Food and skin

Around 20 per cent of women suffer from acne well into their 20s and 30s, which can be caused by anything from stress to hormone fluctuations and more. All is not lost, however - aside from topical over-the-counter treatments and antibiotics, there are a number of foods long-heralded for their skin clearing properties that, added to your diet over time, may help to significantly improve the quality of your skin.Try combining our top  foods with fresh air, plenty of exercise, and a good skin care regime and see if they make a difference.

Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look,

Turmeric – Researches show that this yellow spice may reduce the risk of certain skin diseases, and that the active compound in this spice presents strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.

2. Green tea – green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols that defend the skin from pollution and cell changes. Polyphenols also act as an anti inflammatory and protect the skin from the effects of UVB damage.

3. Blueberries – blueberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. The pigment in found in blueberries is a strong antioxidant that maintain the skin structure.

4. Tomatoes – tomatoes contain vitamin C and lycopene (in cooked tomatos) that protect the skin. They contain antioxidants that fight free radicals and help to keep the skin at its best. Other foods that contain lycopene are watermelon, pink grapefruit and strawberry guava.

5. Vitamin C rich foods – Vitamin C is important in promoting a healthy skin, and is a common ingredient in skin care products. Lack of vitamin C contributes to dry skin, reduced elasticity and easy bruising. It also makes it more difficult to heal the skin. Foods that are good sources of vitamine C are: kiwi, oranges, red and green capsicums (bell peppers), grapefruit, vegetable and tomato juice, strawberries, broccoli, pineapples, mango and cantaloupe melon.

6. Eggs – eggs contain lutein, which is an antioxidant that helps to maintain the skin positive appearance. Eggs also contain protein which builds the tissue and muscles under the skin that support the way it looks outward.

7. Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain essential fatty acids, especially omega 3. Omega 3 has an anti inflammatory effect on the skin. Salmon also contains compounds that helps to preserve the skin elasticity.

8. Almonds – Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that contributes to a healthy cell tissue and cell structure, including skin cells. Almonds are also an excellent source of biotin, which is the most important B vitamin to your skin,  and maintains a healthy skin, hair and nails.

9. Avocados – Avocados are another great source of biotin and contain mono-unsaturated fats which are important for a healthy skin cells.

10. Beans – beans also contain biotin. Good sources of biotin are lentils, kidney beans, soybeans and peanuts.

It has been proven scientifically: what we eat may cause us