Superfoods for Glowing Skin

There are plenty of beauty products out there that claim to nourish and give you glowing skin, but what about the food we eat, especially superfoods. I’m not knocking any of these high-tech lotions and potions at all.  In fact, I’ve got plenty of them myself in my bathroom cabinet and love to feel pampered by them as I slather them on in the morning and evening.

Our skin does get abused inside and out by raging hormones, chemicals, harsh weather and pollution. Even the food that we eat can have a massive impact on how our skin looks, but this can be used to our advantage by eating the right kind of foods to feed our skin.  Eating a healthy range of food as part of a balanced lifestyle, turns your skin into a warrior organ, providing it with the nutrients it needs to protect itself from these environmental and biological insults.  

Here’s my list of powerful beauty superfoods which can help you nourish your skin from the inside out and help you get that glow that we’re all after.

Avocados

Love these things, seriously I do!  They are packed full of antioxidants which help to fight nasty skin-damaging free radicals and not forgetting those healthy fats, which help to plump up the skin.  If you’re like me and like to treat yourself to a pampering session now and then, try mashing up an avocado and using it as a face mask.  Trust me when I say that your face will be forever thankful and left silky soft and smooth. 

Pumpkin Seeds

Whether they’re sprinkled over your yoghurt for breakfast or form part of your favourite trail mix, pumpkin seeds are great for your skin! They clean your skin from the inside out using their high levels of vitamin E and zinc. Both work together to help monitor hormone levels, the main culprit responsible for acne.

Tomatoes

So many of us aren’t fans of the humble tomato. Personally, I love them and so does my skin. The high concentration of antioxidant lycopene within tomatoes helps to prevent the speedy onset of the ageing process. Strangely, more lycopene can be found in cooked tomatoes, so go and raid the tinned aisle in your local supermarket. 

Peppers

Any vitamin C packed food like peppers are going to work wonders for your skin.  Collagen is vital for healthier and younger looking skin and vitamin C is key in its production. So throw some peppers into your stir fry or salad and lap up the benefits. 

Watermelon

Well actually any melon, but I’ve had a crazy addiction to watermelon this summer.  Always refreshing to eat in the heat, but also a great source of carotenoids which help produce vitamin A.  Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin cells and warding off damage from oxidative stress, one of the main causes of ageing. 

Millet

Such a simple and bland grain, but it actually possesses super powers for your skin.  This pseudo-grain has been around for centuries, its high silicon content means that it’s beneficial for both your hair and skin.  

Sprouted seeds

Not only do they have a high nutritional value but they are great for achieving glowing skin. For example, Pea sprouts contain a high concentration of vitamin B, preventing high sebum production which can block pores.  Also, some seeded sprouts are rich in vitamin A, which is involved in producing collagen, helping to maintain plump and youthful skin. 

Spinach

This is a favourite of mine to add to green smoothies or a tasty omelette and I’m so glad as it’s stuffed full of good things!  As well as being a fantastic source of iron, it also has potassium, calcium, vitamin A, B and E which are all nourishing for your skin. 

Oily fish

Fish like mackerel and salmon are amazing sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which work to keep your skin looking luscious and moisturised.  Selenium found in salmon helps to protect the skin from the sun’s rays, which we know can promote ageing.  

Dark chocolate

The darker the better, in my opinion, preferably 60% and above as they are rich in flavonoid antioxidants. Dark chocolate protects against the sun and helps your skin retain moisture so that it stays hydrated.  The perfect excuse to treat yourself to a bar of dark chocolate on the way home. 

 Of course, there is nothing like a ‘diet’ full of healthy nourishing foods that are dense with nutrients to help you achieve glowing skin.  However, there are certain foods that contain specific antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fats and essential oils that can improve the look and feel of your skin if it’s looking tired and run down.