Let’s face it – who doesn’t want younger looking, more supple and healthy skin?And just putting creams and potions on your skin on the outside, is not necessarily going to give you that. So what are the best foods and vitamins you need on the inside to help you achieve the goal of glowing skin?
Skin Foods
For starters, what you eat really does matter. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and are important for your skin AND your whole body. Many contain the beta-carotene, vitamins C, E and A that can help stop the damage caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules can break down skin cells and put you on the path to aging quickly. Eating a wide variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, strawberries, kale, and spinach, is a great way to get more antioxidants.
Also important are making sure you are getting enough omega-3 fatty acids which can easily be found in wild salmon, sardines, organic Omega-3 eggs and walnuts. It’s the omega-3’s that keep the top layer of skin strong enough to keep out external toxins.
Skin Supplements
For a super radiant complexion, you may want to consider supplements along with a healthy, balanced diet.
Here are the recommended vitamins to include:
Vitamin A – essential to keep the skin soft, repair damage and prevent dry skin.
Vitamin B– essential to help prevent inflammation, itchiness and dry skin.
Vitamin C– helps boost immunity and repairs tissue damage.
Vitamin E – keeps skin soft and supple, andhas both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Important minerals include:
Zinc – to control sebum production and clear up acne.
Selenium – to prevent damage from the sun, keeping skin cancer away.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid – to delay aging
Skin Lifestyle
To enhance your overall skin health, it is important not only to eat a healthy diet but also not smoking, getting enough sleep, participating in regular exercise and drinking plenty of chloride/fluoride free water.
And be sure to wear a high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day.
Getting great, radiant skin takes time but it really is possible if you get the right nutrients from foods and supplements and address any lifestyle issues you might have that is keeping you from the glow you seek.