The quest we all face for great skin can be tiring and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Just making sure you’re consuming the right things can make a huge difference to your skin, so you may not need to be forking out a small fortune on specialist products. Here we’ve compiled a list of the ten best foods for your skin to keep you looking and feeling great at minimal cost and minimal effort.
Water
It’s no secret that consuming enough water works wonders for your skin. In many ways, hydration is the key to great skin as it keeps it from drying out.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the best kind of oil to consume when you’re looking to better your skin. The majority of the fat found in olive oil is monosaturated fatty acids which keep the skin looking young and fresh. On top of this, there is an antioxidant found in olive oil called polyphenols which works against free radicals found in sun rays that damage skin.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are, surprisingly, a little-known protector against sun damage to the skin. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which improves the skins natural SPF. Just make sure you use sunscreen as well.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, unlike more processed chocolates with a lower cocoa content, is rich in cocoa flavanols. These flavanols contain antioxidants that both keep the skin hydrated and improve circulation, making dark chocolate the perfect solution for when you’re craving a sweet snack.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great alternative to other breakfast foods, as it doesn’t contain refined sugar like bagels, jam and white toast. These refined sugars created an insulin spike, causing the skin to secrete more oil, opening pores and triggering breakouts. Sweeten oatmeal with fresh fruit and honey to get a healthy filling, sweet fix in the morning.
Sardines
Sardines, like all fish, are full of omega-3 fatty acids, the best kind of fat for your body and skin. Sardines, however, also act as an anti-inflammatory, preventing acne and angry spots in general, as well as keeping your pores tight and your complexion even and clear.
Green Tea
Aside being great for the metabolism and digestive system, and being a purer, healthier source of caffeine than coffee and black tea, the antioxidants found in green tea increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin, creating healthier, more elastic and radiant skin.
Kale
Not only is kale packed full of iron, but it is one of the very best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin which protect your skin against sun damage by neutralising the free radicals created by UV light. If this weren’t enough, just one portion of kale a day gives you more vitamin C and vitamin A than you need! Talk about a super food.
Walnuts
All nuts are full of good, healthy fats, but walnuts are especially full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for keeping the skin moist. Keeping topped-up on omega-3 can help to prevent against dry skin which can lead to eczema.
Rosemary
Herbs are packed full of anti-oxidants, rosemary being one of the best for this. These antioxidants protect your skin against sun damage. Just be sure to use fresh herbs rather than dried, as drying out herbs saps all their scrummy goodness.
