Healthy, hydrated cells are the key to ageless skin and a healthy body.
– Howard Murad, MD
Healthy-looking skin is always in! The above quote from Dr. Murad is a good reminder that obtaining healthy skin is not just about Blu Cocoon facials and good skin care products (although regularly engaging in both will certainly help your skin, a lot!). Healthy skin also comes from healthy, hydrated cells. What we eat and drink affects our skin more than most of us realize.
Here are 10 nutritious foods that will boost your skin’s health (Bonus: they will boost your overall health as well!):
Strawberries
The vitamin C in strawberries boosts production of collagen fibers (helping to keep skin firm and smooth) while the ellagic acid (an antioxidant) protects elastic fibers to keep skin from sagging.
Apples
The apple skin contains the antioxidant quercetin which helps protect the skin from the UVB rays that trigger skin cancer. The apples with the most amount of quercetin: Cortland, Golden Delicious, and Monroe.
Eggs
Two antioxidants in eggs are lutein and zeaxanthin. These have been found to quadruple protection against UV damage that leads to sun damage spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Kale
Full of skin-firming vitamin C and A, kale is one of the best sources of the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin. These help to absorb and neutralize the free radicals created by UV light.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A when you ingest it. Vitamin A aids in the growth of skin turnover which will helps the skin to be smooth and wrinkle-free.
Yogurt
Yogurt is known to calm irritated, sensitive, or dry skin for a smoother appearance. The dairy protein also helps the skin’s firmness.
Walnuts
These nuts are packed with the mineral copper that boosts collagen production along with omega-3 fatty acids. Together they help to improve skin’s elasticity.
Peppers
Yellow and orange veggies contain carotenoid – an antioxidant that can decrease the skin’s sun sensitivity. This decrease helps ward off fine lines and wrinkles.
Pomegranate
A few glasses of pomegranate juice – or the fresh fruit – daily can regulate the skin’s blood flow and give it a bit of natural blush (rosiness) from the polyphenol antioxidants that pomegranates contain.
Kiwi
This little fruit is full of vitamin C to stimulate collagen synthesis which keeps your skin taught and healthy. Less noticeable wrinkles and a decrease in dryness is associated with diets rich in vitamin C.
And don’t forget water!
Up your intake of water to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated. Skin that lacks hydration will appear dry, flaky, and tight with less resilience and will be more prone to wrinkling.
The best part about this list is that we probably eat one or more of these foods daily.
Try incorporating more natural foods – fruits and veggies – and less processed foods into your diet for a healthy body and healthy skin to feel fabulous inside and out! Bon appétit!