Do you know how what you eat impacts the quality of your skin? (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)
The grocery store shelves are full of lotions, creams, and cleansers that offer softer, suppler, moister, more radiant skin. But if you really want to improve the way your skin looks and feels, you may be shopping in the wrong part of the store. Research in recent years indicates that what we put in our bodies may impact the quality and health of our skin than any product we put on our bodies. If you are looking for the best way to restore that youthful glow, don’t shell out hundreds of dollars for a miracle cream. Just make sure your shopping list is full of these skin enhancing ingredients.
1. Water
If there is one thing you can do right now that will have an immediate impact on your skin, it is to drink more water. Hydration is one of the most important things you can do to keep skin looking young, clear, and bright. Shoot to drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day.
2. Antioxidant Rich Options
Free radicals damage cells which can contribute to common signs of aging including wrinkles and dry skin. Antioxidants, which are found in many expensive face creams, fight free radicals and help to repair the damage they do. But research indicates that eating your antioxidants may be even more effective than applying them externally. There are many Arizona-grown options that are high in anti-oxidants including tomatoes, squash, spinach, peppers, tangerines, and beans.
3. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that also helps fight free radicals by protecting your skin cells from the damage they can cause. You can increase your selenium intake by eating more fish like cod, halibut, tuna, and salmon. You can also get a boost of selenium by eating Arizona-raised beef.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps keep skin clear of blemishes and can also help prevent wrinkles and dry, flaky skin. You can increase the amount of vitamin A you get with items available at your local farmer’s market like oranges, carrots, cantaloupe, eggs, and leafy greens.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E does dual duty when it comes to improving your skin. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight free radicals. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent which can help combat the effects of stress on your skin. Add more vitamin E by choosing Arizona-grown spinach, asparagus, and leafy greens.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is like natural sunscreen offering some protection from the sun’s rays (but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still wear sunscreen!). It works not only to protect skin cells from damage but also to repair the damage already done and to fight off free radicals. Choosing red bell peppers, Arizona-grown citrus, broccoli, and brussels sprouts will increase the amount of vitamin C in your diet.
7. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant that our bodies produce. It helps protect cells from free radical damage, including skin cells. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less and less of this enzyme. In order to protect and improve our skin, we need to supplement the natural production of CoQ10 through diet. Increase the level of CoQ10 with fish like tuna and salmon, poultry, and whole grains.
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