When people talk about diet, they usually speak about weight, but did you know that what we eat can also impact the health and appearance of our skin? While we usually reach for skin care products to treat and care for our skin, our diet can help to rejuvenate our skin from the inside out.
Eating a healthy diet can produce long term results, often far more effective than topical treatments. The things we eat and what our body ingests has much greater impact on the overall appearance and condition of our skin. A healthy diet includes raw minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, acids, phytochemicals and other useful compounds that our skin and body needs on a daily basis. There are some foods that are loaded with these essential elements that can help to nurture our skin.
If you’re still not convinced, keep reading to discover the many benefits of a healthy diet on your skin.
1. Moisturising effects
Dry skin is one of the most common skin issues for many men and women. In most cases, poor diet is the main cause that contributes to this issue. Following a healthy diet includes eating sufficient amounts of healthy fats, which work to preserve the moisture and suppleness of your skin. This will ensure your skin stays moisturised naturally from the inside out.
Healthy fats are beneficial for your entire body, as they allow the body to absorb other nutrients and use them correctly. Foods such as wild fish, avocados, seeds, nuts and olive oil are some amazing sources of healthy fats.
2. Prevent wrinkles
There have been a number of studies that show there is a direct link between wrinkles (and fine lines) and our diet. A healthy diet can prevent the formation of wrinkles, which can make us look significantly older. Eating the right foods can optimise the production of collagen, a compound crucial for the elasticity of the skin and health of skin cells. One way you can stabilise the production of collagen in the body is by cutting down on the amount of sugar you eat.
3. Fights acne
A healthy diet can help people prevent and eliminate acne. This is a very common skin disorder that can impact people’s confidence and ultimately lead to other health issues. A healthy diet requires a radical reduction in the consumption of sugar. Sugar is highly addictive, so to satisfy sugar cravings, you can try eating low glycemic foods like berries. To prevent acne, you should also consider lowering your intake of starchy foods such as breads and pastas. These foods can increase blood sugar levels, supporting inflammation and acne.
Try to consume more healthy fats, lean protein and leafy green vegetables, but avoid sugar and processed foods to fight against acne.
4. Beauty to your lips
During winter, many people experience dry lips due to the cold, dry air. However, if you are experiencing this problem all year round, it’s likely you lack B vitamins and zinc. Following a healthy diet on a regular basis will help bring back these nutrients in the system. Some good examples of foods than contain B vitamins and zinc are organic yoghurt, fish, nuts, seeds and cacao which can be excellent for plump lips!
5. Makes your skin radiant
A poor diet can cause skin to appear dull and lifeless as the body is not receiving all of the nutrients it needs. The simplest way to solve this problem is to consume healthy, natural foods. Start slowly by gradually replacing processed foods with natural foods. It won’t take long for your skin to start looking radiant and fresh, helping you glow.
6. Keeps the area around your eyes protected
Puffy eyes and dark under eye circles are a common problem that many of us experience. Diet plays an important role in their formation. Eating foods that are low in sugar and with a low glycemic index can help to nourish and protect the skin around your eyes.
These are just some of the many health benefits of eating a clean and nutritious diet, and the impact it has on your skin.