Nothing compares to good skin. The feeling of wearing moisturizer on a bare face and strutting around confidently is a far-away dream for most of us. Due to the pollution, age and unhealthy lifestyle, we struggle to maintain our skin. Getting luminous skin is not much of an effort. If someone tells you that only great genes or amazing skin care products can give you flawless skin, then please ignore them. In reality, genes play only a 20 per cent role when it comes to your skin, the rest 80 per cent depends on external factors like sun damage and lifestyle. Apart from a good skincare regimen, what you eat also plays an important role. Dermatologists can’t stress enough on the importance of a good diet. What you put into your body will reflect on your skin so always make a healthy choice if you want gorgeous skin.
A few tips that leading dermatologists recommend for perfect skin are-
- Reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Try replacing refined sugar or sugary foods with natural sugar found in fruits, honey or maple syrup. Still steer clear of tropical fruits and have fresh fruits in moderation. If you really suffer from bad skin then try to cut sugar out of your diet completely.
- The best diet for skin is the one that involves vegetables of every color for every meal and green juice every day.
- Spices like Haldi/Turmeric is the best spice to consume if you want perfect skin.
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin and flush out the toxins.
- Do not go on crash diets or eat highly processed food as this can lead to dull skin and breakouts.
- Vegetables in the color red, yellow and green.
- Do not forget to add a healthy dose of carbohydrates and proteins to your diet.
Below is a list of healthy food items that you should definitely include in your diet if you want healthy skin.
1. Avocado
A good source of: Biotin
Why it’s good for you: Boosts hydration for dry skin. Also helps to prevent brittle nails and hair.
2. Green tea
A good source of: Anti-oxidant called Polyphenols
Why it’s good for you: Improves the skin’s texture and clears your complexion. For best results have 4-5 cups daily.
3. Tomatoes
A good source of: Anti-oxidant called Lycopene
Why it’s good for you: Helps prevent sun damage to skin and also protects it from free radicals.
4. Salmon
A good source of: Omega 3 fatty acids and a carotenoid called astaxanthin
Why it’s good for you: Improves skin’s elasticity and reduces fine lines.
5. Eggs
A good source of: Protein
Why it’s good for you: Protects and repairs skin cells. Prevents dryness.
6. Pomegranate
A good source of: Anti-oxidant that promotes production of collagen.
Why it’s good for you: Apart from collagen, it improves immunity, reduces cholesterol and enhances blood circulation.
7. Walnuts
A good source of: Omega-3 fatty acids
Why it’s good for you: Smooth, radiant and youthful skin. What more could you ask for?
8. Beans (legumes)
A good source of: Protein
Why it’s good for you: Repair and regeneration of skin cells and collagen
9. Olive oil
A good source of: Monounsaturated fatty acids and anti-oxidant polyphenols
Why it’s good for you: Because of the presence of such fatty acids, olive oil provides a youthful boost to the skin. Its anti-oxidant properties also protect the skin from free radicals. Lastly, the oil can provide glowing skin as well.
10. Dark chocolate
A good source of: Cocoa flavanols which has anti-oxidant properties.
Why it’s good for you: Hydrates skin and improves circulation. A small quantity of about 28 grams once or twice a week is more than enough to reap the benefits. Best for preventing rough and scaly skin.
