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There's no question that bad food choices can have a massive impact on your waistline. But, did you know your grocery list could be doing just as much damage to you skin? According to Health24: “when it comes to your skin, you really are what you eat”.
3 foods to add for better skin
Nuts
Holistic nutritionist, Julie Mancuso, is nuts for good skin.
She explains that "nuts and seeds, particularly almonds, are a natural anti-inflammatory, so they also can help treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and eczema," These nuts also contain Vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that support healthy skin growth.
So if you want to keep your breakouts to a minimum, chewing on some almonds may help.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Orange, red and green vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by smoking, pollution and sunlight which can cause wrinkling and age spots.
These vegetables also contain beta-carotene (found in pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes) which is “a compound that converts into vitamin A, which helps prevent dry, flaky skin, and reduces lines and wrinkles," says New York City dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot.
Olives and olive oil
According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a board-certified dermatologist and author of Ageless Face, Ageless Mind, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olives and olive oil “don’t just benefit you on the inside—they soften your skin, too”.
They provide antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Also, in addition to working olive oil into your daily diet, you can apply it as a lip gloss and skin soother, as needed.
3 foods to avoid for better skin
Sugar
According Jessica Wu, dermatologist to Hollywood's most beautiful faces (including Katherine Heigl and Kimora Lee Simmons), “sugar can weaken our immune system, and when our immune systems are suppressed, our bodies aren’t as effective at fighting off bacteria which is a leading cause of acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Translation: More bacteria, more toxins, worse skin.
Starchy Foods
Starches like white bread, pasta and white rice cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which leads to inflammation in the body.
According to Julie Upton, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Appetite for Health, “this process produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, giving you sagging skin and wrinkles”.
Additionally these starches (because of their high-glycemic index) also spark breakouts.
So the next time you're craving that bowl of pasta, you may want to think about opting for the whole grains option.
Excess alcohol
Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which means the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become.
It saps the natural moisture from your skin as well, which can make those wrinkles and fine lines seem like bigger deals.
It can also trigger outbreaks, according to Dr. Schultz. But, we are sure that one glass of wine won’t kill. Just don't smoke!
