Skin And Nutrition

What you eat affects every organ of your body and, skin is no exception. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you are not eating right. Your body needs complete nutrition to promote healthy, younger looking skin. But, the fact is that most people are deficient in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA’s) . We should nourish and treat the skin from the inside to have lasting healthy improvements.

Vitamins A, C, E as well as zinc are important to help your skin fight infection and heal.

EFA’s help your skin stay soft and repair damage. Dry, itchy, scaly skin is a sure sign of fatty acid deficiency . EFA’s improve the quality of skin , nails and hair. Moreover, vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants help protect skin from sunburns. Many clinical studies show that these antioxidants are very effective at treating many skin disorders , such as dermatitis, seborrhea and eczema.

Put your best face forward with a better diet

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Dried fruits such as apricots, dates, prunes and raisins. Fruits such as avocado, mango , kiwi, apple, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a high-fiber diet( such as whole grain breads, pastas, popcorn and brown rice .
• Eat food rich in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds , a handful of nuts and soybeans .
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, dairy products (whole milk), eggs, fried food, soft drinks and sugar.
• Avoid excessive iodine found in fish and table salt (this can worsen the acne ) .

Ten foods for beautiful and flawless skin

1. Avocados : This creamy food is rich in essential oils and B-complex vitamin that nourish your skin , inside and out.
2. Mangoes : Mangoes are very rich in vitamin A, which is why they are such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, thus improving your complexion.
3. Almonds : Almonds are rich in vitamin E which moisturizes dry skin, while it’s antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature againg. It is great for dark circles under the eye too.
4. Cottage Cheese : Cottage Cheese has a major ingredient called selenium which teams up with vitamin E and forms a vey powerful radical -fighting duo . It also protects against skin cancer and dandruff.
5. Cherries : Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a vital role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.
6. Oysters : Oysters are rich in zinc and may help fight acne.
7. Baked Potatoes: One potato supplies 75% of your daily need for copper. Deficiency in copper can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.
8. Mushrooms : Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin B and  help in improvement of skin blemishes . This vitamin is also important for skin repair , that the body will use in large amounts , after sustaining a burn or wound , or undergoing surgery.
9. Water : Water plays a vital role in taking care of your skin. Water controls and regulates the skin’s natural balance . Warm water also gets rid of blackheads and makes large pores smaller. Drinking water replaces the moisture lost due to everyday activities.
10. Yogurt : Yogurt is a vital treasure-chest of zinc, calcium, vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12 , protein and yeast. Yogurt adds enzymes and oils to the skin, working as a natural moisturizer. It improves the overall skin texture and gives you a healthy glow.

Some of the great facial masks to make your skin look healthy

1. Yogurt Face Mask for all skin types :

1 Tbsp natural yogurt, 1 tsp running honey( microwave honey for few seconds), for oily skin add few drops of lime juice.

Preparation : Mix the ingrediants together . Keep it for 10-15 mins. Wash it off with warm water .

2. Avocado Face Mask for Dry skin :

1/2 avocado , 1/4 cup honey

Preparation : Mash avocado in a bowl and stir in honey. Apply to skin . Leave it for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.

3. Apple and Honey Mask for acne -prone oily skin :

Grate one medium size apple . Mix with 5 drops of honey . Apply to face. Leave for 10 minutes. Wash with cool washcloth.

This works for me, hope  works for you too!!!

Bottom Line :

A balanced nutrition of the body is important for maintaining healthy skin. Remember, people who eat more protective foods are inclined to also have fewer “bad habits” (i.e. lack of exercise, alcohol and tobacco use) and more good habits (such as regular exercise and lower or no usage of harmful substances) which also influences skin health and aging.

Remember,  “Stress”  slows down the cell renewal process causing the aging process to trigger. Learn to manage your stress by reading books  on Stress Management or seeking guidance.

“Your skin is fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions , from acne to aging , are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs , including its nutritional needs ”