There are so many beauty and makeup products on the market that it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones really do give you that “perfect glow,” those that make you look more awake – those that make you more beautiful! Well, today I want to tell you that some of the best answers are not in those makeup aisles, but in the supermarket! Let me explain three fabulous words: Beauty Super Foods! These delicious foods below are your new beauty weapons and best friends.
Blueberries and Pomegranates
Both of these foods are packed with antioxidants, which means they help prevent fine lines in your skin and keep it hydrated by neutralizing the free radicals in the air. These are great during the winter months when skin is most susceptible to damage.
Dark Chocolate
Not only is dark chocolate a given mood booster, it’s also great to boost the natural glow of your skin. It has high levels of “flavonoids,” which is a fancy word referring to the antioxidants that protect skin from sun damage and boost blood flow to the tissue in your skin. And another tip – chocolates with high levels of cacao have more antioxidants than the others – so eat your heart out!
Spinach
Spinach is one of the greatest vegetables out there (plus it’s one of my favorites). Its antioxidant is called “lutein,” which makes your eyes stay healthy and bright as well as fight inflammation in the skin. Spinach is also loaded with Vitamin A, which is a beta-carotene, meaning it makes skin more resilient to damage!
Yogurt
Yogurt is an amazing food to eat because it has tons of protein and fills you up fast, but it also is a good sources of calcium. This, along with other sources of dairy, is great for strong nails and teeth. What a lot of people don’t know about it is that it helps fight hyperpigmentation and rosacea (a.k.a. skin redness).
And now for some reasons on why you should LOVE your vitamins…
Vitamin A
What it does: Prevents aging! Helps grow and renew skin cells, and when topically applied, may promote collagen production.
Where you can find it: Egg yolks, dairy, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and melon.
Vitamin B
What it does: Increases fatty acids in the skin to promote exfoliation and firmness.
Where you can find it: Eggs, liver, and vegetables.
Vitamin C
What it does: A main building block of collagen – the protein that helps skin maintain its tone, structure, and elasticity.
Where you can find it: Citrus, broccoli, peppers, berries, and tomatoes.
Vitamin D
What it does: Develops skin cells.
Where you can find it: Egg yolks, salmon, milk, and other dairy products.
Vitamin E
What it does: Builds and maintains healthy skin tissue.
Where you can find it: Wheat germ, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
Fat
What it does: Necessary for supple skin and soft, shiny, healthy hair.
Where you can find it: Olive oil, avocado, and some fatty fish.
Vitamin “H”: Biotin
Biotin is another great nutrient to be aware of, as it really helps with healthy hair and strong nail growth!
So the moral of the story, collegiettesTM, is that the next time you’re in the need of some beauty TLC, ditch the drugstore and beauty supply stores and instead head over to your local supermarket. You’ll never know what you might cook up!
Sources:
1. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/beauty-foods?cat=24707
2. “Makeup Manual” – Bobbi Brown