The wonderful world of healthy eating can be such a confusing place, especially when it comes to eating to maintain healthy, hydrated, glowy skin. With endless articles and an abundance of information available at our fingertips, no wonder many of us ultimately give up and pull out a trusty bag of barbeque chips. No need to worry, as we are here to provide a few simple and easy tips and tricks to keep your skin in check!
Tip #1: Good old H20:
Staying hydrated and drinking adequate water is essential for keeping skin hydrated and preventing dryness. How much? A general rule of thumb is a minimum of 8 glasses, or 2 litres of water per day.
Tip #2 Eating a Well-Balanced Diet:
Generally a diet consisting of various food groups is essential in maintaining healthy skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can all contribute to healthy, glowing skin.
Tip #3 Consuming Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidant-Rich Foods:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in fatty fish (Like salmon, mackerel and sardines), flaxseeds and chia seeds which all assist in maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Antioxidant-rich foods help protect your skin from free radical damage, which may lead to premature ageing.
Tip #4 Vitamins and Minerals Galore:
Not only are vitamins and minerals essential for our health and body functions. But they also contribute to various skin functions, cell regeneration, collagen products, protection from the environment and overall skin health.
- Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and maintaining the skin’s elasticity. (Citrus fruits, strawberries and capsicum are excellent sources).
- Vitamin E: Helps protect the skin from UV damage from the sun. (Nuts, seeds and dark leafy green vegetables are all rich in Vitamin E).
- Vitamin A: Promotes skin cell production and repair. (Sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are all high in Vitamin A).
- Zinc: Supports skin health and aids any wound healing (Beans, nuts and wholegrain sources all contain zinc).
Tip #5 Try Not to Sweat the Small Stuff:
While it’s easier said than done, chronic and acute stress can trigger negative effects on overall skin health, and may even exacerbate skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne or hair loss. Practising stress management techniques such as yoga, deep breathing or meditation may help to reduce stress and overall help keep skin healthy.
It is also important to note that everyone’s skin is so unique and what might work for one person, may not work for another. Overall, maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet and working alongside a healthcare professional regarding any specific skin concerns or conditions is vital to keeping skin in check!
