When it comes to radiant-looking skin, what you put in your body is just as important as the moisturizers, serums, and illuminating makeup products that you put on your body. A balanced diet ensures your body’s cells remain healthy, including your skin cells.
A general rule of thumb for better-looking skin is to avoid sugary and greasy “junk” foods and processed foods and replace them with healthier options.
To reduce aging signs and achieve glowing skin, here are seven foods you can add to your diet to help improve your skin’s appearance.
1. Apricots
The leading cause of wrinkles and dull and damaged skin is environmental factors - like the sun and air pollution - which cause oxidative stress. That’s why when considering which fruit is good for skin, one that is high in antioxidants, like apricots, should be at the top of your list.
Additionally, apricots contain vitamin C and vitamin E, which can further protect against the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays and other oxidative free radicals. Vitamin C also helps your body create collagen - the protein responsible for your skin’s “plump” youthful appearance.
2. Salmon
Fatty fish, like salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. This may help to keep your skin moisturized and maintain its elasticity for glowing skin. Additionally, salmon contains protein, vitamin D, and zinc. Which can help protect against UV damage as well as encourage skin cell growth and repair.
3. Avocado
It’s commonly associated with skincare, but is avocado actually good for skin? Yes. Avocados are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, they contain vitamin B and vitamin E, which can help protect your skin (and hair!) from dryness and damage, and lutein, a carotenoid that promotes skin elasticity.
If you’re wondering how to make your skin softer, apply avocado topically as part of your skincare routine. This allows its natural oils to hydrate and nourishes your skin for a softer appearance and smooth wrinkles. Additionally, the oleic acid and chlorophyll in avocado help reduce redness and inflammation when applied to dry or irritated skin.
4. Kale
You might not think of kale when considering what foods tighten skin, but kale - and other leafy greens - are excellent sources of vitamin C, which helps the body produce the collagen that maintains skin elasticity. Additionally, kale contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which are needed to grow and maintain body tissue, including skin cells.
5. Green Tea
Both drinking green tea and applying it directly to your skin can reduce signs of aging, as well as acne and irritation, to help skin look more healthy. Regularly consuming green tea extract may help reduce the appearance of acne bumps and redness. Additionally, consuming green tea may promote skin elasticity for tighter, more full looking skin.
The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of green tea can also reduce the appearance of acne and eczema, and control oil levels when applied topically.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed full of vitamins that support healthy skin, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. The green vegetable also contains lutein, which helps protect your skin from the oxidative damage that causes dryness and wrinkles. The sulforaphane in broccoli may help reduce your risk of developing some skin cancers by protecting against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
7. Water
This one may be obvious, but if you’re looking for a healthy skin glow, staying hydrated is paramount. Drinking water helps keep your skin moist, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps your skin cells absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy and remove toxins that can damage and dry. Many experts recommend trying to drink eight glasses of water a day for optimal benefits.
Takeaway
When it comes to skin health, what you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it. While topical creams and serums can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and damage and help you have younger-looking skin, the foods you eat can have an equally positive effect. Start by adding more foods to your diet that are high in antioxidants and skip out on any “junk” or processed foods that may be making your skin look dull or causing breakouts.
