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While keeping to a strict skincare regiment and using products that work for your skin type are definitely effective in achieving clear skin, many people don’t know that what you consume daily is equally important in maintaining great skin. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 different foods that’ll promote healthy skin, so you not only feel good, but look good too.
Salmon is one of those proteins that you can never have too much of. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is known to not only reduce inflammation but also help retain moisture on your skin.
Salmon also contains astaxanthin, which, according to a study in 2012, helps improve the look of wrinkles and fine lines, so your skin looks supple and healthy.
Everyone loves avocados, not just because it’s a growing Instagram trend, but also because it’s a tasty, versatile fruit. Whether you’re blending it for your morning smoothie or having it on toast with some salt and pepper sprinkled over, it’s a fruit you can enjoy any time of day.
Avocados are a great because they’re an important source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps your skin regain its elasticity. Fun fact: vitamin E is most effective when combined with vitamin C, so orange juice and avocado toast is a good option for your next breakfast menu.
Bananas are not just a great snack for midday pick-me-ups, they’re also great for those who struggle with dry skin. The vitamin A in bananas help hydrate and moisturise skin, so your skin is able to retain its suppleness and look healthy.
Tip: other than consuming one banana a day, you can also mash it up and treat yourself to a face mask.
Like many other nuts, pecans contain ellagic acids that is said to help protect skin from UV damage, so you won’t have to rely just on sunscreen alone. This crunchy nut also has many anti-ageing properties and is filled with antioxidants to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Incorporating pecans into your diet also means that you’ll have increased blood flow to the roots of your hair which promotes healthy tresses. Definitely filling two needs with one deed, if you ask us.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, kiwi fruits are great for boosting your immune system and helping your skin appear healthier and more radiant.
It contains tons of vitamin C, which is known for producing collagen, so your skin will appear firm and more supple. We also love that this fruit has anti-acne properties (here’s how to treat acne scars) that help prevent new pimples from forming.
Not many are fans of vegetables, but if you’re keen on getting clearer skin, you might want to consider adding them to every meal. Greens such as spinach and kale are filled with antioxidants that keeps radical skin damage at bay while ensuring that your skin gets the hydration it needs.
Incorporating them into your everyday diet is easy: try adding some greens to your banana smoothie, opt for salad instead of fries, or munch on some kale chips while you work.
Soy is one of those foods that is good for your health and great for your skin. Aside from being used as an ingredient in skincare products (think: the iconic soy face cleanser from Fresh), soy’s a great way to keep your skin smooth and strong from the inside out.
It’s also great for improving skin elasticity and visibly reducing wrinkles. So the next time you’re at a coffee place, think about switching out your regular full fat milk for soy milk.
Among all the foods containing antioxidants, green tea is known to be one of the most effective in maintaining smooth, healthy skin. Aside from protecting your skin from ageing, it’s also a great ingredient for those who struggle with dry skin, as it promotes moisture and hydration.
So the next time you’re pouring your morning coffee, think about switching to a cup of hot green tea instead. You’ll look great and feel less bloated too.
Eggs are a great source of amino acids and lutein, which helps to maintain the skin’s moisture level while keeping it firm. Eating one egg a day is a good habit as it helps promote skin’s radiance, making it appear brighter in the long run.
So whether you like your eggs sunny side-up, scrambled or with hollandaise sauce drizzled over, don’t forget to add it to at least one meal daily.
High in fiber, papaya helps rid your body of toxins and is great for your digestive system. It’s also high in vitamin A, which provides skin with moisture, giving you a healthy glow while increasing your collagen levels.
Aside from having it after your meals or blending it into your smoothie, you can even mash up some papaya and mix it in with honey to enjoy an at-home spa treat for your skin.
