Can You Eat Your Way to a Clear Complexion?
You’ve printed your resume, ironed your pants, and woke up early to get ready for your interview. But what’s that? A bright, angry pimple!
Acne, dryness, and other skin problems can affect people at any age. Our skin reflects our internal health, including hormones, stress, and hydration levels.
Did you know that the foods you eat every day could be damaging your skin? At the very least, they may not be helping.
Learn how to achieve a clear complexion with a healthy diet.
How Does Diet Affect Your Skin?
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Not only is your skin extremely important, but it reflects your internal health. Unbalanced hormone levels and stress can lead to problems with redness and acne.
Like many things, the foods we eat can either help or harm our skin. Diets high in processed foods, carbohydrates, and sugars cause inflammation in the body, which is reflected in irritated and inflamed skin.
What foods and drinks cause acne? Food and acne go hand in hand. After eating greasy foods like pizza and French fries, you may notice more pimples within just a day!
Contrary to what many people believe, consuming greasy food doesn’t necessarily cause acne. Greasy foods cause acne because they are more likely to come in contact with the skin on your face. When oil builds upon the face, it can clog pores and lead to whiteheads.
Food allergies and acne can also be intertwined, particularly for lactose-intolerant people. Allergic responses raise the level of histamines in the body, which can trigger inflammation. Allergic reactions are more likely to present as itchy, dry hives, but scratching can lead to an increase in acne.
What to Eat for a Clear Complexion
Went it comes to eating for clear skin; there are a few foods to avoid. Limit your intake of processed grains, sugars, alcohol, and dairy. In addition, try to incorporate more of the following foods into your diet.
Plenty of Water
Hydration is key for maintaining healthy, clear skin. You should aim to drink at least eight cups (roughly 2000ml) of water every day. This is the bare minimum required for your health, so if you want clear skin, you’ll need to drink as much water as possible.
Water keeps your whole body’s systems in check. It helps you process sugars, carbs, and alcohol, so they don’t end up as impurities in your skin.
Healthy Fats and Protein
You can find healthy fats in fish, avocados, nuts, olives, and more. These foods are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your skin regulate oil production and prevent acne.
A diet high in lean protein promotes collagen production. Plant-based proteins like almonds, hemp seeds, and tofu are ideal for boosting skin’s firmness, retaining moisture, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria cultures found in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi. Probiotics restore the body’s natural balance of microorganisms and heal the skin’s protective barrier. Probiotics are said to enhance the skin’s natural glow and reduce inflammation.
Essential Vitamins
Vitamin D, E, A, and Zinc are excellent vitamins for a clear skin complexion. All of these vitamins work to boost immune system health, brighten, and firm the skin. If you aren’t getting enough of these from your diet, consider adding a multivitamin!
Other Skin Care Tips
Healing your skin begins from the inside out. In addition to a healthy diet, try these other skin care tips on how to have a clear complexion:
- Wash your face with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser
- Use facial sunscreen every day
- Change pillowcases often
- Avoid touching your face
- Pull back long hair
Cultivating a Clear Complexion
Changing your diet will undoubtedly improve your skin. However, a clear complexion can take time. Be patient with your skin, and remember to smile!
Are you looking for more ways to improve your health? Don’t forget to check out our other health and lifestyle articles!
Trevor Anderson wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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