Eating for your skin

A lot of what we eat has to do with our health and what we are put at risk for. But, a lot of people don't realize that what we eat can contribute to what our skin is like. Have you noticed you get an acne breakout after a weekend of junk food eating and drinking? This could be your body's response to what you eat! Perhaps even dry skin can contribute to what you eat! Here are some vital things to have in your diet for healthy skin.

Vitamin A- It does more than help you be able to see! Vitamin A has been associated with healthy and glowing skin, along with preventing organ damage like the heart, lungs and kidneys, as well as help with cell growth and repair. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin meaning that it is stored in the fat cells. Good sources of Vitamin A are sweet potatoes, red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables like Bell Peppers, tomatoes, and as well as eggs, organ meats and milk.


The B Vitamins- The B vitamins are essential because they can help fight disease, producing energy, metabolism. Folate, which is a B vitamin, is crucial for pregnant women due to helping with a healthy brain and spinal chord of the baby and reducing birth defects. Below is a list of all the B vitamins and where you can get them from.

Vitamin C- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and plays a major role in collagen development, which is very important for healthy skin. Some studies have some that it may also help prevent damage from UV light too. Some good sources are cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, watermelon, bell peppers, and berries.

Vitamin E- Vitamin E helps to fight off free radicals in the body, which can speed up the aging process. Free radicals can cause wrinkles to form, and no one wants wrinkles! Here are some good sources: sunflower seeds, almonds, tomatoes, spinach and avocados.

Zinc- Zinc can fight off acne flare ups, which no one likes! Making sure you have a good source of zinc in your diet can help stop acne, as well as help with immunity! Here are some good sources of zinc:red meat, poultry, whole grains, and lobster.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids- Everyone has heard of omega 3's for heart health, but they are also very good for your skin. They have been proven to help make skin look smoother and younger, as well as reduce inflammation and redness. Some good sources of Omega 3's are cold water fish, eggs, flax, walnuts, and chia seeds.

Before you reach for acne medication or an overnight cream, think of what you're eating and how you can change your diet to see better and healthier skin!