UV exposure, smoking and drinking – they can all have an impact on the health of your skin. Your diet also plays a big part and can be used as a tool for reversing some of the effects of your lifestyle. By cutting back on the salt, fat and sugar in your diet, and replacing it with foods which have plenty of nutrients, you will notice an improvement in the condition of your skin. Here are five foods you should add to your diet today.
Strawberries
Surprisingly, strawberries have even more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is a key factor in firming your skin, as it helps your body to produce collagen. As an added bonus, they’re loaded with antioxidants which can help to improve your skin even further.
Almonds
Packed with vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that can clear toxins and protect skin cells, almonds are the perfect snack if you’re trying to improve the condition of your skin. If you want to protect your skin from the outside as well as through your diet, you can make a skin mask from honey, almond oil and lemon juice – leave for five minutes and then rinse off for baby soft skin.
Carrots
Although they are generally associated with improving your eyesight, carrots can offer benefits for your skin as well. They have plenty of beta carotene, which is an antioxidant that turns to vitamin A in the body, to protect your skin from UV rays. It also keeps the skin from drying out – cooked carrots contain more beta carotene than raw ones, so try adding them to soups, stir fries and stews to benefit from the nutrients.
Salmon
Salmon is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which are linked to great skin health. They work by protecting the skin cells by stopping damaging substances from entering them. They also limit fine lines and wrinkles from appearing, and improve the skin’s elasticity.
Kiwis
Kiwis have plenty of vitamins C and E, which are great for your skin, and they can also help your skin to glow and radiate, thanks to their ability to keep skin moisturised and healthy.