Age, lines, dullness, acne, sagging…the list of skin afflictions we are told to be embarrassed about is endless. The skin we are in is big business – making it hard to sort through those trying to make a quick buck off the skin on your back (or face), and those who are really offering tips and products that make your skin healthier. The first step toward healthier, glowing skin, is to know that you are beautiful and your skin is perfect – then we use the glow of self-confidence to underpin a few healthy tips and tricks proven to give you a healthier look.
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Does Diet Affect Skin?
The American Academy of Dermatology says that acne affects 50 million Americans annually. Did you know that a healthy diet of fruit and veggies is scientifically proven to result in more vibrant and acne-free skin? Vegan is the diet of choice for those hoping for less acne and bloating, while a sugar free diet clears up blemishes and makes skin look more youthful. Parasites are a frightening thought, but most of our bodies have some parasite or other lurking. Switching to a healthier diet sometimes causes issues like fatigue, headache, weight loss or even flu-like symptoms, all of which could potentially be parasite die off symptoms. It’s important to educate yourself before you set off on any course of action.
Tips for Healthier Skin
Try these tips and tricks proven to give your skin the vitamin A, C, E, D and collagen it needs to look it’s best.
Drink water
Nothing will cause your skin to look and feel dry and tired as quickly as dehydration. You should be drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, and clearer and more lustrous skin will certainly be a by-product. Not a huge water fan? Watermelon and cucumber are not only hydrating, they also contain minerals that will continue to make your skin look and feel great for hours after a meal.
Have enough seasonal fruits and vegetables
Smoking, pollution and sunlight attack our skin daily, but having at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day fills our bodies with powerful antioxidants that protect skin from cellular damage. Fruits like blueberries, broccoli and oranges have masses of Vitamin C, required to produce the collagen that keeps skin tight and bright!
Drink herbal tea
Dermatologist and Trichologist Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi advises: “Stock up on herbal tea and green tea as they are rich in antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging and keep skin hydrated.” Tea has been the drink of choice in Asian cultures for good reason. It’s easy to make, drink, and has proven itself vital to maintaining glowing skin and even boosting metabolism!
Sugary Food
Artificial sweeteners need to be shown the diet door, as they often cause a hike in blood sugar and appetite, sometimes leading to weight gain, acne and discoloration around the neck and face. At the same time, dark chocolate is proven to have tons of benefits for skin and health, including staving off sunburn and cancer, and smoothing and hydrating skin to make it look firm and vibrant. Cutting out sugar is not a hard and fast rule for better skin – as with everything, you must do your research and find the right happy medium for you.
Healthy Fat
While we are on the subject – healthy fat is a thing, making it ill advised to haphazardly cut fat out of your diet all together. Omega-6 fatty acids are helpful in maintaining our cell membranes, an important element of healthy, sag-free skin, while Omega-3 fatty acids nourish skin, making it soft and radiant. Eating foods with healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, avocado, fatty fish and seeds, is a great and delicious way to make your skin beautiful.
Go for Low-GI Carbs
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a way to gauge how food affects the body’s glucose levels. Foods high on the index cause increased oil secretion, often leading to breakouts or weight gain. Foods lower on the glycemic index like grains, chickpeas, sweet potatoes and apples, will both control your blood sugar levels, and oil secretion, making skin healthy looking without all the shine.
Chemical solutions, cremes and surgery are expensive and invasive, especially when a sprinkling of seeds or a fruity dessert could be what you really need in your life and body. We all want glowing and healthy skin – as skin is often linked to first impressions and healthy skin is indicative of a healthy lifestyle and mind – and getting it could be as easy as taking a quick trip to the health-food store.