You are what you eat. How many times have you heard that expression? The saying has lasting power, because it’s true. What you eat and drink affects your physical health and mental health. It also affects your skin’s health.
If you want to have younger, healthier-looking skin without plastic surgery or invasive treatments, it’s as simple as stocking your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry with the right stuff. Here are some tips on how to do that. Incorporate foods that won’t exacerbate a condition you might have, such as IBS.
1. Eat the Rainbow
Colorful fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote skin health and can reduce the effects of aging. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin A. and resveratrol are all great for your skin. Some items to put in your cart as you go through the produce section or shop at the Gardens GreenMarket include:
- Sweet Potatoes, Oranges, and Carrots
- Red Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Red Grapes, Strawberries
- Mangoes, Bananas, Lemons, Grapefruit
- Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Kiwi, Avocados
Create some meal plans before you go shopping to make the best use of your time.
2. Eat Fatty Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish help keep your skin supple and moisturized, and can reduce inflammation as well. Fatty fish also have high levels of vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Trout
- Herring
3. Eat Grass-Fed Meat
If you eat meat, opt for grass-fed meat, and look for the 100% grass-fed label. Beef, lamb, and bison that have been grass-fed and grass-finished are your best options. This is because grass-fed meats are loaded with acne-fighting, skin-supporting nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc. Organic grass-fed meat is also free of hormones, which can adversely affect your skin health.
4. Add Grass-Fed Collagen to the Mix
This can be accomplished by adding a collagen supplement to your liquids. One of our favorites is Perfect Hydrolyzed Collagen. You can mix it into any liquid – hot or cold. It’s unflavored so your coffee, juice, or other beverage still tastes the same with no aftertaste. Homemade or store-bought high-quality bone broths and homemade gummy snacks are also beneficial to your skin health.
5. Eat Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another good source to give you an omega-3 boost. If you don’t eat fish, these are good plant-based sources. Try adding these nuts and seeds to smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, etc. You can also eat a handful as a snack.
- Walnuts
- Almons
- Sunflower Seeds
- Flax Seed
- Chia Seeds
6. Get Plenty of Hydration
Staying hydrated is vital to skin health. Not getting enough water into your system can cause dry skin, itchiness, fine lines, sunken eyes, and more. You can include unsweetened coffee and green tea in the mix, since they are both 99% water and have additional benefits for your skin’s health. Find a water bottle you like, and keep it filled. Adding minerals and electrolytes to your food and drinks can help your skin as well.
What to Avoid
There are also foods and drinks you should avoid, or only have in moderation or as an occasional treat. That’s because they can cause inflammation, breakouts, and make you look older than you are. These include:
- Processed foods
- Foods and drinks with a lot of added sugar
- Alcohol
In addition, for your overall health and your skin health, if you smoke, you should stop. And here in Palm Beach Gardens, you really should wear sunscreen every day, if you want to prevent sun damage to your face and neck especially.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
We offer a range of skincare and laser treatments to help you look and feel your best. From the initial consultation to the treatment room, we offer the highest quality of care, individualized to your needs. We are more than clinicians; We are more than clinicians; we understand how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself to look and feel your best. We help you make the most of your time by offering the best range of skincare treatments.
Book an appointment today.
