[:en]The appearance of our skin is oftentimes a reflection of how we take care of ourselves and what we put into our bodies. The saying, “You are what you eat” can be applied to the condition of our skin. There are many factors to consider when debating whether our skin is in optimal condition or not.
Dieting is usually the one thing to take into consideration, and you can start by taking a look in the mirror and acknowledging how poor eating habits are affecting your skin. Read on to learn what the do’s and don’ts are of maintaining healthy skin.
First, eat a well-balanced meal that contains whole foods, which come packed with Omega-3s, minerals and vitamins. These foods are rich in phytochemicals, which are powerful nutrients found in a variety of plant-based foods. As opposed to processed foods, whole foods contain an enormous amount of minerals and vitamins. The difference is clear - whole foods are better for your body and skin!
Second, drink plenty of water! We recommend the usual: eight glasses a day. If you’re having a hard time meeting this quota, try eating peaches, strawberries or watermelons since they are water-heavy. Drinking water helps your body maintain its balance of fluids. It also helps absorption, digestion, the transportation of nutrients and maintaining a stable temperature, all while flushing out toxins quicker than any other drink.
Third, try keeping fermented food, such as kefir, sauerkraut and Greek yogurt, in your refrigerator. They’re great for keeping beneficial bacteria in your body healthy.
Fourth, incorporate plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, tomatoes, kale and green tea. These age-fighting warriors are extremely beneficial. Your second defense should be eating the recommended amount of healthy fats, such as avocados, fish oil and nuts. You can also take probiotics and vitamins, and when heading out, remember to always wear sunscreen, even in winter.
First, avoid sugar! It’s the main culprit for a variety of health concerns and can increase the development of wrinkles and inflammation in your skin. We know we’ve talked before about how bad sugar is for your skin, and if you’re having a hard time decreasing your intake, start small by cutting the sugary beverages.
Second, limit or eliminate processed foods. We know it’s hard, but processed foods can lead to skin breakouts such as acne. Start by buying food that has five ingredients or less, then gradually make your way to whole foods.
Third, keep a close eye on your caffeine intake. Four hundred milligrams is the recommended daily amount. Too much caffeine can cause dehydrated skin.
Fourth, limit the alcohol as it can cause blotchiness and dry skin. Instead of drinking alcohol, try wine - in moderation.
Don’t go to bed with a dirty face. Throughout the day, our skin is exposed to countless chemicals, bacteria and dirt. Washing that off gives our skin a chance to breath and relax. Follow up with a moisturizer and a good night’s rest. You will wake up refreshed and one step closer to having perfect skin. This is our goal at Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center. Call or visit us to learn how we can help improve your skin’s appearance![:]