Food for Skin - Abigail Mullins

     It’s a new year, so you probably started a New Year’s Resolution. Whether that resolution be to start a new habit, or drop a new one, doesn’t matter; the point is that you are trying to better yourself. Why not do something better for your skin as well as your body? It’s no secret that there’s a correlation between the diet you consume and your skin. vitamin A, Omega 3, and vitamin E are just a couple examples of nutrients that are good for the skin. 


 

 Carrots
 Carrots are rich in vitamin A can greatly impact the skin. Carrots are carotenoids, they are a specific pigment of vegetable that help protect against UV damage. That means bye-bye wrinkles. They also help hydrate the skin. ​
​
. 
Citrus Fruits
Citrus Fruits are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is not naturally created within the body so eating an adequate amount of this vitamin is crucial to the human body and skin. Applying these fruits to your face has been linked to UV protection and is used in many cosmetic products. The Vitamin C in in citrus fruits helps to reduce free radicals in the body which lead to damaged skin. It can also help produce collagen which in the end can help prevent wrinkles by firming the skin.

Salmon
Salmon is rich in Omega -3 fatty acid, which is also not produced by the body, so it needs to be ingested to reap the benefits. This fatty acid helps reduce inflammation and helps with dry and itchy skin. Salmon can help reduce the sores and lesions that are caused by certain types of acne due to its high concentration in omega-3. Adding salmon to your diet isn’t only good for your skin, but your taste buds too. 

Avocados
Avocados are great for the skin. They’re rich in vitamin E which was been linked to reducing inflammation and help controlling free radicals. So, if you are looking for an excuse to add more avocados to your diet, here it is! You can also add avocados and other foods rich in vitamin E directly to your face and still gain some of the benefits.

 Water
 Now I know water isn’t a food, or an antioxidant, but it really does help the skin. Water helps flush out the system. It helps remove excess sugar and toxins from the body. It also hydrates. Duh! If you want hydrated skin, why not start with increasing your water intake a little. The only downfall might be a few more bathroom breaks throughout the day.
 
Though we only went over a few different foods, they can really make an impact on the health of your skin.  Not only will these foods help with your skin complexion, but also with your overall health. It gives a variety to your diet as well. Also, if you’re feeling crazy try making a facemask with some of these foods! 
 





References
I. Bogdan Allemann, M. L. (2008). Antioxidants Used in Skin Care Formulations. Skin Therapy Letter.
Silke K. Schagen, 1. ,. (2012). Dermato Endocrinology. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
The Relationship of Diet and Acne. (2009, September). Retrieved from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836431/
Yssra S. Soliman, B., Peter W. Hashim, M. M., Aaron S. Farberg, M., & Gary Goldenberg, M. (n.d.). The Role od Dieting in Preventing Photoaging and Treating Common Skin Conditions. Cosmetic Deramatology, 1-4.
 

---