Weight gain, a slow metabolism, or damaged organs can be the results of an unhealthy diet. The skin is the biggest organ in the body, meaning that an unhealthy diet can also affect the appearance and overall health of your skin. There are foods that accelerate the aging process and there are foods that work to keep your skin healthy.
The skin will inevitably age, developing wrinkles along the way. Why, then, would you want to accelerate that process when you could take preventative measures to optimize skin health? Eating the correct foods and avoiding the damaging foods is the best way to preserve your skin. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy monounsaturated fats, beta-carotene, vitamins C & E, and other nutrients should all be included in your diet.
In addition to taking care of your skin through your diet, we recommend avoiding overexposure to chemical beauty products, sun, and tanning beds. Opt for limited sunshine and natural beauty products that contain ingredients that actually nourish your skin. Learn how to eat for healthier skin below.
Make Vitamin C A Priority
Not only does vitamin C benefit the immune system, it also helps to aid the natural production of collagen. Additionally, vitamin C works to promote a youthful glow and helps to heal blemishes. Great vitamin C sources include guava, kiwi, peppers, papaya, berries, sweet potatoes, blackcurrants, and broccoli.
Say Farewell To Dairy
While you may shed a few tears as you eliminate cheese and milk from your diet, dairy products are not beneficial for the skin. Milk consumption has been linked to acne and the salt in cheese can cause facial swelling. Cheese typically has a high AGE content, which are molecules that destroy skin cells.
Chow Down On Healthy Fats
You want to focus on foods that contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which deliver essential fatty acids that naturally moisturize your skin. These fats also work to improve skin elasticity. Great sources include avocados, walnuts, chia seeds, and olive oil.
Cut Out Sugar
Sugary, processed foods are probably the most readily available foods in an office setting. Chips, pastries, sodas, and refined grains all destroy collagen and give you wrinkles. Eliminating sugary foods from your diet can result in healthier skin, reduced headaches, and may help the weight loss process.
Make Half Of Your Plate Consist Of Veggies
While we encourage that people eat plant-based, we understand that that diet isn’t feasible for everyone. A great step towards healthier skin is making vegetables comprise at least 50% or more of your lunch and dinner. Rather than eating a burger with fries, pizza, or a sandwich with chips, try opting for a small serving of protein with steamed veggies or a salad. This will supply you with heart-healthy nutrients and antioxidants that nourish the skin.
Get Enough Selenium
This powerful antioxidant works alongside vitamins C & E to support the immune system. Research has shown that selenium helps to protect against sun damage, dark spots, and skin cancer. Consuming four Brazil nuts a day satisfies your recommended daily intake of selenium. Other selenium-rich foods include tomatoes, broccoli, and wheatgerm.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
