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Fashion and Beauty on Female First
Christine Bailey, Nutritionist on behalf of The Harley Medical Group "One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make improvements to your skin is to look at what you pile on your plate. In addition to topical creams and lotions and salon treatment, there are a number of foods known for their skin clearing properties that, added to your diet over time, may help to improve the appearance of your skin. Eating the right foods combined with a good skin care regime and treatments can make all the difference."
Oily Fish
Nourish your skin with plenty of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats. Found in oily fish (sardines, mackerel, trout, salmon, herring, prawns), walnuts, leafy greens, chia seeds and flaxseed. Try and include oily fish 3 times a week and 1-2tbsp of seeds daily.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats and plenty of vitamin E to keep the skin looking glowing and fresh. Add in some olives too - another good source of monounsaturated fats.
Fermented Foods
Our gut is home to countless bacteria and if these are out of balance it can promote inflammation and poor detoxification. This is especially relevant if you have taken antibiotics recently. By including fermented foods like raw sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and yogurt naturally rich in beneficial bacteria you may notice a healthier skin.
Herbs and Spices
Not only do they add a wonderful flavour to dishes, many herbs and spices are packed with protective antioxidants and have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Try and include turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary and other herbs to your daily meals.
Green Tea
Green tea especially matcha green powder is packed with antioxidants known as catechins. Known for their anti-inflammatory properties; try to include 3-5 cups daily.
Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants to protect our skin and lower inflammation plus vitamin C which is essential for collagen production and gives our skin a fresh glow.
Leafy Greens
Greens such as kale, spinach, broccoli, watercress, collards, spring greens, romaine lettuce are all rich in antioxidants and nutrients important for the skin including vitamins A and C plus soluble fibre to support digestion and detoxification. Try to include at least 1 cup of greens daily in your diet.
Don't Forget Water
Clear skin starts from within, and one of the best, cheapest and most effective ways to get there is to help your body flush out toxins by drink plenty of water. Drinking water through the day will help replenishes water in the cells and keep your skin looking plump and fresh looking.
Include Protein
If you suffer with scarring and are embarking on treatments to support healing it is important you get sufficient protein in your diet. Protein is essential to support healing so aim to include a palm size portion with each meal - poultry, fish, seafood, beans and legumes, eggs are all good examples.
What About Chocolate?
There doesn't seem to be an association between chocolate (in its most unprocessed form) and acne. In fact raw cacao and dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and may actually be protective. But avoid processed, sugary confectionary.