You know that you need to nourish your skin to keep it as healthy as possible. But are you getting enough of the right nutrients from the foods you eat? Skin food is vital to keep ageing at bay, giving you a youthful and radiant complexion for years to come.

Skin food explained

In order to maximise the nourishment you are getting from your food, you first need to know what elements are important to look for and include in your diet.

The following are recommended nutrients for a healthy skin:

– Vitamin A

– Zinc

– Vitamin C

– Omega 3 Fatty acids

– Biotin

– Selenium

– Vitamin E

– Vitamin K2

– Probiotics for Gut Health

– Curcumin for inflammation

– Vitamin D

– Vitamin B

So what is all the fuss about?

Fruit and vegetables are known to contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect the skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are scavengers floating around in the air such as pollution molecules, they are often caused by cigarette smoke, pollution and even sunlight in the form of UVA, UVB AND UVC light. Left unprotected the skin will wrinkle and pigment causing age spots and a leathery appearance. Incorporate a rainbow of colourful fruits and vegetables into your daily diet and aim for a minimum of five portions per day.

Once you have started to incorporate changes into your diet, don’t expect an overnight miracle it takes time for your body to assimilate these nutrients and start to repair the damage. It can take anything up to six weeks before you start to see the changes on the surface of your skin. The visible benefits from dietary changes will take time, commitment and dedication, however, the long-term results far outweigh the little patience you may need to practice initially. For persistent skin conditions, talk to your healthcare practitioner or functional medicine doctor.

“The beauty of the skin is that you can affect it from both inside and out”