Today, more than ever, eating healthy has become a big priority for many people. This is not surprising, given people’s desire to live longer and better lives. A healthy diet has been linked to the prevention of various chronic diseases that tend to wreak havoc later in life.
However, healthy eating can have very immediate benefits that are not limited to inner physical health. Specifically, a healthy and proper diet has been shown to improve the health of the skin, which in turn improves our outward appearance. Thus, in addition to regular skincare practices, any dermatologist in Salt Lake City would recommend healthy eating practices in order to regularly maintain good-looking and blemish-free skin.
Here are some of the eating habits to develop if yoau wish to improve your skin condition:
Eat foods high in antioxidants and vitamins
Plenty of foods have been identified as being skin-healthy. In particular, these foods are rich in antioxidants that are able to reduce inflammation in the body. Given that inflammation is a major cause of wrinkle formation in aging, ingesting antioxidants is the best way to keep your skin youthful and glowing. Some examples of antioxidant-rich foods are spinach, berries, mangoes, dark chocolate, and organic green tea.
Foods rich in Vitamin C are also linked to increased production of collagen, which also leads to the prevention of wrinkles. A healthy combination of nutrients in the diet, which occurs when one eats a “rainbow-colored” plate with a perfect balance of fruits, vegetables, and protein, also helps neutralize free radicals that are linked to cell damage. Hence, a well-balanced diet is key to achieving good skin.
Drink plenty of water
Without enough water in our bodies, skin gets dehydrated more easily, leading to dry skin that can easily crack and chap. Hence, drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is essential to keep your skin cells healthy and resilient. If the skin is dehydrated, it is more prone to damage and wrinkling. This, in turn, also leads to the development of wrinkles, making your face and body look much older.
Aside from drinking water, eating foods rich in omega-3, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can also help prevent your skin from drying out. Additionally, it is recommended that you apply moisturizer in order to ensure that your skin is definitely getting the moisture that it needs.
Avoid sugar and unhealthy fats
Sugar and unhealthy fats — meaning saturated and trans fat — are classified as inflammatory foods. This means that they can result in inflammation in the skin, which in turn is a major cause of the formation of acne. Furthermore, they have also been found to damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, which leads to looser skin that is more prone to wrinkling.
Instead, it is best to consume food rich in natural fats, as well as vitamins, nutrients, and proteins. This also means avoiding fast or processed foods, and instead opting for organically produced food. Consuming organic food also prevents the buildup of toxins that will rapidly accelerate the aging of your skin cells.
Limit your alcohol consumption
Consumption of alcohol has been linked to increased inflammation and dehydration in the skin and other organs as well. Furthermore, high alcohol consumption has been associated with a higher risk of developing carcinoma, one form of skin cancer. Hence, it is best to strictly limit your intake of alcohol to ensure healthy skin and a healthy body.
