EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN PART 2

Here is some more information that I found about EATING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN.  All of the information has been taken from magazines and different sites.  I hope that this information helps. 

Lemon + kiwi = complexion clearer

How come oranges get all the citrus-fruit street cred? “Lemons help your body detox by supporting your liver and kidneys,” says Peter Lamas, founder of Lamas Beauty. “The cleaner your system is, the clearer your complexion will be.” Kiwifruits have the same effect, notes beauty dietitian and nutritionist Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D. “One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges … and research has suggested that high vitamin C intake is associated with fewer wrinkles,” writes Drayer in The Beauty Diet. 

Ginger = puffy-eye fighter

“Slice into some ginger,” suggests nutritional consultant Allison Tannis, B.Sc., M.Sc., R.H.N., the author of Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles. “Not only is it a great spice to add to your salad dressing or stir-fry, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Skin conditions like acne and psoriasis cause your skin to appear puffy and red, both of which are signs of inflammation.” So when you’re tempted to order Chinese takeout one night, go for it—and indulge in something gingery.

Papaya = glow enhancer

Exotic fruit like papayas can help give you an I-just-back-from-a-relaxing-getaway glow. “You can spend your money on an exotic vacation instead of paying for an expensive face-lift, thanks to this tropical fruit,” writes Tannis about the carotene-, vitamin C- and flavonoid-packed food, which can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Wheat germ = new skin-cell booster

Sprinkling some vitamin B-packed wheat germ over your morning yogurt or cereal will do wonders for your skin, says Tannis. “The best way to ensure your skin is looking its best is to eat foods that offer your skin the nutrients needed to make more healthy, new cells. B vitamins are really important because they support rapid cell division—which is just what you want.”

We all know the right foods can boost brain power and affect our moods, and we recently learned the ones that can help us live longer. But have you ever thought about how what you put in your mouth shows up your face (beyond that whole pizza/acne myth). Here, dietitian Jae Berman dishes out how you can truly eat your way to better skin: 

1. Vegetables: Think green and orange foods (spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus). They contain the antioxidant vitamin C which facilitates cell turnover and aids in collagen production. Carrots also contain vitamin A which, combined with the C, helps increase the skin's natural sun protection—and they help prevent breakouts by getting rid of dead skin cells.

2. Berries: The flavinols in cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries (and in dark chocolate!) act as an antioxidant and improve skin texture, leaving it soft and smooth.

3. Fish: Skip the facial and eat fish two to three times a week. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids—an anti-inflammatory that fights puffiness, redness, and irritation. Even canned tuna has benefits: It battles wrinkles with Selenium, a mineral that preserves the elastin in the skin, which keeps it tight.

4. Nuts: They make quick, easy snacks and just a handful does a lot of good. Almonds help protect skin from UV light because they contain high levels of antioxidant vitamin E. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and act as an anti-inflammatory, just like fish.

5. Oils: One of Cleopatra's ancient beauty secrets—olive oil. It's high in antioxidants and keeps skin supple. And flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, just like fish, and offers all the same benefits.

LET ME KNOW HOW YOU MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN....

EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN PART 1

Having beautiful skin is important to everyone.  There are so many products that claim to help you obtain a perfect complexion and of course some of them work.  But to truly get skin that glows and always looks healthy, you have to start within.  Your skin reflects you diet, so if you eat fast food everyday and do not understand why your skin looks dull and is breaking out, this is why. 

First of all, you should be drinking a lot of water everyday to keep your body and skin hydrated.  Adding certain food and vitamins can make a huge difference in your complexion. 

I know that this easier said than done, but making this change in your life will help you feel better about your appearance and more importantly you will be healthier and happier.  I myself have acne prone skin and have hyper-pigmentation on my face and body.  I am beyond frustrated because nothing works and make up only goes so far.  Although I want the acne to disappear, I am more concerned about the hyper-pigmentation because it looks terrible.  So I have been reseaching and thought I would share some of the interesting facts that I found.

All of the information I have found on line and just wanted to put it together to share with you.  None of this will work over night.  I am going to try some of these and I will update my results at least once a month.  I know it will take a while for my body to get use to it.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and protects cells from free radical damage. Scientific studies found that when lab animals ate vitamin C-fortified food, their skin was better able to fight off oxidative damage. That said, replenish your skin’s vitamin C stores by eating plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources include peppers (red/green/yellow), oranges, strawberries, lemons, and broccoli.

Vitamin E Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes and guard against UV radiation damage. Some research suggests that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra boost of anti-aging skin protection. However, because recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, these nutrients should come from your diet, not from potent pills. I recommend you stick with food sources like wheat germ, fortified cereals, nuts and seeds (and the small amount found in a multivitamin).

Beta Carotene Another antioxidant critical for skin health is beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene/vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues, and may protect against sun damage. In extremely high doses, straight vitamin A from supplements can be toxic, so always avoid. However, ample beta carotene from foods like sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, mangos and apricots is entirely safe and great for your skin.

Selenium Selenium helps safeguard the skin from sun damage and delays aging by protecting skin quality and elasticity. Dietary selenium has been shown to reduce sun damage, and even to prevent some skin cancers in animals. Be sure to get your selenium from food, though, and not from supplements. Food sources include: Brazil nuts, tuna (canned light in water), crab, wheat germ

Omega-3 Fats Healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers—allowing water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Omega-3s also seem to be able to protect skin against sun damage. In a study of skin cancer, people who ate diets rich in fish oils and other omega 3 fats had a 29% lower risk of squamous cell cancer than those who got very little omega 3 fats from food. Good food sources include oily fish, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts

Supplements To improve skin health, I strongly recommend getting your nutrients from food sources. If you would also like to consider supplements, I recommend:

Multivitamin Choose a brand that contains 100% DV for vitamins A (optimally 50-100% coming from beta carotene and/or mixed carotenoids), C, and E, and which provides for about 55 micrograms selenium.

Omega-3 Fish Oils If you find it difficult to get omega-3 fats from food sources, try fish oil supplements. Speak with you doctor about which brand and amount is right for you.

THIS POST IS REALLY LONG SO I WILL INCLUDE MORE INFORMATION IN NEXT POSTING.

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