While we often put a lot of effort into what goes on top of our skin, we can forget about what nourishes beneath the surface.
But the fact is, what you putting inside your body can have a dramatic impact on your “glow”. And sometimes, a few simple dietary swaps for your skin type can really improve things.
Whether you struggle with zits or even sunburn easily, here’s what to eat for your skin type.
Oily, acne-prone skin.
Acne is often caused by too much sebum (skin oils). Some studies suggest that eating lower glycaemic index foods can reduce acne.
But that doesn’t mean chowing white bread and cereals marketed as low GI (sugar is low GI, after all). Instead, simply swap refined carbs for veggies and legumes and see if it makes a difference for you. (You can also try some of these acne-fighting foods.)
You should also avoid sugar and processed crap – both have been linked to acne. Scientists reckon it’s because junk food spikes insulin levels, which can elevate sebum production.
Dry, flaky skin.
The one dietary treatment that has been found to work for dry skin? Drinking more H2O. It makes sense, doesn’t it?
Make sure you’re drinking at least eight cups of water a day (or try some of these delicious low-sugar drink alternatives). You can also eat hydrating foods – think cooling cucumber, celery, lettuce and berries.
Rash-prone skin.
While rashes crop up for many reasons and should always be assessed by a doctor if you’re worried, you can help reduce inflammation in your skin by eating anti-inflammatory foods.
Potent examples include omega-3 fats in oily fish, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, dark berries and, our personal saviour, turmeric.
Sun-sensitive skin.
If you can’t spend more than 10 minutes in the sun without burning, eat your sunscreen. Not literally – that would be gross. Antioxidant pigments like carotenoids (in orange veg like carrots and sweet potatoes) and lycopene (in tomatoes) have shown UV protection when eaten regularly.
Sun-phobic people should also make sure they get enough vitamin D in their diet. Good sources include oily fish, milk, eggs and mushrooms. This “sunshine vitamin” has also been found effective in treating acne, psoriasis and inflammatory skin diseases. Double duty!
Note: these foods are not replacements for good, toxin-free sunscreen! Slip, slop, slap.
Premature ageing skin.
Premature wrinkles and age spots can be caused by plenty of lifestyle factors, like stress, smoking, drinking and sun exposure. But did you know sugar may cause crow’s feet, too?
Sugar, especially fructose, forms advanced glycation end-products, which can damage skin’s collagen.
Boost your collagen by eating more gelatin (essentially cooked collagen, made from the bones and connective tissues of animals). Gelatin has also been found to help with inflammation, so load up on soothing stocks (bone broth) and sugar-free gummies.
Glowing, soft skin.
Keep doing what you’re doing! Your skin benefits from a nourishing, hydrating diet, so keep eating those fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices.
Have you noticed a change in your skin since going sugar-free?
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