We all know the right skin treatments and skincare are important for achieving a healthy and youthful complexion, but we often forget that good skin starts from within.
Ultimately, what we put in our stomachs has an effect and will show itself through our skin. A balanced diet with the right nutrients and antioxidants are vital for skin renewal, preventing blemishes and inflammation and aiding hydration. Check out our top superfoods to help you achieve glowing, beautiful skin below:
Flaxseeds
These little miracle seeds work wonders for our skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin inflammation. According to Dr Murad, founder of Murad skincare: “The fats are believed to stifle your body’s response to irritation and attract water to skin cells to plump up the skin and reduce wrinkles”. To incorporate flaxseeds into your diet, try sprinkling them on your porridge in the morning or on top of salads.
Kumara
Not only are they tasty AND a healthier alternative to potatoes, but kumara is also a winner for your skin. Containing high levels of Vitamin C, which assists with collagen production (essential for plumper, fuller skin), kumara can also help prevent sagging skin and the formation of fine lines. Let’s just call it our new favourite food.
Dark chocolate
Good news: This sweet treat has some great skin benefits! Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavanols and antioxidants which can help with skin hydration and improve circulation. In an international study, women who drank a high flavanol cocoa drink daily for 12 weeks noticed improved skin texture and dryness. So allow yourself a few squares of dark chocolate after dinner… but remember portion control to avoid excess sugar consumption!
Grass-fed beef
Although most of our cows in NZ are grass-fed, it’s a good one to look out for to ensure you’re receiving all the possible skin benefits the next time you have steak for dinner! Grass-fed beef contains a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids which are beneficial in reducing inflammation They also contain high levels of protein, essential for building collagen and elastin for taut and supple skin. Try incorporating grass-fed beef to your diet twice a week to reap these benefits.
Tomatoes
Spent too much time in the sun? Add some tomatoes to your next meal! High in the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes help fight free radicals for increased sun protection and reduced skin redness – so they’re ideal if you sunburn easily or suffer from rosacea. The antioxidant is most easily absorbed when the tomatoes have been cooked – which releases it from the plant cells – so try making tomato pasta sauces from scratch or adding some fried tomato to your bacon and eggs.
* This article was brought to you by Caci. If you have any skin concerns, take Caci’s Skin Quiz and see which skin treatment is right for you.
