Almost every individual on this planet has had to deal, or is still dealing, with the pest of acne at some point in their lives. During our adolescent and teenage years, hormones cause an overwhelming amount of change within our entire body and of course, our skin. What if we told you there was a weapon against acne you can incorporate into your diet? Say goodbye to popping pimples in the mirror every night because whether or not you are still fighting a battle with acne, these 10 foods will aid you in achieving healthy and glowing skin.
- Cucumber: In television and movies, we see cucumber slices over eyelids in almost every salon scene, but it turns out that there are real scientific benefits to this. Cucumbers contain a high amount of Vitamin C and E, which are known to prevent acne and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Whether eaten or applied on the skin, cucumbers also have soothing nutrients for your skin that will soothe inflamed skin and reduce puffiness.
- Lemon: While lemon supports weight loss and aids digestion, it is also very beneficial to your skin because when digested, it serves as a natural astringent that tightens sagging skin and lightens blemishes. However, lemon is one food that should not be topically applied to the skin alone because its high acidity will harm your skin’s outer barrier. Lemon is most beneficial in water, within a recipe, or if it’s properties are packaged into a serum.
- Sweet Potatoes: Most of you have probably heard of all the different retinol creams and serums skincare companies are offering right now, but what if I told you you could be eating it for way less money in its purest form? Sweet potatoes contain a high amount of retinol that will both ward off wrinkles and pesky acne. Sweet potatoes also contain a nutrient known as Beta-carotene, which, when eaten, your body transforms into Vitamin A. These nutrients create a barrier for your skin to prevent discoloration, inflammation, and clogged pores.
- Berries: Whether it be blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries, these small berries are bursting with Vitamin C and plenty of antioxidants. When in your body, Vitamin C fights against blotchy skin and dark spots on your skin, as well as improving your brain health and lowering cholesterol. Another skin benefit of berries of all sorts is the reduction of skin wrinkling. These berries control free radicals, or unstable molecules within the body, which are a leading cause of wrinkling and aging, so why wouldn’t you implement these small acne fighters into your diet?
- Quinoa: While quinoa has many health benefits within your body, it greatly helps your skin because of the large amount of fiber within it. On average, one cup of quinoa has 17 to 27 grams of fiber, which will greatly decrease constipation. Quinoa also contains many helpful vitamins within it, such as Vitamin B and E. These tough vitamins work to provide your skin with collagen, repair the pores, and reduce aging. Therefore, eating quinoa regularly will flush unhealthy toxins from your body, which will result in clearer skin, as well as less acne and dark spots.
- Salmon: Salmon is a great source of many nutrients such as protein, potassium, and more. However, the most important part of salmon for your skin is the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. These omega-3s greatly protect your skin from harmful sun damage, as well as reducing your risk of skin cancer and sunspots on your skin. All you need is salmon in your diet and sunscreen on your skin to lessen your sunburns this summer and benefit your skin overall!
- Nuts: It may not be the first food you think of when it comes to skincare, but nuts of all sorts are some of the best foods you can snack on for healthier skin. No matter how small they are, nuts are packed with antioxidants and vitamins such as copper, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, just to name a few. In many skincare products, Vitamin A and E are used because of the amazing anti-aging properties they contain. Vitamin C is also very beneficial to your immune system, so the healthier your body is, the better your skin will be. Be aware of how many nuts you eat in one sitting because a little goes a long way in this case, and stacking up calories within your body will not benefit you or your skin in any way.
- Broccoli: Broccoli often has a bad reputation of not being delicious or beneficial to your body in any way, but what if I told you that was wrong. There are many forms you can eat broccoli, some can even make its taste unrecognizable. You may want to consider incorporating more broccoli into your diet because it is packed with dozens of vital nutrients, such as Vitamin A, C, E, and B. These antioxidants, along with many more, have been proven to shed dead skin cells, unclog pores, reduce skin inflammation, and fight off UV radiation.
- Kale: Although there are many leafy greens and vegetables, kale outshines the rest of the cabbage family because of how nutrient-dense it is. Both high in fiber and low in calories, kale also provides nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and various vitamins. Working together, the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in kale reduce hyperpigmentation, repair acne scars, and produce high amounts of collagen. Much like quinoa, the fiber within kale also aids your skin by getting rid of harsh toxins and unhealthy particles within your body so that your skin will shine!
- Papaya: Papaya is one food that is both beneficial for your skin’s surface and the inside of your body in many ways. This exotic fruit contains a digestive enzyme known as papain, which fights your acne by exfoliating dead skin cells, fading acne scars, hydrating your skin, and preventing breakouts. From the inside, papaya’s many vitamins and minerals improve the skin’s elasticity and banish fine lines, as well as benefit your other bodily functions. Whether it be in a smoothie, by itself, or in many other forms, papaya is a delicious and easy fruit that you can eat every day!
