Let’s face it; no-one likes ageing, which is why we have modern skincare and treatments to fight the signs of it. But choosing the right foods in your diet can be a great way to get younger looking skin without the hefty price tag.
A few small changes to your nutrition can be extremely beneficial for your skin without having to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy skin treatments. Here’s 9 common foods you can try.
1) Watermelon and Tomatoes
Both of these fruits (yes fruits) are high in lycopene which is actually the chemical that gives tomatoes their gorgeous red colour. In your body lycopene acts as a form of natural UV protection and helps prevent sun spots, skin weathering and wrinkles. Studies have shown our bodies absorb lycopene easier from cooked tomatoes than fresh so roast away.
2) Turmeric
Your turmeric latte obsession is doing more for your body than you realise. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin and it’s believed to prevent alzheimer’s, according to early research. The theory is it helps to bind brain plaque and offset degeneration. So drink up those lattes or add a touch of turmeric to your next curry.
3) Oily Fish
Vitamin D, aka the sunshine vitamin, has been used effectively to treat eczema and psoriasis. Which means on healthy skin it’s also likely to reduce inflammation. Other studies are finding it has similar properties to antioxidants when it comes to anti-ageing and wrinkle prevention.
Stock up on the oily fish like salmon or tuna for a diet based boost. Or get a natural dose hanging out on your outdoor sofa lounge in the morning; before 10am and after 3pm are the safest sunshine hours with less intense UV rays.
4) Flavonoid Rich Foods
Flavonoids are a healthy chemical that gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant colours. They’re also full of antioxidants which we all know are great for promoting a youthful appearance.
Chow down on some strawberries, apples and pears for a fruity flavonoid fix. Or swap the coffee for green tea whose flavonoids protect against disease and block DNA damage while also reducing stress!
5) Dark Chocolate
Quality dark chocolate contains flavanols, a derivative of flavonoids, and they are known to increase blood flow to the skin. For a youthful blush try a couple of squares of dark chocolate in your day. But make sure not to overindulge as it’s benefits are not increased by excessive consumption.
6) Pomegranate and Blueberries
Blueberries are the first, unofficial superfood. They are incredible at fighting off ageing for your skin with more antioxidants than almost any other fruit. A punnet of blueberries will protect against sun exposure, stress, pollution and help you have bright, young skin thanks to their Vitamin C content.
Pomegranate is also antioxidant rich and super high in Vitamin C for anti-wrinkles and premature ageing.
7) Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts aren’t exactly the most exciting veggies in the mix. But they’ve got some other benefits you’ll want to cash in on. All the cruciferous vegetables are great for helping your liver break down and excrete toxins.
8) Pineapple
As we age our skin loses collagen which usually helps it maintain its strength and elasticity. If you want a foodie collagen boost try some pineapple. This fruit is high in manganese which produces collagen for your body.
9) Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
If collagen is a concern of yours then you’ll want to up your intake of carrots and sweet potatoes. They’re both high in Vitamin A which helps to restore damaged collagen and is an essential vitamin for the regeneration of skin cells.
Bonus Tip:
8 hours of beauty sleep
We know why they call it beauty sleep but we ignore the recommendations and struggle on less than 8 hours most days. Treat yourself to a luxurious mattress that makes you want to spend every moment in your bed and you’ll be fighting off acne, wrinkles, puffy eyes and waking up youthful.
Eat your way to a younger, healthier you!