We know that the foods we eat can affect our weight, digestion and metabolism- but what does it do for our skin? Sugar is one of the big ingredients that people doubt when it comes to their skin health. It is true that it can affect your skin, just like eating spicy food or before bed can give you puffy or uneven skin in the morning. In this week’s blog, we are looking at the top 5 foods that contribute towards radiant skin.
1. Swap out your sugary cereal for something cleaner
There are good sugars, and there are not so good sugars. When eating your first meal of the day, you should pick a breakfast that will give you slow energy release and carry you through to lunchtime. Standard cereals and the nicely flavoured cereals that we love so much are not ideal for giving you a slow release of energy. Not only this, but sugary foods tend to be high-glycemic which is linked to breakouts. Porridge (otherwise known as oatmeal) is perfect for a stable energy release and is a low-glycemic food that should hopefully keep those breakouts at bay.
2. Fish
Fish like salmon and mackerel are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart health and contribute to collagen production. Collagen is what gives your skin its elasticity. As we get older, we produce less collagen; this is when wrinkles and fine lines begin to be seen. But omega-3 fatty acids act as a booster for collagen production, and therefore you can keep your heart healthy and keep your skin looking young and plump.
3. Avocado
Avocado contains very high levels of essential vitamins that help to keep your skin functioning healthily. The main vitamin that avocados contain is vitamin E and also contains healthy oils. It has been found that avocado is one of the foods that can help your skin’s natural barrier maintain its functionality and hydrate your skin. As well as eating it, you might even find it as an ingredient in a few face mask recipes.
4. Ginger
Have you ever had a stomach ache or a bug, and your mum has told you to eat some ginger biscuits or drink some ginger tea?
That is because ginger contains natural oils called gingerols, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. This works for your skin too! Anti-inflammatory properties are fantastic for soothing irritated skin and calming breakouts. As well as store-bought teas, you can also make your own at home. Simply add some boiled water to your teacup and grate in some fresh ginger pieces- for extra flavour, add a couple of squeezes of fresh lemon.
5. Vitamin C
There are simply too many delicious foods containing vitamin C just to mention one. Kiwi, oranges, sweet potatoes, blueberries and broccoli all contain high amounts of this vitamin.
What is it good for?
Vitamin C helps support your immune system- this is why many people choose to take chewy, dissolvable or tablet forms of vitamin C, often with one of their meals. But like with our immune system, it also supports and promotes our skin’s healing and is required for the skin to continue producing the collagen we need to keep looking young and wrinkle-free.
For further support on your journey towards confidence and beautiful skin, visit our website to book your free consultation at The Dorchester Clinic.
