We’ve all heard the saying that beauty starts from within, and when it comes to your skin, this couldn’t be more true. If you’re not specifically eating superfoods for glowing skin and instead are consuming processed foods or those high in sugar and fat and devoid of fibre, it can show up in the form of dull skin, perhaps along with other issues such as acne, dryness, oiliness or dark under-eye circles. Your diet is the difference between a fresh, glowing complexion and a tired, puffy, wrinkled one.
Vegan on Female First
Nutritionist Christine Bailey on behalf of the Harley Medical Group (www.harleymedical.co.uk) shares her top superfoods that you need to start adding to your weekly shopping list. Not only will these get you glowing, they will also help to address any other skin concerns you may have:
If you’re concerned about… ACNE
Broccoli & Leafy Greens
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, red and green cabbage, watercress and Brussels sprouts are perfect for achieving a clear complexion. They contain a range of sulphur compounds including indole 3 carbinol which help support detoxification in the liver including detoxification of sex hormones like oestrogen. Many women find that they are more prone to skin breakouts around their period due to hormone changes so try adding in more leafy greens to keep hormones balanced.
If you’re concerned about… SCARRING
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes like pumpkin, butternut squash and carrots are packed full of a nutrient called beta-carotene. Beta carotene is converted by the body into Vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency often results in dry skin which can also affect your scalp and lead to dry irritated scalp and dandruff. If you are prone to acne, then including more beta carotene rich foods can be helpful. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C which can help speed up healing useful if you are prone to scaring, and supports the production of collagen to maintain our skin’s elasticity.
If you’re concerned about… DEHYDRATION
Lemon Water
“Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for glowing skin. But if you struggle to consume enough water through the day why not add the juice of ½ lemon to a glass of warm water. This combination is ideal for giving your skin a fresh glow. Lemon is incredible for skin, not only because it’s packed with vitamin C, which helps us make collagen but it’s also one of the most alkalizing foods available. Rich and processed foods, excess sugar, too much coffee and alcohol can all makes our bodies more acidic. When our bodies’ pH levels are out of balance it can show up on our face resulting in dry and irritated skin.”
If you’re concerned about… REDNESS
Avocado
“Great topically applied as a face mask as well in your salad. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (like olive oil), which helps lower inflammation, reduce redness and keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized. They are a great source of vitamin E, carotenoids and vitamin C which are powerful skin protecting. Antioxidants. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. It improves healthy cell turnover in the topmost layer of the skin (the epidermis), the nails and the hair. Vitamin A also nourishes and sustains the cells in the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that feed the skin this can help prevent thread veins which typically occur as we age.”
If you’re concerned about… DRY SKIN AND ECZEMA
Turmeric
“Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties turmeric is a fabulous addition for improving skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. To optimize the absorption of the active compound curcumin in turmeric it is best consumed with a little oil and black pepper. Try adding to soups, stews and curries. It’s also delicious in a creamy smoothie.”
Tagged in Vegan