The Role of a Healthy Diet for a Healthy Skin

Spending a fortune on skincare products and still haven’t got the perfect healthy skin? The secret – what you eat matters too! Your skin reflects your inner health and if you aren’t consuming right, your skincare routine will not give you the expected results. So, to answer the question of what to consume and what not, let’s read on and find out.

WHAT TO CONSUME?

Not every food that you think is good, is healthy for your skin. Let’s check out certain foods that can be an elixir to the skin.

WATER

Think of your skin as a garden, and to keep it glowing, you need to water it. It’s necessary to drink an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. If not, it will lead to dehydration and cause the skin to become dry and flaky, and develop wrinkles. Keeping yourself hydrated will keep your skin supple and radiant, and also will help in detoxification.

VITAMIN C

Collagen is the glue that keeps your skin together and vitamin C is one of the ingredients that powers it. A proper intake of vitamin C ensures smooth and wrinkle-free skin. Fruits like oranges and strawberries have a good amount of vitamin C in them, so don’t shy away from consuming them!

VEGGIES AND FRUITS

If free radicals are the villains, anti-oxidants are the heroes who fight them. Vegetables and fruits are packed with antioxidants that help fight aging signs. Leafy veggies, sweet potatoes, and berries are loaded with antioxidants and are a must to consume. Another great source of antioxidants is dark chocolate.

PROTEINS

Fish, lean meat, tofu, etc. have proteins that help in the repair and rebuilding of the skin cells. Including these foods in your diet can help you get firm and elastic skin. So, don’t forget to munch on these proteins!

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

These are the healthy fats that are found in walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids work like a magic potion on the skin. They help maintain the skin’s barrier which helps to keep the skin plump, hydrated, and moisturized.

WHAT TO AVOID?

Some foods are a source of elixir for your skin but, there are some other foods that can be the skin’s worst foes. Let’s learn which are these.

SUGAR

It’s not so sweet for your health. Sugar can break down collagen as it has the capability to cause inflammation. This can worsen existing skin conditions like acne, fungal infections, and wrinkles. So cut down on those sugary treats as much as possible, and opt for natural sweeteners. These include honey, agave, etc.

GREASY STUFF

Consumption of fried and processed foods can lead to increased production of oil in the skin. So, there’s a higher possibility of clogged pores, breakouts, and oily skin. Opt for baked and steamed food options whenever possible.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol when consumed excessively will drain your skin of moisture and dehydrate it. This will give a dull appearance to the skin. If you consume alcohol, make sure you keep it low or moderate!

DAIRY

This is subjective to different individuals and not everyone. In some cases, dairy products can trigger acne in some individuals. So, keep a close check if you notice any changes in your skin after you consume dairy products. If you notice any issues, try to cut down the dairy products and see if it is the issue and if it makes any difference.

What you feed your body, you feed your skin. So, keep a check on your eating lifestyle. When you get frequent temptations to eat those sugary treats and greasy bites, make a wise choice. It might kill your mood, but your skin will surely thank you in the long run!