We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat” and when it comes to skin health it is a very valid quote.
Our bodies and skin are made up of cells that require food and oxygen to function and reproduce themselves. The vital nutrients that make up this fuel comes from what we consume.
It makes sense then that if we want to have healthy skin that is bright and youthful, we feed it well…
1. Eat foods high in antioxidants like berries, spinach, and dark chocolate.
These antioxidant rich foods help to protect against sun damage, they calm inflammation and help slow down the ageing process by protecting the skin from free radicals like smoking, pollution, changing weather conditions, etc.
2. Make sure to get plenty of vitamins, such as A, C, and E, which are all beneficial for skin health.
Vitamins A, C and E are essential nutrients which have antioxidant activity.
Vitamin A helps to normalise cell function, balances sebum (oil) production and increases collagen & elastin production.
Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen & elastin helping to reduce fine links and wrinkles. It is essential for skin repair and healing and helps in the reduction of pigmentation and redness.
Vitamin E is a wonderful moisturiser and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also supports in wound healing.
3. Consume foods that contain healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
The cells of the skin are held together by the lipid (fat) layer. As we age these lipids begin to diminish but by eating healthy fats, we can support this layer and keep the skin supple, soft, and moist.
4. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep skin hydrated.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day helps to keep the skin hydrated, it flushes toxins from the body and helps to reduce puffiness in the face.
5. Limit your intake of processed foods, which can be high in saturated fats and added sugars.
Processed, high sugar content food is a no-no for healthy skin. When we eat a high sugar diet something called “Glycation” occurs. Glycation results in dryness, sallowness, deep wrinkles, pigmentation, breakouts, and inflammation.
6. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruits and vegetables are full of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and much more. These nutrients help in the production of collagen & elastin, slowing the signs of aging, revitalising the skin, and eating dark, leafy greens has also been shown to protect the skin from melanoma.
7. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, which are found in fish and other sources.
Fatty acids help to keep the outer most layers of the skin strong and healthy. They help to keep the skin smooth and supple. They prevent the skin from drying out and they have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
8. Eat lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, to help promote healthy skin.
Protein aids muscle growth and skin repair. Eating protein can help to prevent lines & wrinkles and supports collagen production
9. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as this can lead to dehydration and other skin issues.
Drinking too much alcohol can result in dehydration, flushing and poor sleep this in turn can cause fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and premature ageing.
Make healthy eating part of your Face Yoga practice…
When you combine a healthy eating regime with a face yoga practice you are giving your skin and muscles all the nutrients they need to be strong, supple, and healthy.
To learn more about face yoga, skin health and good health join my Facebook group The Glow Club.
When you join us, you will gain access to my FREE “The 5-minute face lift without a knife and needles” guide, weekly face yoga videos, skincare and well-being advise that will support you as you discover how to slow the ageing process and keep your skin glowing…
