, which consequently helps minimise breakouts and soothe inflammation. Win-win.
2. Berries and Citrus Fruits
Next up, let’s talk about specific types of fruits that are not only incredibly delicious but also super beneficial to the skin.
Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are a great source of vitamins E and C and rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin against cell damage and premature ageing.
Then there are citrus fruits.
Mangoes, grapefruits and kiwis are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants, which collectively help to tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles.
Vitamin C also fights inflammation, improves skin elasticity and reduces acne for unbelievable results.
3. Avocado
Cool fact of the day: just one avocado contains 27% of the daily requirement of niacin (vitamin B3), which has an anti-inflammatory action that can dramatically reduce the appearance of acne and redness.
It also provides 28% of the Daily Value for Vitamin E and 22% of the Daily Value for vitamin C.
Ergo, avocados are so great for your skin. Consuming them regularly will even out your skin tone for a clearer, more glowy effect - and who doesn't want that?
4. Oatmeal, Buckwheat and Brown Rice
Very high in soluble fibre, oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that naturally aids dry, irritated skin.
Then there are other complex carbohydrates, such as buckwheat and brown rice, that are high in iron, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, Vitamins B and E, silicon and selenium.
This means that they can improve intestinal function, eliminate toxins and regulate blood sugar levels, making the skin look younger and feel cleaner as a result.
5. Green Leafy Vegetables
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of green leafy vegetables as major skin-boosters!
Thanks to the vitamins A, B, C and E, folic acid, iron, iodine and phosphorus found in spinach in particular, this veggie has been proven to have exceptional cleaning properties.
Lettuce and kale also contain the compounds lutein and zeaxanthin, which hydrate your skin cells and protect them from damage.
But that’s not all.
Any green leafy vegetable has the ability to eliminate toxins and even out your skin tone, meaning that your complexion will have never felt so fresh, smooth and bright.
Team the Best Foods for Skin With the Best Drink
If you want to improve the appearance and elasticity of your skin, you need to make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, such as the above suggestions.
However, you also need to make sure you’re drinking six to eight glasses of still water on a daily basis.
After all, nutritious foods teamed with a good water intake will have the most amazing effects on your skin both inside and out.
