Believe it or not, those ten products that you apply to your skin every morning and evening aren’t going to do you any good when you are filling your body with processed foods and sugary drinks like soda. Great skin starts from the inside out, and eating a whole foods diet with loads of vegetables, and limited sugar is a great way to recapture that youthful glow.
Speaking of skin products, once you’ve changed your diet to help support healthy skin, you will want to take a long, hard look at what you are putting on your body. Your skin is your largest organ, so those seemingly innocent chemicals eventually make their way into your system. The good news is, you don’t have to rely on harmful, expensive creams and serums to have great skin. These 7 foods can be added to your beauty regime to keep your skin supple and soft; no toxins required.
Best foods to put on your skin
Cucumbers
It seems that every standard spa advertisement shows a smiling woman adorned with cucumbers over her eyes. This isn’t just a visually appealing way to relax as you are pampered, however. Cucumbers actually provide several health benefits for your skin and should become a regular part of your beauty routine. Cucumber slices over your eyes can help rehydrate your skin, fade wrinkles and laugh lines, and prevent under-eye bags.
Honey
Perhaps the most well-loved addition to DIY facemasks, honey is famous for its innumerable beauty uses. Not only does it moisturize your skin, but it actually helps lock in that moisture and keep your skin supple and hydrated for hours. Plus, it is naturally antibacterial, which means that it can help fight off acne without drying out already stressed skin. What’s not to love? Simply spread some onto your face (a spatula works well for this) and leave it on for about 15 minutes. We won’t judge you if you lick your lips. Rinse with warm water, and enjoy your newly reinvigorated skin.
Oats
If honey is the gold standard of skin-moisturizing foods, oats are the same for skin soothing and exfoliation. Make a paste with ground oats and water and use it on any patches of eczema or other irritated skin on your body. Combine with a squeeze of honey for an even more powerful treatment. This method is incredibly gentle and non-drying and can also be used on sensitive skin like your face. Oats are particularly beneficial due to their mix of flavonoids, phenols, and polyphenols, which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Cocoa
If you want to really treat your skin and give it an extra boost, try making a luxurious scrub with some cocoa, coconut oil, and sugar. The caffeine in the cocoa will help firm your skin, while the high antioxidant content will shield your skin from dangerous free radicals that lead to damage and wrinkles.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is incredibly potent and beneficial yet gentle at the same time. This superfood can work wonders on your hair and skin to help cleanse your pores and remove product buildup. It is best used as a natural toner to prevent acne, shrink the appearance of pores, and reduce oil buildup. Simply combine equal parts water and ACV and dip a cotton pad in the solution. Swipe over your face after cleansing, follow with a moisturizer, and you’re good to go.
Avocado
Just like your body needs healthy fat to function optimally, your skin needs it as well. Avocados work to restore damaged skin, and the rich fat content moisturizes your face. Smash a ripe avocado and combine it with honey, if desired, to create a nourishing face mask.
Green tea
One of the healthiest drinks on the planet, it makes sense that green tea would be good for your skin as well. This amazing drink contains wonderful compounds such as tannic acid, theobromine, and polyphenols, which calm irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and even soothe sunburn.
Best foods to eat for healthy skin
- Fatty fish
- Avocados
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Dark chocolate
- Green tea
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
- Blueberries
- Red peppers
What are your favorite ways to use food for your skin? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson