Glowing From Within

Glowing From Within
(Shutterstock*)
4/10/2014
Updated:
4/10/2014

Before spending unnecessary dollars on skin care products, consider that your complexion starts from the inside. Fueling your body with the foods necessary for skin health can not only deal with the sources of skin problems but also improve other areas of health. Learn how the following foods help support your skin health.


Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is packed with plant-based antioxidants called flavonoids. While these little “noids” may or may not improve the chocolate’s flavor, the health benefits to the skin are a sure deal. Known for their antioxidant ability, flavonoids not only improve complexion by increasing blood flow to the skin but also help protect from the sun’s harmful UVB rays.

Flavonoids reduce the effects of free radicals, a harmful substance produced during exposure to the sun, which can damage the living tissues and cause disease.

The higher the cocoa solid content in the dark chocolate, the more flavonoids it contains. Dark chocolate ranges between 45 and 80 percent in cocoa solids, so choose the highest you can find or that your tastes buds say “yes” to.


Green Tea

Green tea is also widely known for its antioxidant action, which inhibits the oxidation of other molecules in the skin. In particular, the antioxidants found in green tea help to fight off the free radicals causing wrinkles and saggy skin. So before you reach out for the toner and moisturizer, take a sip or two of green tea.


Avocado

Known as Mother Nature’s answer to moisturized skin, avocados are full of nutrients and healthy fats that help to heal and soothe the skin. Rich in vitamin A, D and E, this natural oil is great for helping you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.


Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, salmon also holds great benefits for the skin. Omega-3s are essential for healthy skin, helping to regulate oil production and maintaining good hydration, which prevents drying and flaking.

Found in omega-3s, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in particular prevents the release of enzymes that destroy collagen, a vital component to ward off wrinkles and sagging skin.

Along with zinc, omega-3s also play a vital role in repairing sun-damaged skin. Zinc is also renowned for its ability to heal tissue and is an essential mineral in maintaining regular cell growth and regeneration.


Water

And of course water. Keeping the body hydrated helps the skin detoxify by flushing out unwanted substances from the body. Try to drink around two liters a day (about 9–10 cups).

And while keeping your body hydrated and skin moisturized from the inside, remember also to protect your skin from the sun by investing in a good-quality sunscreen.

Image of girl drinking water via Shutterstock

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