The best foods for healthy skin

Our skin is our body’s largest organ and it’s our main defence for protecting us from all of the nasty elements of the outside world. Our skin helps keep microbe’s, bacteria and other environmental hazards out. Our skin also protects us from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can seriously damage tissues and organs. Our skin helps convert the same harmful UV rays into vitamin D, which our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. Achieving optimal skin health goes beyond topical treatments, it’s a combination of what you put into your body as well as what you put on your body. Dr Tal Friedman, at Chiva-Som, takes a closer look at some of the best foods you should be adding to your diet to keep the inner and outer you healthy and radiant. 

SALMON

Fatty fish, like salmon, are one of the best foods to eat foods for overall health and especially for healthy skin. Salmon and other fatty fish are good sources of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to help keep skin thick and hydrated. Research shows that omega-3 deficiency can cause dry skin. The omega-3 fats also reduce inflammation which can cause and aggravate acne. 

AVOCADO

An avocado a day may help you feel better from the inside out. Avocados are often a popular ingredient in many face masks but they’re just as good for you on the inside. 

Avocados are chocked full of healthy fats, and those fats are essential to help keep skin flexible and moisturised. In fact, a study with over 700 women found that a higher intake of the types of healthy fats found in avocados was associated with suppler, springier skin. 

If that wasn’t enough there is also research showing that avocados contain compounds that may help protect your skin from sun damage. Avocados also contain a good amount of vitamin E and C, more antioxidant goodness to support healthy skin.

TOMATOES 

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from UV damage. One study found that people who ate five tomatoes and specifically tomato paste regularly showed significantly more protection against sunburn than a control group.  

Next time you have some tomatoes, pair them with some avocado. Fat increases your absorption of carotenoids like lycopene. A nice snack with a double hit of skin-healthy nutrients.

DARK CHOCOLATE 

Just in case you were looking for another reason to indulge in some dark chocolate, here you go. Chocolate, specifically good quality cocoa and dark chocolates are rich in polyphenols and flavonols which are powerful antioxidants. 

In one study, after 12 weeks of consuming cocoa containing these antioxidants, participants experienced thicker, more hydrated skin. It was also shown that their skin was also smoother, more resistant to sunburn, and had improved circulation. 

As always, pick dark chocolates with 70% or more cocoa to keep added sugar to a minimum while maximising the benefits.

BONE BROTH  

Not just bone broth but any food that is rich in collagen is a skin super food. Collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine proline and hydroxyproline. your body can absorb these important amino acids and use them, together with vitamin C and other nutrients to form new collagen in your skin. 

Studies have shown that consuming collagen can improve skin elasticity, moisture and firmness while reducing wrinkles. In fact, one study showed that taking a collagen supplement along with vitamins C and E for 12 weeks significantly reduced wrinkle depth.