Get healthy skin through food

The age-old adage infers that we are what we eat. There is much wisdom to the saying. After all, what we eat determines our health and bodily functions. The wellbeing of the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs depend almost entirely on the owner’s eating habits. The same holds for the largest organ of the human body: the skin.

Using products and treatments to achieve soft and supple skin can help quite a lot. However, consuming foods with the proper nutrients will ensure continuous skin regeneration and significantly slow the inevitable ageing of your skin.

At VIVO Clinic, we take the maintenance of skin very seriously. You can avail yourself of our HIFU Facelift and Plasma Eye Lift Blepharoplasty. Both are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that will tighten and lift affected areas of the face.

In addition to providing the right treatments, we are massive supporters of helping the skin receive proper nourishment through a healthy diet. We have compiled a list that you can easily integrate into your daily food habits for smoother, more radiant skin.

Plenty of vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant. Not only does it boost the body’s immune system, but it is also responsible for giving you healthier skin. This is because vitamin C helps in the natural production of collagen, which reinforces the capillaries delivering supplies to the skin.

Best sources include:

• Oranges
• Lemons and limes
• Strawberries
• Kiwi fruits
• Guava
• Sweet potatoes
• Broccoli

Fill up on vitamin E

Eating food with vitamin E helps sustain healthy skin growth and prevents oxidative (cell) damage.

Best sources include:

• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Pine nuts
• Avocado
• Corn oil

A generous helping of selenium

Selenium is another super antioxidant that is vital for healthy immune system upkeep. According to several published studies, a regular diet consisting of selenium will give you healthier skin and help prevent sun damage, age spots, and skin cancer.

The best source:

• Brazil nuts

Other good sources:

• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs

A little healthy fat goes a long way

Fatty acids are essential for keeping the skin naturally moisturized, which results in improved elasticity. For the body to receive fatty acids, you must consume foods with unsaturated fats, and omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Additionally, unsaturated fats contain vitamin E. Omega-3 fats also help the body make anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Best sources:

• Nuts
• Chia seeds
• Rapeseed oil
• Fish
• Avocado

Stock up on carbs with low-GI

The glycaemic index or GI categorizes carbohydrates according to how much time it takes for the body to break them down into glucose. Slow-releasing or low-GI carbs helps the body maintain a steady and gradual supply of sugar to the blood. So how does it help the skin? When there is less sugar in the bloodstream, the body does not produce too much insulin. Excessive insulin can damage collagen and increase wrinkles in the skin.

Best sources:

• Porridge
• Lentils
• Pulses
• Beans

Always stay hydrated

Hydration is chief to a healthy lifestyle. Your body needs fluids to maintain its essential functions. Your skin, still more so. Even slight dehydration will have an immediate adverse effect on your skin. However, with proper hydration, you can prevent skin from becoming dry and fatigued.

The best source:

• Water

Other great sources with the skin in mind:

• Herbal teas
• Fresh fruit juices
• Cucumber
• Watermelons

Is there anything I should avoid?

There are a few things you can avoid to keep your skin’s fitness intact:

• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Sugars
• MSG

End of the day, a healthy and balanced diet is sure to take you a long way. But, sometimes, it may not be enough. You can check out the non-surgical, non-invasive skin treatments offered by VIVO Clinic by clicking on the links below.