Skincare from the Inside Out
It’s no secret that what you eat is essential to your health. But did you know that includes your skin? Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that incorporates a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can nourish your skin from the inside out and strengthen your skincare regimen. Read on to discover which foods to eat – and which to avoid – to support healthy, glowing skin.
Hydrating Foods
Fruits and vegetables with a high water content can help keep you – and your skin – hydrated. These include watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, cantaloupe, and celery. Eating water-rich foods alongside drinking plenty of water helps your skin maintain its elasticity and retain moisture for a radiant, natural glow.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy fat that fights inflammation and keeps the skin barrier strong, resulting in a firmer and smoother appearance. Fatty fish like salmon, as well as seeds and nuts, are all rich in Omega-3s.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in berries, leafy greens like spinach, dark chocolate, and nuts can protect the skin from cell-damaging free radicals found in environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. This helps prevent premature aging and supports an even complexion.
Vitamin-Rich Foods
Certain vitamins have been found to support skin health.
These include:
- Vitamin A. Found in sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens, vitamin A accelerates skin cell turnover to improve skin texture and tone.
- Vitamin C. Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, vitamin C stimulates collagen production to support skin firmness and elasticity.
- Vitamin E. Found in nuts and seeds, vitamin E protects skin from oxidative damage, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
What to Avoid
Avoid foods high in refined sugars, processed carbs, and unhealthy fats, which can cause inflammation and trigger acne breakouts. It is also recommended to limit alcohol consumption, which can cause skin to become dull and dehydrated.
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
