Are you tired of your pasty, pale complexion? Well, I certainly am. Now that winter is truly here the only tan you’ll be getting anytime soon is from the electric beach, if you know what I mean. It’s no secret that everyone looks better with a sun kissed glow to their skin. Tanning might make you look good now, but you’ll probably be paying for it in years to come. Yet you don’t want to turn to streaky, orange self tanners either. So what’s a girl to do? Luckily, there are some great foods out there that can brighten your complexion and improve skins overall appearance so you feel less Edward Cullen-like and more like you just returned from an exotic vacation.
Broccoli:
This may not be your favorite vegetable but, it’s time to let those opinions from childhood go of this great green vegetable. Broccoli contains many vitamins and minerals that help improve skin! It’s packed with beta-carotene, vitamin’s A,B, C, E and folic acid, all these nutrients work to fight free radicals, damaging toxins that cause skin cell damage, all while improving your skin, hair and nails overall shine. If you’re looking to beat the winter blues when it comes to your skin tone, broccoli is one of your best bets!
Tomatoes:
This delicious red fruit, even though many think of it as a vegetable, contains a key antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene fights free radicals and other skin damaging effects from the environment, such as UV rays and chemicals. The benefits of tomatoes go beyond just eating them; they are a great ingredient for at-home skin treatments. Tomatoes have the ability to reduce oil, soothe irritated skin, and rejuvenate dull, dry skin! Try some of these suggestions for at-home remedies and kiss that pale winter skin goodbye.
Carrots:
Many people know carrots are great for improving eye sight but they are just as beneficial to the skin as well. They contain similar nutrients to broccoli and tomatoes, carrots are packed with beta-carotene, tons of vitamin A, and antioxidants. These nutrients repair and prevent cell damage that leads to dry and dull skin, especially during the cold, harsh winter months. Carrots can be incorporated into homemade skin treatments as well; try this recipe next time you have a few extra minutes to spare or want a quick fix before a big night out.
Brazil Nuts:
The mineral selenium is the secret to this nuts secret success. Selenium is key to improving skins elasticity, preventing infections and some studies show it helps improve acne as well. Selenium also gives brazil nuts the ability to ward off free radicals, all while stimulating collagen production, a key aspect of healthy skin. Collagen is an important protein in connective tissue, if collagen levels decrease due to damage, selenium triggers collagen production and restoration of the skin! However, some reports state that ingesting too much selenium can have negative effects, aim for eating brazil nuts or other sources of selenium only a few times per week to reduce your risk.
Berry be Merry!
Berries of all kinds! Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries all contain high amounts of antioxidants and key vitamins that improve skins overall appearance. Blueberries contain the highest amount of disease fighting antioxidants, doubling the amount found in one serving of blackberries or strawberries. With their anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants restore skins condition from damaging environmental exposure, creating smooth and soft skin. Regardless, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to incorporating berries into your diet!
Pomegranate Juice:
Pomegranates have quickly become one of the new super foods. They are a good source of iron which is vital for oxygen absorption in the body and proper cell function. The more oxygen provided to the cells gives them a healthier appearance and creates smooth, healthy looking skin. Pomegranate nutrients also improve circulation within the body by strengthening blood vessels, with increased circulation cells receive plenty of nutrients and reach optimal health!
Avocado:
Avocados are a great source of the fatty acid, lecithin; which is key to retaining moisture in your skin. Along with its dryness reducing ability, avocados contain vitamins A and E which work to regenerate skin cells. Increasing collagen production improves skins texture and prevents the aging process; this makes skin smoother and more vibrant!
Cucumbers:
The infamous idea of placing cucumber slices over your eyes is not just for looks after all. Cucumbers have two key nutrients that improve skin’s appearance; silica and ascorbic acid! Silica is an important antioxidant that strengthens the connective tissue of our skin, restoring the vibrant and youthful look to skin! Ascorbic acid reduces the amount of water stored in skin cells, thus it reduces puffiness and redness.
There are plenty of foods that help improve skin’s appearance, after all, “you are what you eat”. These eight foods are fabulous sources of key skin-boosting nutrients if you’re looking to improve dull, dry or pale skin during the cold winter months.
sources:
http://www.diethealthclub.com/askquestion/186/diet-to-improve-skin-complexion-what-vegetables-sh.html
http://www.healthy-skincare.com/food-for-skin.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/024710.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html