Your diet could be wrecking your skin 

Time to rethink what’s on your plate.

In Brightening

The food you eat matters as much to your skin as it does to your waistline. If your average diet is high-fat, high-glycemic and high-sugar, you shouldn’t be surprised if your skin isn’t looking its best.

What do you mean?

What you put on your plate has a direct impact on your skin. For example, diets high in the sugars found in processed and junk food may increase inflammation in your pores, which eventually leads to an increased risk of acne. It may also affect your skin’s ability to retain moisture, which lends itself to weaker, duller-looking skin and unwanted dark circles, all of which keeps you from attaining that brighter and smoother tone.

A high fat diet has the same effect. Of course, not all fats are made equal. There are certain healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish that plump, smoothen and strengthen skin. However, trans fats, which are found in high-fat dairy foods and fatty cuts of red meat may promote inflammation in the skin. Too much of this inflammation can become chronic, and lead to redness and acne.

That’s why we recommend every junk foodie’s worst nightmare: more fruits and veggies.

 

 

The healthy food groups

Raw, fresh fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants and vitamins which are essential for healthy, strong skin. There’s skin-healing vitamin C, which falls under the umbrella of ascorbic acids; skin brightening vitamin B3 as niacinamide; and all-star anti-aging ingredient retinol, a derivative of vitamin A.

Can’t I just get these nutrients from supplements?

So far, there isn’t conclusive evidence that ingesting these vitamins in “mega doses” leads to significant improvements to the skin. In fact, taking too much of certain nutrients like vitamin A[1] can have unpleasant side effects,[2] like headaches, blurred vision and skin redness.

Instead, it’s a good idea to balance out your diet with more fruit and veggies, which will complement your existing skincare routine.

[1] http://www.prevention.com/health/too-many-vitamins-could-cause-cancer

[2] http://cosmeticscop.com/2016/08/22/supplements-for-better-skin-fact-or-fad/