Your diet might not feel like a part of your skin care routine, but good nutrition is critical to the health and appearance of your skin. Here are 5 foods that will improve your skin.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals that support skin health, including Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Broccoli also contains Sulforaphane, a special antioxidant that protects against sun damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing the number of skin cells that are killed by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation by as much as 30%. Sulforaphane also helps to maintain strong collagen levels in the skin.
- Fish
Fish is an important source of Omega-3 fatty acids, key nutrients that keep skin supple, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your skin against the sun. Fatty fish is also a source of high-quality protein, which is required to build structural proteins in the skin, and of Zinc, which supports the production of skin cells.
- Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a perfect skin care food necessity because they contain Beta-carotene, a nutrient found in plants that is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Just one 1/2 cup serving of cooked sweet potato has enough Beta-carotene to produce almost four times the recommended daily value of Vitamin A. If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, you can find substantial amounts of Beta-carotene in other orange and dark green vegetables, such as spinach and carrots.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a perfect source of Vitamin C, a nutrient required for the production of collagen that keeps your skin strong and looking youthful. Studies have shown that regularly consuming Vitamin C effectively delays or even prevents the development of wrinkles. Tomatoes also contain all the major carotenoids, which play a large role in protecting the skin against sun damage and lines. However, carotenoids must be paired with a source of fat in order to be completely absorbed by the body. Try eating tomatoes with a fatty food like cheese or olive oil for maximum benefit.
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and will help your skin become stronger and better hydrated. Studies have shown that consuming just 20 grams of dark chocolate per day can lead the skin to be able to withstand more than twice as much ultraviolet radiation before becoming sun burned. Antioxidants also ensure better blood flow in the skin.
To learn more about the best foods to support the health of your skin, or to schedule an appointment with a skin care expert, call (480) 513-2888, or book your appointment online.
