What we put in our body has a direct impact on what shows up on our skin. It’s through our skin that a great percentage of toxins are released throughout the day, and although we can’t control many of the environmental toxins we meet during the day – pollution, secondhand smoke, etc – we do have control of exactly what goes in our body.
In order to create a radiant, glowing complexion, it is important to incorporate a number of key vitamins and minerals into your daily diet:
Vitamin A helps form new skin cells. Good sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrot, fish oils, and egg yolks.
Vitamin B keeps skin smooth and supple. You can get vitamin B from fish oils, eggs, soy products, and whole grains.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, skin elasticity, and preventing sagging. Citrus fruits, cauliflower, papaya, tomatoes, and strawberries all provide healthy doses of this vitamin.
Zinc is vital to the immune system and the healing of scars and wounds. Zinc deficiency creates a dull complexion and lumps under the skin. Get your zinc from pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, seafood, cheese, red meat, brewer’s yeast, mushrooms, eggs, and whole grains.
Antioxidant-rich foods mop up free radicals in the body. Blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, goji berries, green tea, and raw cacao are all loaded with antioxidants.
High-quality omega-3s, -6s and -9s help create a glowing complexion by reducing inflammation, promoting cell growth and controlling the oils and fats in our body. Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts and chia), avocado, coconut and its oil, olives and their oils, oily fish and tahini.
Author: Pam B. LE, CMA
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