Face Your Food
July 9, 2012
Diet plays an important role in overall health, but it also can play a big role in your complexion as well. Certain foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that help with the overall look of your skin. It has been said “you are what you eat” and in the case of your skin’s appearance this quote is incredibly accurate.
I will outline some of the best foods for your complexion as well as some of the worst.
Food That Wreak Havoc On Your Complexion
Alcohol
We all know that excessive alcohol use is bad for your liver, but did you know it is also bad for your complexion? Alcohol dehydrates your skin and will leave it red with an overall blotchy appearance. You may have recognized this red tone after a long night of drinking, and even into the morning after. Unfortunately, long-term alcohol use can make this redness permanent. Uneven skin tone, dry skin, and discoloration are just a few of the effects of alcohol use on your skin.
Refined Sugar
Sugar can lead to weight gain, but it can also lead to a poor complexion. If you have a diet high in sugar you can expect to see dull skin and blemishes. If you have a sweet tooth you should stick with the natural sugar in fruits to get your fix.
White Bread
When I was younger, a friend of mine had a mother who would always say, “the whiter the bread, the faster your dead.” There is some truth to this statement especially in regards to your complexion. The whiter the bread, the faster your skin is dead. White bread has little nutritional value and is loaded with sugar.
Salt
Consuming too much salt in your diet can lead to poor complexion. Sodium intake causes water retention which can cause bloating. Bloating of the face will appear as puffiness and an overall look of dullness.
Fried Foods
This is one you probably heard as a teenager. Fried foods can lead to excessive oil on the skin. The oil can clog pores and contribute to blemishes.
Foods That Are Great For the Skin
Water
The skin needs lots of water to remain hydrated. If you don’t drink enough water your skin can become dried out and look aged. Hydrated skin is more elastic and smooth.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like spinach contain lots of vitamin C, B, and E which are fantastic for the skin. It also contains vital antioxidants that help combat free radicals that seek to destroy your skin cells.
Blueberries
Blueberries are proven to help repair skin. They can rebuild damaged skin cells and are rich in antioxidants to fight damage created by free radicals.
Carrots
Carrots and any other orange colored vegetables such as sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body and helps keep you hydrated. This vitamin A can also help produce collagen to promote new skin growth and youthful appearance.
Fresh Water Salmon
Salmon is high in Omega-3s which are a fantastic antioxidant for the skin. It will help fight inflammation and improve overall skin tone.
So do you consume more foods on the naughty or nice list?
