Your Eating Habits affect your Skin

Your diet composition largely affects the texture and health of your skin. 

Eating the right foods is not only essential for body composition and optimal health, it plays a vital role in the condition and appearance of your skin. The right diet can leave you looking fresh, bright, and clear. On the other hand, if you’re careless with your food choices, you may not be putting your best face forward.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and like any other organ, it’s affected by your diet, though science remains unclear exactly how and to what extent. Diet can contribute to healthy skin by preventing oxidative damage, reducing inflammation, maintaining optimal hydration, and encouraging elasticity through collagen production. The safest bet is advice as usual; follow a balanced diet that is nutrient-dense and comprehensive. If you feel like you can’t get all the nutrients you need from food, consider supplementing with a multi-vitamin.

BENEFICIAL FOODS AND NUTRIENTS

First and foremost, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Water is the number one nutrient concerning all bodily aspects and adding a gallon of water a day to your diet offers a fix to many problems if you’re accustomed to being dehydrated. Water provides the skin with much-need moisture, flexibility, and contributes to a bright and even tone. The importance of omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fatty fish and walnut should never be underestimated, and these essential nutrients play a part in keeping your skin healthy by contributing to the skin’s natural oil barrier. Carotenoids, antioxidants found in orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, are also vital for skin health. Add a few carrots a day to your diet and help protect your skin from the outside world. You can never go wrong by eating more leafy green vegetables. For your skin’s sake, greens like spinach are high in lutein, another skin-friendly nutrient that promotes beneficial surface oil production and supports hydration.

FOODS TO AVOID

Avoid processed foods as much as you can. They’re usually loaded with excess sugar and salt as a means of preservation, and these two ingredients are often the main culprits in undesirable skin. Too much sugar dries out protein molecules like collagen and elastin, hindering glycation and skin suppleness. Too much salt can result in facial puffiness by retaining too much water in your skin cells. As usual, avoid over-indulging in drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine. They lead to dehydration, your main enemy in the battle for clear, smooth, and vibrant skin.

OTHER NO-NO’s

While getting a tan may initially create the impression of a clear and even complexion, excessive sun exposure is associated with premature wrinkles and skin cancer. Especially if you have a fair complexion, make sure to cover up with sunscreen and hat during peak hours. If you’re a smoker, you’re definitely adding years to your skin, and it’s never been a better time to quit. Even high stress levels can contribute to bad skin by releasing a cascade of body-changing hormones like cortisol. Consider managing your stress by adding a little meditation to your daily routine.
If you’re still not happy with the condition of your skin after getting your diet in order, the issue is most likely genetic. Consider seeing your doctor and asking her for some prescription medication.