It is true what they say – in many cases, beauty begins on the inside: what you eat generally affects your skin. Sure, applying expensive creams and serums can help to give your skin that extra pick-me-up. But they simply don’t compare to the inner effervescent glow that eating and drinking properly can give you. And to be quite frank, there really is no sense in splurging on such items if you aren’t even remotely thinking about coupling them with a healthy(ish) diet.

Although there currently isn’t a large amount of research on the best foods for healthy skin, what we can deduce from our findings is that focusing on a healthy diet in general – with plenty of fruits and vegetables – will ultimately guide your skin in the right direction, regardless.

In this article, we have listed several of the most beneficial foods and drinks for your skin:

Fatty fish

Fatty fish – mackerel, salmon and herring, for example – are super important for your skin as they are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants soothe inflammation and scavenge free radicals from the body cells, which can cause redness, dry skin and acne. Fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, also keeps your skin thick, supple and moisturised.

On top of this, fatty fish also awards you with a crucial amount of high-quality protein, which is important in aiding the strength and integrity of your skin. It also provides zinc – a mineral that can help the production of new skin cells.

Green tea

People don’t drone on about how great green tea is for the sake of it. Aside from helping with weight loss and reducing the risk of several diseases, green tea is another antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s great for healing blemishes and scars, flushing out toxins, and keeping skin supple and smooth. If that hasn’t already won you over, wet teabags can also be used as a toner to treat mild acne (a pretty inexpensive solution if you ask us!).

Avocados

Avocados are bountiful in our food culture AND our all-important Instagram grids. Not only can they be super aesthetically pleasing, but, as a bonus – yep, you guessed it, they’re great for your skin, too. A popular ingredient in face masks, applying avocado topically is great for moisturising your skin, reducing inflammation and healing acne.

Eating avocados is great, too. Whether you spread it on a bit of toast or eat it in a salad, avocados are high in healthy fats, and act as an essential component in keeping your skin flexible, springy and moisturised.

Dark chocolate

No, we aren’t kidding. Studies do in fact show that dark chocolate – specifically when it is not loaded with added sugar and saturated fats – is a healthy treat which is also rich in antioxidants. Dark chocolate (that is at least 70% cocoa) has many beauty benefits, such as being a crucial moisture booster; a protector from sun damage; a wrinkle shrinker and promotor of better blood flow.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant to protect skin from UV damage. They’re also full of antioxidants including vitamin C, which may help to reduce the amount of cell-damaging free-radicals in the body, and give you a more youthful appearance. Tomatoes are also super acidic, which may help to reduce or clear acne.

Red grapes

Famously containing a compound named resveratrol, red grapes are credited with having a huge range of health benefits, including reducing the effects of ageing and helping to slow the production of harmful free radicals. Red grapes are also filled with vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help revitalise your skin.

We know what you’re thinking – no, this doesn’t mean you should be consuming a whole bottle of red wine in a bid to improve your skin. While the occasional glass is good for you and promotes longevity and prevents inflammation, excessive alcohol ultimately dries out the skin, and it is not recommended that you begin drinking wine solely for the potential health benefits.

Kale

A renowned superfood, kale is chock full of vitamins A, B, C and K, as well as many antioxidants. Studies show that dehydrated, blemished and irritated skin can all be soothed and protected with a daily dose of kale. It also promotes healthy skin cell turnover, and applying kale topically to problem areas can help diminish the appearances of bruises, scars, spider veins and stretch marks.

Got any more questions about keeping your skin in tip-top shape? Reach out to us here, today!