Foods For a Gorgeous Face!

Beauty really does comes from the inside. The glossy pictures from magazines, advertisements and social media won't reveal the real truth, but the food you're eating will impact the skin in an intense manner. Research is increasingly showing inner-health will parley how the skin will look. The Department of Dermatology in Dessau, Germany found smoking, eating a diet high in fat and high in sugar could jeopardize your looks. "A promising strategy for enhancing skin protection from oxidative stress is to support the endogenous antioxidant system, with antioxidants containing products that are normally present in the skin." Blemishes, red spots, flaking skin, crows-feet and dull skin is impacted by what is going on internally. What you eat can really spoil your chemistry and your hormone balance which causes breakouts and oily looking skin. Think about the foods we use to combat diseases like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Why wouldn't we approach skin health the same way? Although there are nonbelievers out there, eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene will keep your complexion looking supple and keep it glowing.

Blueberries

Blueberries are always in the news as researchers are discovering how important they are to our health. This color in the fruit is a result of compounds called anthocyanins and this powerful antioxidant protects the skin from free-radicals. Blueberries also contain epicatechin, a powerful antioxidant which can help the body detox and the skin to shed its toxins. Vitamin C found in blueberries can fight aging and protects it from pollutants from the environment. Many cosmetic companies use vitamin C in products, but it doesn't really get to the problem as it's only topical. Dr. Nicholas Perricone shared “The right diet certainly decreases your risk of all age-related disease such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but it can also make a great difference in the skin very rapidly,” he told CNN. Blueberries are not the only heroes. Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries all share the same benefits.

Tomatoes 

Research is finding that the compound called lycopene found in tomatoes is great for the skin since it is high in antioxidants. This vegetable has all the important carotenoids in them it to keep the body healthy. This includes having beta-carotene, lutein and of course, lycopene. Tomatoes get rid of oily skin, acne, protects the skin from the sun and keeps the skin looking young and fresh. They also lower cholesterol, decrease the risks of having a stroke, support the eyes and may help fight cancer. Quercetin and kaempferol, the 2 main compounds found in flavonoids, may reduce inflammation in the body as well and this can be found in tomato skins. Combine tomatoes with a healthy fat like olive oil for a quick salad, and you will have smoother skin and observe a new natural brightness to your complexion.

Chocolate

Contrary to what many of us were told, chocolate is good for you. Chocolate has flavonoids and this helps hydrate the skin and helps promote better circulation. Chocolate is a superfood for your skin like fruit is. Try organic dark chocolate, and you don't need too much to get the benefits. It contains polyphenols, which also protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV) and may decrease the signs of aging. Swap out the extra cup of coffee for a cocoa-rich drink that will deeply moisturize skin and leave behind a healthy glow. Dana Oliver is the Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor at the Huffington Post and suggested using chocolate as a body scrub. The DIY chocolate body scrub is made out of olive oil (1teaspoon), brown sugar (1/2 cup), cocoa powder (1 cup) and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and you're done. Chocolate can really do wonders not only for emotional eaters but can really make your skin look sumptuous.

Nuts

Raw nuts can boost collagen levels and they contain healthy fats for a healthy glow. They have copper, zinc and even vitamin A, and C. They also have vitamin E to nourish the skin and to protect it from the sun’s damaging rays. Nuts contain catechin, epicatechin, flavonol antioxidants, including quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin, which fights oxidative stress from pollution. Studies show eating nuts may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease due to them containing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Eating nuts can help with weight loss, by preventing hunger and are great for a quick boost of energy. Nuts can be walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans or pistachios and you don't need a lot for them to do the job. Try eating them whole or sliced in salads, cereals or yogurts.

Fish

Fish is one of your beauty tools. Whether it's salmon, herring, mackerel, cod, anchovies or fresh water trout they all contain omega–3 fats acids which will keep the cell membranes healthy. When this is protected it acts as a barrier against pollutants. Dr. Nicholas Perricone said omega-3 fatty acids help "Reduce the body's production of inflammatory compounds -- natural chemicals involved in the aging process, that affect how healthy the skin looks and feels." Omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce blood pressure, reduce heart disease and diabetes. Having more fish in the diet could help people with psoriasis, but the studies have been mixed, the Mayo Clinic found. "Psoriasis is less common in populations whose dietary staples include cold water fish containing omega-3 fatty acids." If eating fish doesn't move you, try a supplement instead to receive the advantages.

Spices

There are spices that could really do your skin good. Cinnamon, hot pepper, paprika, turmeric, fennel and red clover can help against inflammation, breakouts, wrinkles and calm down eczema. For example, “Cinnamon is a potent antioxidant that helps reverse signs of sun and environmental damage to the skin,” said Jessica Weiser, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your cereal, yogurt or oatmeal for the skin and for the immune system. Cinnamon has more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries. Turmeric contains curcumin and it can brighten skin and could reduce breakouts. Hot peppers contain vitamins A and C, which fights bacteria and can protect against toxins. Eat fennel to reduce skin sensitivity, to boost the immune system and to help reduce stomach cramps.

What you eat does shape the way your body performs and how the skin can cope. By eating healthier foods, you can find an entire treasure trove for the body and for the skin. Using food as part of your skin care regimen will help with acne, wrinkles, dryness, redness and many other conditions that impact the skin. What you put into the body can be positive or it can make a negative impact.

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