Healthy Foods for Healthy Skin

Wash your face. Exfoliate. Moisturize. Use Sunscreen. We see the commercials, we read the ads, and we buy the product. We get it- there are many things we can do to our skin topically that greatly contribute to the maintenance and overall health of our skin. But, did you know that there is something else you can be doing to compliment your daily skin care regimen? We have learned that there are many foods you can eat that can positively affect the overall look and feel of your skin. The best part? These foods are seriously delicious, and super easy to incorporate into your meals. Here is what we found out:

Vitamin A- Vitamin A is crucial to your skin’s maintenance and repair. There are several delicious ways to make sure you are getting enough Vitamin A. Orange veggies like pumpkin, yams, and carrots are loaded with Vitamin A. Foods like cantaloupe, watermelon, and tomatoes are also very high in Vitamin A. Our suggestions? Create a delicious side dish of Orange Glazed Carrots. All you need to do is simmer 1 pound of cooked carrots in orange juice for five minutes, add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons of butter and a pinch of salt. Heat until everything melts together. Enjoy!

Vitamin C- Mom always told us to drink orange juice when we were feeling under the weather. Little did she know that in addition to boosting your immune system, it also has wondrous effects on your skin. Studies show that Vitamin C helps with the appearance of wrinkles and dry, rough skin. Many citrus fruits, peppers, and tomato juice are an excellent source of Vitamin C. While there are several ways to increase your daily intake, here is what we found to be the easiest: add green and red peppers to your chicken tacos, throw together a fruit salad to bring to an afternoon BBQ, or simply listen to Mom and drink a good old fashioned glass of O.J. each morning.

Vitamin E- Eating foods rich in Vitamin E will help prevent pigmentation and improve the overall appearance of the skin. These foods include avocados, spinach, hazelnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds and olive oil. A great way to enjoy these foods? Throw together a spinach salad with sliced avocado. Create a dressing by mixing extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinaigrette and a splash of lemon juice. Also, keep a baggie of mixed nuts in your car or at your desk, which will give you a healthy option when afternoon hunger hits.

Water- It should come as no surprise that water is an important part of keeping your skin healthy. Not only does water keep your skin cells hydrated, it also helps move toxins out of the body. Drinking eight glasses a day can give your skin amazing results and also help your overall health. Having a hard time drinking eight glasses a day? Do as the most fabulous spas do: cut up your favorite fruits and add them to a pitcher or water bottle. Our favorite fruits to add? Grapefruits, limes, lemons, strawberries, watermelon and oranges. Make sure to change up the combination each day, which will give you a refreshing new taste and ensure your taste buds don’t get bored!

Antioxidants- Fruits like blackberries, blueberries and strawberries are high in antioxidants and can help protect your skin from free radicals that can lead to premature aging. Our favorite way to load up on these colorful berries? Create a delicious dessert by adding a heaping pile of these juicy fruits to a slice of angel food cake and Cool Whip! Enjoy knowing that you are doing your skin a favor.

So you see, what you are eating can have a huge affect on the apperance and health of your skin. So get in the kitchen, channel your inner chef, and whip up some delicious skin-friendly creations.

Make sure to share your ideas with us! For a quick burst of vitamins and antioxidants for your skin, receive a HydraFacial which will give you immediate results and leave your skin feeling healthy and hydrated.