OILY FISH Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient for skin health, and they’re abundant in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Eating more of these fish will help keep your skin supple and flexible and less likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Omega-3 also helps to keep inflammation under control, which is important for people with acne or allergies that cause skin disturbances.
TOMATOES Tomatoes are another great source of carotenoids, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to the prevention of wrinkles. Tomatoes are also an excellent provider of vitamin C, which helps to reduce blotchiness and promote collagen production. Health benefits also include reduced risk of heart disease and cancer
POMEGRANATE
AVOCADO
The pomegranate is one of nature’s skin superstars. Whether you eat it as a fruit or apply the juice topically to your skin, it provides a wide range of complexion benefits. It firms up your skin to protect against wrinkles and the effects of the weather. It also boasts
But if you don’t eat fish, you can still get your fill of omega-3 by eating ripe avocados. You’ll get the same benefits but also a useful boost to your levels of two complexion- boosting vitamins: Vitamin C helps the production of collagen, which keeps your skin strong and healthy. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, working to repair cell damage caused by environmental pollution, sun, and aging. SUNFLOWER SEEDS Seeds and nuts of all kinds are also great sources of antioxidants, but sunflower seeds are particularly effective. They’re packed with selenium, an antioxidant which reduces inflammation while increasing blood flow. Both of these effects are vital for a healthy complexion. Sunflower seeds also contain a high concentration of linoleic acid, important for preventing dry and flaky skin. SWEET POTATOES Sweet potatoes are naturally high in beta-carotene, which your body uses to produce vitamin A. This vitamin stimulates the production of subdermal fibers to give your skin a strong, supple foundation. Beta-carotene, as with other carotenoids, also works as a natural sunblock, helping to protect against sunburn and the damaging effects this causes.
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne and pimple breakouts. Lastly, it acts as a humectant, increasing your skin’s ability to retain moisture and avoid flaking.
DARK CHOCOLATE I f you ’ r e a chocolate fan, try switching some of your consumption of this treat to a darker variety with at least 70 percent cocoa solids. Several studies have found that eating a small
amount of this more intense chocolate every day will lead to a thicker, better-hydrated skin that resists fine lining and wrinkles. Cocoa fat also contains powerful antioxidants in the form of polyphenols and flavanols, which help to protect against damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
While pampering yourself with luxurious skin care products can certainly be a relaxing treat, your complexion will thank you for eating with skin health in mind. Consuming more of these foods will make skin treatments at your local beauty salon a soothing pleasure rather than a necessity.
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