We know that water helps keep us hydrated, that candy is not the healthiest snack choice and that a burger and fries for dinner every night is not going to improve our figure. But what does our diet do for our skin? Does what we eat have a dramatic effect on our complexion? It might. Her Campus hit the books to find out the best and worst foods for your skin as well as what foods in your kitchen can make quick, easy and nourishing facemasks!
The Best Foods For Your Skin
1. Low Fat Yogurt
Low fat dairy products can do wonders for your skin. These products are packed with Vitamin A, which is an element that is vital to our skin’s health. Liz Lipski, a nutrition expert and Ph.D., says that Vitamin A also helps our intestines, and “anything that helps keep digestion normal, any live bacteria or enzymes, is also going to be reflected in healthy-looking skin.” Vitamin A aids in repairing skin tissue, which will especially benefit people with dry and flaky skin.
2. Antioxidant-Rich Fruits
Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and plums. Your skin will love these fruits because of their high antioxidant content. The antioxidants help prevent cell damage, which keeps your skin looking younger longer. While these four fruits have the highest content of antioxidants, artichokes, beans, prunes and pecans also have their fair share and can benefit your skin as well.
3. Salmon
Fishy foods aren’t especially appetizing to everyone, but the benefits of salmon for your skin might convince you to mix a little more into your diet. Salmon contains fatty acids which, according to Yelmokas McDermott, Ph.D. and nutritionist, help strengthen the cell membrane, allowing the cells to more efficiently lock in moisture and even prevent inflammation in your arteries. The most common and beneficial fatty acid is Omega 3, which is packed into salmon. If you can’t stomach the fishy flavor of salmon, try to add some walnuts or flax seed oil into your diet as another source of these fatty acids.
4. Whole wheat bread products
Whole wheat products contain an antioxidant called selenium. Selenium has been the focus of several studies that have found correlations with higher levels of selenium resulting in lower risk of skin cancer and other kinds of cancer. A study of people with selenium deficiencies and ultraviolet radiation published in the journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology revealed that doses of selenium could even prevent sunburn. You can also increase your selenium intake by adding turkey, tuna, and brazil nuts into your diet.
5. Green Tea and Water
The benefits of Green Tea go far beyond improving your skin. Studies published in The Archives of Dermatology reveal that the polyphenolic compounds in green tea act as an anti-inflammatory, helping to prevent skin tumors. In addition to the increase of your skin’s defense against skin cancers, it could also help fight against UV radiation damage. Water contributes to your skin’s vitality in the same way it contributes to your body’s, by keeping it hydrated and looking healthy. We should be drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, which helps your cells maintain water and move out toxins.
