The saying goes: when you look good you feel good. When it comes to your skin, it can be a never-ending battle keeping your complexion clear. We try endless face masks, facial treatments, gels, cleansers and even extreme methods to get rid of acne and blackheads.
Just by adding small adjustments to your diet such as different foods can also promote skin health. Research states that it is pretty clear that what you eat can affect your skin, and that nutrition is important for health. About 25% of skin issues are the result of poor eating habits; diets that are high in sugar such as processed foods, starches and sugary drinks can make acne flare up on your skin.
“Your body responds by cranking out more insulin, which increases the production of skin oils and contributes to the clogging of follicles. It can wreak havoc on your skin,” said Valori Treloar, MD, dermatologist and coauthor of “The Clear Skin Diet.”
You can cook meals, make smoothies and smoothie bowls, make face masks, create snacks or infuse water with these foods.
- Avocado
Try this fruit on toast, inside of a smoothie, on a wrap or sandwich and in dip form. The avocado is known for its hydration and moisturizing benefits. The fruit also minimizes the risk of skin aging.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in carotenoids, so they’re an excellent choice for maintaining healthy skin. Tomatoes can be used on salads or blended into smoothies. You can even make a tomato face mask by taking the pulp of the tomato, adding a few drops of lemon juice and applying that mixture to your face for ten minutes. Rinse with cool water after that ten minutes is up.
- Strawberries
This fruit is rich in vitamin C which helps fight wrinkles. Much like the tomato, you can add strawberries to your salads, shakes, smoothies and even in your baking. By simply mashing up strawberries, you can apply them to your face for 5-10 minutes and rinse for another face mask option.
- Lemon
Lemons remove inflammation from the skin which helps prevent acne breakouts. They can be used to infuse water for and can also be squeezed over salads for dressing. Lemon juice can also be added to a cup of warm water with a touch of honey for skin benefits — the opportunities are endless.
Adding one of these fruits or vegetables to your diet can make a difference in your skin’s health. There are many other foods, such as peppers, kiwis, cucumbers, pineapples and blueberries, that can help improve your skin.
Eating healthier or adding something new to your diet doesn’t have to be boring and strict — it can be fun when there are endless ways to make fruits and veggies appealing. Try these foods out and watch your skin improve.
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