Feed Your Face: 10 Foods for Better Skin

You Are What You Eat

As I eat my yummy chocolate cake or munch on Ruffles and french onion dip, I can't help by wonder were the weight is going to appear on my body and if it's worth it. But really, there is a larger part of our bodies that we should be concerned about - our skin! We can't eat a regular flow of junk food in our diets and expect to have smooth, supple skin.

Our skin is a testimate to what's going on inside our bodies. If you have a dry, dull complexion, you probably aren't eating a balanced diet. That doesn't mean that we have to deprive ourselves of all of lifes delicacies. Let's find 10 foods that will fullfill your cravings and nourish your skin.

1. Avocados

   "Going green" really is healthy! Rich, creamy avocadoes are abundant in B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out.

   Niacin (vitamin B-3) is especially important for healthy skin. Niacin acts as an anti-inflammatory by soothing irritated skin and calming red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin which fullfills 27% of your daily need.

   Tip: In your morning smoothie, try substituting your banana with half an avocado. Blend it with yogurt and frozen berries. This results in a creamy nutty flavor with a great boost for your skin.

2. Mangoes

   Containing more than 80 % of your daily requirements for vitamin A, mangoes prove to be a great face food. Vitamin A is a powerful tool in maintaining and repairing skin cells. It acts as an antioxidant in fighting free radical damage that can prematurely age your skin. Mangoes are even great for your figure as they are fewer than 70 calories per serving.

3. Almonds

   Going nuts is actually a good thing! Almonds provide 150% of your daily need for vitamin E. Its rich oils moisturize your skin and its antioxidants protect your skin from damage and premature aging of facial tissues.

4. Cottage Cheese

   I've always thought of dairy being good for my bones. Little did I know the secret of selenium in cottage cheese. Selenium teams up with vitamin e as an essential mineral for fighting free radicals and providing powerful antioxidants. The result, beautiful skin. These creamy little curds have even been rumored to protect against skin cancer.

5. Acerola Cherries

   Not all cherries are created equal. When you go to your local farmers market, be sure to ask for Acerola cherries and you will be on the right track. A single one of these tasty little treats supplies 100% of your daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an anitoxidant by fighting skin damage and wrinkles. It even helps in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.

6. Oysters

   These oceanic critters are not only famous as an aphrodisiac. They're also great for your skin. Being rich in zinc, they can help to fight acne by producing sebum - a lack of which can lead to acne. Zinc, when paired with vitamin C, can also help boost elastin production.

7. Baked Potatoes

   Not all carbs are bad. Actually, a steaming baked potatoe can benefit your skin by providing 75% of your daily need for copper. When paired with vitamin C and zink, it helps produce elastin fibers that support skin structure. A lack of this essential mineral reduces your skins ability to heal and can lead to dull, lifeless skin.

8. Mushrooms

   Mushrooms are rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that is vital to your skin's health. Riboflavin aids in skin maintenance, repair and can even improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea.

9. Flaxseed Oil

   Omega 3s are great for your skin. Not a fish lover? That's ok! Actually, one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid is flaxseed oil. Add just 1 teaspoon of this magic potion to your morning smoothie or cup of yogurt per day and you will be getting 2.5 grams of Omega 3s. This will help hydrate your skin, dilute sebum and unclog pores thereby preventing acne.

10. Wheat Germ

    Here is the one time getting "germs" is a good thing! Wheat germ is referring to the embryo within a grain of wheat. Wheat germ is a great source of biotin, a B vitamin crucial to the health of your skin. Just a mild deficiency of this vitamin can actually lead to dermatitis - itchy, scaly skin. Add a little to your morning yogurt and you will be good to go.

Slather it on!

Beauty really does work from the inside out. But don't underestimate the value of all these great foods on the outside. Some of them can make great facial masks. Try this moisturizing mask:

1. Mash one whole avocado
2. Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey
3. Mix together until smooth and creamy
4. Apply to your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes
5. Rinse clean with warm water

More fabulous masks can be found right here. Should you need any other suggestions, don't hesitate to call us.

Eating right will help you feel and look great! Remember to drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins. (see our great selection of Pure Inventions Extracts for a little pizzaazz in your water). And never forget the sunscreen. Whether it's clear and sunny or cloudy and gray, be sure to protect your face. Check out our fabulous moisturizers with SPF 15 and higher. Multi vitamins are also a great addition to any healthy diet.

So make your grocery list and don't forget to add your 10 items for healthy skin!