Lifestyle
Food & Nutrition
Fitness
Skin health is an important part of overall health and beauty, but it’s also one of the most neglected areas in our daily skincare routines. Your diet plays a significant role in keeping your skin healthy from the inside out, so here are some dietary tips to keep your skin glowing and blemish-free.
Get Rid of Toxins
The first step in having healthy skin is to rid your body of toxins. Toxins can create a buildup of impurities that actually hinder your skin’s ability to produce collagen, giving you an older appearance and giving more pimples. Also, by losing weight and consuming fewer processed foods that include lots of unhealthy fats and sugars, your body will be forced to burn fat rather than store it—which is great news if you want smooth skin! So detoxify yourself by following these steps Start drinking plenty of water every day to flush out toxins through urination. Choose organic fruits and vegetables over conventionally grown ones whenever possible. Eat less meat and more whole grains, which are high in fiber. Eat organic chicken or grass-fed beef when possible instead of conventional meats (these types have been shown to contain lower levels of antibiotics). Drink green tea on a regular basis as it contains antioxidants that help remove harmful chemicals from your body. Try going vegan for one week; many people say they feel lighter after just one week without meat or dairy products! Cut back on sugar intake because excess sugar causes inflammation, which is not good for your skin.
Nourish Yourself From Within
Eating certain foods can help heal inflammation and other skin conditions that cause discoloration or uneven skin tone. Nourish yourself from within by eating these six foods. 1) Green tea: Green tea is rich in polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins that improve skin moisture and elasticity. Consume green tea as a beverage or add it to your food; you can even cook with it! 2) Salmon: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, making it one of nature’s best anti-inflammatory foods.
Hydrate
Staying hydrated is one of those habits that most people know they should be doing—but few actually do. If you want to wake up with plump, luminous skin in your 20s and beyond, it’s essential to consume adequate amounts of water. Experts say women should drink eight 8-ounce glasses per day (about 2 liters). That may sound like a lot, but half your body weight in ounces is a good rule of thumb. For example, A 120-pound woman should aim for at least 60 ounces (about 5 1/2 cups) of H20. If possible, spread out your intake throughout the day; it’s more beneficial to ingest smaller amounts often than larger amounts less frequently.
Exercise Regularly
When it comes to keeping skin healthy and radiant, there’s no better choice than exercise. Regular exercise—which includes aerobic activity and strength training—has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote circulation, balance hormones, maintain muscle mass and increase sleep quality. All of these can help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. Plus, exercising outdoors exposes your skin to sunlight in a healthy way. Just be sure to wear sunscreen when you’re going outside!
Use Sunscreen
Not only is sunscreen a must-have to prevent premature wrinkles and skin cancer, but it also moisturizes your skin in much better ways than lotion. When buying sunscreen choose a physical sunblock that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they provide full spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Look for an SPF of at least 30 to ensure you’re fully protected from harmful rays. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours if you’re out all day long.
Avoid Sugar
Sugar is extremely detrimental to your skin. Aside from leading to a variety of health problems (like diabetes and weight gain), it also makes you more susceptible to sun damage. Sugar damages your cell membranes, making it easier for UV rays to penetrate your skin’s protective barrier and wreak havoc on your DNA. If you’re looking to get rid of acne scars or want healthy-looking skin that glows from within, then cutting out sugar could be a good place to start. Try eliminating sugary foods and beverages altogether—preferably replacing them with alternatives like fresh fruits or unsweetened juices. Doing so will give you clearer skin in no time!
Eat Probiotic Foods
No matter how you look at it, our skin is constantly bombarded with toxins. Every time we go outside and expose ourselves to natural elements or even pollution in a crowded city, we take on new contaminants that attack our skin cells. The good news is that there are ways to minimize their effect on your face and body (for example by staying inside as much as possible). A great way to support your skin health is by eating probiotic foods—the more variety you include in your diet, the healthier your complexion will be. Eating probiotic foods encourages healthy bacteria levels in your gut and keeps them balanced which supports overall digestion health too. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt of all kinds (especially organic), kimchi, tempeh, and sauerkraut.
