By Catherine Matthews
Thursday, June 7, 2012.
Ever wondered how you can get glowing skin naturally? Believe it or not, but it is possible to achieve flawless skin without an expensive facial or nip and tuck. The secret to radiant skin isn’t a complex beauty regime–if truth be told skincare products can clog up your pores and dull the natural glow of your skin. So what is the magic formula? Simple – a healthy and balanced diet that includes at least some of the top 10 superfoods for skin.
Have you ever been won over by a makeup ad which uses impressive sounding names like lysine or lycopene to sell the product? Often these fancy names are actually just amino acids (protein building blocks). They aren’t miracle chemicals devised by the beauty industry, amino acids are naturally occurring in meat, fish and eggs – in other words you don’t need to pay £30 on a small bottle of moisturiser to get your hands (skin) on them. Another name bandied about by skin experts is vitamin E, it’s present in foods like nuts and green leafy vegetables. Skincare products are far from useless and many even have scientific backing, but it’s important to recognise that the proteins used in expensive moisturisers are also available in foods. Eating the food sources may very well have the same if not a better effect than applying them directly to your skin.
Many foods promote healthy, glowing skin and this is my list of the top 10 superfoods for skin.
1. Salmon
One of the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids is found in salmon and these healthy fats have been linked to protecting the skin against sun exposure.
2. Berries
Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries have natural antioxidants that prevent cell injury which is essential in slowing down the aging process. Furthermore, antioxidants nullify the effects of free radicals, molecules that attack healthy cells, breaking down collagen and elastin which keep the skin supple.
3. Water
Possibly the easiest sell, although not strictly a food. The main benefit is that drinking at least 2 litres of water per day hydrates dry skin. Water also helps skin to stay looking healthy and young.
4. Low fat dairy
Contains vitamin A, which is one of the most important components of healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to reduce wrinkles associated with natural skin aging.
5. Avocado
As well as being good for your heart, avocadoes are good for your skin health too. They are full of healthy fats that plump up your skin and keep it looked smooth and youthful.
6. Tomatoes
Research is beginning to show that eating tomatoes can help to protect your skin against UV damage. They contain a truly ‘miracle ingredient’ – lycopene. Recent research indicates that people following a high lycopene diet had a 30% increase in skin protection.
7. Sweet potato
They’re loaded with vitamin C which smoothens out wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen.
8. Green tea
Not only does green tea contain antioxidants, but it helps fight off skin disorders like warts and rosacea. In short, it’s fabulous for your body and your skin.
9. Spinach
Packed with beta carotene, spinach helps to prevent dry skin and is also protective against sunburn.
10. Almonds
Almonds are full of Vitamin E, which helps to clear toxins out of the skin, so it looks fresh and clear.
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