Your Skin Benefits from Eating Clean
by Taylor Smith, CHOP5 Wellness Blogger
Are you tired of waking up to new blemishes on your face? Are you sick of buying expensive skin care products that don’t work? Are you frustrated that you don’t have clear skin when you’re past the age of puberty?
Relatable Skin Struggles
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone! Personally, I have always struggled with acne my whole life and it’s a huge insecurity and frustration of mine. I have tried countless skin products, dermatologists and prescription creams and pills, with not much luck.
Your Diet is the Answer!
What I’ve learned from skin experts and research is that acne can be a result of various factors. It can be due to factors such as genetics or hygiene. But did you know that it can also be caused from the foods you consume? Most people are not aware of that. So, if you want to try a new method to clearing up your skin, I urge you to look at your diet!
The Trick to Healthy Skin
Even if you do not struggle with acne, it’s still very beneficial to be conscious of the foods in your diet. It’s important because certain foods contain nutrients that contribute to your skin’s overall health. For instance, certain foods may be good for making your skin hydrated and glowing, while others may help to reduce inflammation or strengthen it.
Best Foods for Your Skin & Why!
- Fatty fish like salmon
- Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Keeps skin thick, supple & moisturized
- Reduces inflammation
- Less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays
- Contains vitamin E—antioxidant that protects your skin against damage from free radicals
- Produces new skin cells
- Avocados
- High in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E & C, which are important for healthy skin
- Pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage
- Walnuts
- Good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, selenium & protein—-all nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy
- Sunflower seeds
- Excellent source of nutrients, including vitamin E (important antioxidant for skin)
- Sweet potatoes
- Contains beta carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock & may protect your skin from sun damage
- Red or yellow bell peppers
- Contains plenty of beta carotene & vitamin C—-both of which are important antioxidants for your skin
(Vitamin C is also necessary to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps your skin strong.)
- Broccoli
- Good source of vitamins, minerals & carotenoids that are critical for skin health
- Contains sulforaphane, which may help prevent skin cancer & protect your skin from sunburn
- Tomatoes
- Good source of vitamin C & all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene—protect your skin from sun damage & may help prevent wrinkling
- Soy
- Contains isoflavones, which have been shown to improve wrinkles, collagen, skin elasticity & dryness, as well as protect your skin from UV damage
- Dark chocolate
- Cocoa contains antioxidants that may protect your skin against sunburn & also may improve wrinkles, skin thickness, hydration, blood flow & skin texture
- Green tea
- The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage & reduce redness, as well as improve its hydration, thickness & elasticity
- Red grapes
- Resveratrol, the famous antioxidant found in red grapes, may slow your skin’s aging process by impairing harmful free radicals that damage your skin
More Good Foods for Your Skin!
- Watermelon
- Kiwis
- Flaxseeds
- Collards, kale & spinach
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
- Carrots
- Chia seeds
- Quinoa
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Artichokes
- Cinnamon
- Egg whites
- & the list continues!
Why It Matters
All in all, remember that what you eat can significantly affect your skin health. So, control what you can control! It’s critical to get enough nutrients to protect your skin. Plus, these nutrients will help keep your skin healthy, strong and looking good!
If you’re looking to incorporate some of these foods into your diet, look no further than CHOP5!
New Year’s Intentions Update:
November signals that finals for fall semester will begin soon and winter break is near. It’s very easy in general to get fatigued by school and everything that’s going on. That’s why this month I especially decided to focus on making time for myself. If I do not prioritize “me time”, it’s easy for me to get lost in and overwhelmed with school and lacrosse. By making time to do something fun, it gives me and outlet and change of scenery to ground myself. One notable thing from this month was going on a hike in Boulder with some friends on a beautiful, warm day!
