When you’re tired of water, try this simple ginger pear smoothie for delicious, vitamin-infused hydration.
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 1⁄2 cups almond milk
4 medium pears, chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 frozen banana
1⁄2 cup ice
Place all ingredients into a blender and puree until creamy and smooth. Divide into glasses and serve.
“Can makeup affect skin conditions? The simple answer is yes!
Just like any topical agent, makeup can affect the skin—not only in appearance, but also in potentially improving or worsening skin conditions.
Even though makeup is mainly intended for coverage or camouflaging imperfections in coloration, today’s makeup foundations often contain performance ingredients to help condition the skin as well. Sunscreen ingredients, peptides for aging skin, light reflectors to diffuse light off wrinkles, or even ingredients to absorb excess sebum (to minimize shininess) are examples of these performance ingredients.
Just as there are many different types of makeup—creams, liquids, powders, and more—there are many skin types to consider when using makeup. With so many products to choose from, what are the best makeup products for oily, dry and aging, and sensitive skin types? Let’s take a look.
OILY SKIN
Oily and acne-prone skin is the skin type that can be most negatively affected by using the wrong makeup products. Many cosmetics contain oils and fatty ingredients that might work well on dry skin, but cause pore clogging and even possible acne flares for problem skin.
Oily and acne-prone skin needs makeup that covers, but is lightweight, free of oils and clogging fats, and that has a matte finish to conceal shine. It is also helpful if the makeup contains ingredients to absorb excess oil.
Fat-free liquid makeup with evaporating spreading agents is excellent for this skin type. These foundations normally need to be shaken before application because they do not contain emulsifiers, since there is no oil. The pigments and coverage minerals are suspended in a mixture of glycerin and a liquid that evaporates (such as denatured alcohol) in water. The fat-free foundation must be applied on small areas at a time, as the evaporating base dries quickly. The liquid portion evaporates, leaving only the minerals and pigment without leaving any oil or emollient residue. As the skin produces sebum during the day, this type of foundation helps absorb the oiliness.
This type of foundation is applied with a stippling sponge, and there is a bit of a learning curve to get the technique down, but this type of product can provide great coverage and looks great when it is blended well. Because it is fat-free, it will not contribute to pore clogging in oily and acne-prone skin.
Mineral powders are also good choices for oily and acne-prone skin. Make sure the powder is blended with a noncomedogenic (non-pore-clogging) binding agent, which helps the mineral powder adhere to the skin. Mineral powders are generally safe for acne-prone skin, as long as they don’t contain oils and fatty binding agents. Look for products that have been dermatologist-tested and are nonacnegenic.
Another problem ingredient group for oily and acne-prone skin is D&C red dyes. These dyes are derived from coal tar and can cause comedo development—especially closed comedones. These impactions appear as small “under-the-surface” bumps and can occur anywhere on the face, but they are most common in the cheek and chin areas.
DRY AND AGING SKIN
These skin types are basically the opposite of oily skin in terms of ingredient needs. Alipidic (oil-dry) skin types do not generally form clogged pores and don’t have acne issues, so choosing makeup can be a little easier. However, dry skin can have issues with makeup caking in wrinkles, and saggy, aging skin on an eyelid does not look good with frosted blue eye shadow! Cream foundations and liquids are the best bets for these skin types. These spread easily and contain emollients that help add a bit of a layer on top of dry skin that helps soften the appearance of fine lines. Silicones are often used as the vehicles for dry skin makeup, as they “ride the surface” of the skin so pigments and powder ingredients are less likely to cake in wrinkles and dry areas. Dry skin should be treated with good hydrating and moisture-binding ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, prior to makeup application. When the skin is well hydrated and in good condition, makeup always looks better and more natural.
In general, “sparkly” makeup or frosted or super bright eye shadows—and heavy use of powder—does not look great on dry or aging skin. Pretty, muted colors like lilacs, plums, and gray-blues are good choices.
SENSITIVE SKIN
The main makeup issue with sensitive skin is to make sure the products have been thoroughly dermatologist-tested. Fragrance-free is also important, as fragrances are the number-one allergen in cosmetics. Generally, sensitive skin clients do well with light mineral powder foundation, which can help cover redness without looking like heavy coverage makeup.” M.L.
“You want me to do something nice for myself? I don’t have time for that. How often do you find yourself saying these exact words either out loud or in your head? I’m here to tell you that you actually do have time for some self care.
I am going to share three techniques you can include into your day without taking big chunks of time or money. Using these three techniques, you can add in more “me time” and say goodbye to self care guilt.
1. Change Your Mindset
First things first, you need to make a change in your mindset to be able to make any change in your self care routine. Many of us feel unwanted anxiety with so many things going on in this day and age. Although challenging, you can release those worrisome thoughts and focus on what really matters from day-to-day—you. When you increase your self love on a regular basis, looking outward for reinforcement won’t matter as much. Yes, having over 100 likes on a post is gratifying, but it’s not what keeps you going. When you take time to be mindful of your thoughts, you can quickly change them into positive self talk. Try saying affirmations to yourself quietly like, “I am happy.” “I am confident.” “I am smart.”
2. Breathe More
While you are being mindful with changing your thoughts from negative to positive, take a deep-cleansing breath into your abdomen. Try this simple breathing exercise used by the military to calm their nerves. Breathe in through your nose to fill your belly with air for a count of 4. Hold your breath for 4. Then, exhale out of your mouth for a count of 6. Using mindful breathing and a slow exhale helps to activate the vagus nerve. This nerve is important to keep toned (just like your muscles) to help control your level of stress and anxiety.
3. Move Your Body
Practicing these simple techniques daily is what keeps me energized and happy. How? Create a simple routine. Sprinkle a little “me” time throughout your day. When those anxious thoughts creep in, pause, take a deep breath and move. Set an alarm on your phone to walk and move more. Practice these techniques daily to notice how your energy is improved and your stress is brought down to manageable.” S.S.
“Nothing makes your skin glow more than a facial massage. Facial massage can provide a multitude of benefits, including improvements in: skin texture, elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration. To capitalize on this, facial massage “boutiques,” are now becoming popular.
THE BENEFITS OF FACIAL MASSAGE
Massage has many physiological and psychological benefits. When the body senses touch, reflex receptors respond by increasing blood and lymph flow. The central nervous system is affected, resulting in a state of relaxation. Massage also helps provide women with a glowing, healthy-looking complexion. Most women enjoy the benefits of skin rejuvenation, but are surprised at how a facial massage can improve their overall wellness. For example, a study reported that massage significantly decreases cortisol levels (-31%), the chemical your body releases when you are stressed. Massage was also noted to increase levels of dopamine (+31%) and serotonin (+28%), neurotransmitters that are responsible for feelings of happiness and self-worth.” L.S.
“Chapped lips, itchy skin, redness, and peeling are all common dry- skin symptoms as winter’s brutal cold and sharp winds settle in for the season. And, while many assume these issues are related to dry skin, it may be more perennial dehydrated skin.
DRY SKIN VS. DEHYDRATED SKIN
As a general definition, dehydration means your body is taking in less water than it’s losing. Therefore, dehydrated skin lacks water—compared to dry skin, which typically lacks natural oil. More simply put, dry skin is a skin type, while dehydrated skin is a condition usually related to other lifestyle factors. Dehydrated skin can affect anyone, regardless of skin type, pore size, or genetics.
Unlike other factors that may contribute to dry skin, like psoriasis or eczema, these conditions don’t cause dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin can also cause dullness, darker under-eye circles, increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and shadows around the eyes.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO DRY SKIN
The usual suspects of prematurely aged skin also play a role in dehydrated skin: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and too much sun exposure. As both alcohol and caffeine are considered diuretics, reducing
(or eliminating) these will benefit both skin appearance and hydration status.
A diet of high-sodium, processed foods and low-water plant-based foods is more likely to result in dehydrated skin, as the body receives hydration not just from liquids but from vitamin-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
HOW TO TREAT DEHYDRATED SKIN
Because dehydrated skin is a condition, it’s fairly easy to treat with lifestyle changes. It’s a no-brainer that the first recommendation is adequate hydration. Start with the old rule of eight glasses of water per day, though know that this number isn’t based on research but more on best practices. Heavier and more active individuals will need more. A visual urine test is a simple way to ensure you are getting enough water—pale is good, dark isn’t.
As mentioned above, eating a more plant-based diet will also help replenish water and essential antioxidants, which are only found in plants. This time of year, that means loading up on citrus fruits, apples, pears, beans, avocados, and carrots— and swapping heavy cream-based soups for broth-based low-sodium ones.” A.C.
I never leave the house without makeup — like ever. (when I say makeup it’s my tinted moisturizer Bye Bye Foundation SPF50 from ITCosmetics ($39.50) and my creaseless concealer from Tarte Cosmetics ($26)).
That said, I haven't left my house in 3 weeks so I'm taking it as a chance to give my skin some TLC by face masking morning, and night. Excessive? Maybe. But I have the glowiest skin of my life.
In the morning - 2 x week - I use the Pore Refining Treatment from PCA Skin ($60) - Exfoliate and purify the skin with this advanced blend of clay, mandelic acid, enzymes, pumice and rice powder for a comprehensive skin-smoothing treatment. Once I wash that off, I use the Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum from PCA Skin ($115) Plump and firm skin through increased hydration on and below the surface of the skin with hyaluronic acid (HA) while increasing the skin’s own HA production with, and Hydrator Plus SPF30 from PCA Skin ($44) what’s new, right?
At night - once a week - I use the Revitalizing Mask from PCA Skin ($60) - Invigorate your skin with this active papaya enzyme mask to exfoliate and refresh for an instant glow. Vitamin E and antioxidants soothe and protect the skin. It's my number one, can't live without, ride-or-die product. It gives me instant glow, dewy skin.
Then, every other night, I've been using on the Glycolic/Retinol Pads from Skin Script ($22.50), are designed to gently and progressively renew the skin to provide brightening, clarifying, and restoring benefits to all skin types in need of perfecting.
Last but not least Vitamin b3 Brightening Serum from PCA Skin ($115), reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while improving skin barrier function with this powerful skin-brightening serum and my Collagen Hydrator from PCA Skin ($49), deliver intense hydration with this rich, antioxidant nightly moisturizer containing shea butter, olive fruit oil and sweet almond fruit extract and Sweet Dreams!
“Beauty is made up of feelings more than it is made up of thoughts. Oftentimes, people are beautiful on the inside and look beautiful on the outside, but they do not feel it.
It is in this feeling and this type of feeling that people begin to lose their inner glow. So, here are my five top tips to bring your inner glow back and keep it shining bright.
1. Connect to Your Breath.
Feel this breath moving into your heart, and learn to recognize breathing versus your divine breath. Your divine breath will connect you to your inner beauty through its own wisdom.
2. Write and Reflect.
Grab a piece of paper and write down all of the things that are inside of you that you feel are not so beautiful. When you are finished with this, make sure you burn these pieces of paper so that they, as well as your insecurities, no longer exist.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Be Beautiful.
Release what is making you feel ugly, whether it be one thing or multiple things. Don’t give them this control over you. You have to allow yourself to feel beautiful and release the thought that you are not. Permission is a ray of light.
4. Feed Your Heart.
Your heart has its own wants, so make sure to feed it of its true desires. Eating, celebrating and playing all support inner beauty. Go for what you want and watch your inner glow become happier.
5. Find Your Star.
Last but not least, know that you are a star that is filled with light in your own unique way. It will be up to you to allow its radiance to be beautiful and shine. Give up dimming your light, and be true to you. Knowing is another ray of light. Breathe into that knowing and feel your inner beauty wake up and shine.” V.T.
“There’s a reason vitamin E is in all your favorite skin care products. With its potent antioxidant properties, vitamin E has a powerful effect when it comes to protecting your skin cells against damage.
Vitamin E accumulates in sebaceous glands, found at the base of hair follicles. From there, it’s delivered to the skin’s surface through sebum, a natural oil that coats and lubricates the skin’s outer layer. As vitamin E’s primary function is to act as an antioxidant, its location in the skin protects against harmful UV rays, especially when paired with its antioxidant counterpart, vitamin C.
As we age, vitamin E becomes even more important, especially to those
who spend a lot of time outdoors or tanning. Both of these factors cause the natural concentration of vitamin E in our skin to decline, reducing antioxidant function and accelerating skin aging.
While there are eight forms of vitamin E, the one we want to focus on is alpha- tocopherol. This form is easiest for our bodies to absorb and metabolize—both from food and in topical skin care products. This version is abundant in the Western diet and while most of us get enough, there’s no harm in packing your diet with more antioxidants.
When you think of vitamin E, think nuts! Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and almonds are all sources of vitamin E. Leafy greens and heart-healthy avocados also pack a vitamin E punch.” A.C
“In the recent years, public awareness has improved concerning the importance of sunscreen in the prevention of skin cancer. However, many people still hold misconceptions regarding sunscreen.
Here, we discuss the top five myths of sunscreen that are still held by many, leading to incorrect or inconsistent usage.
While it is true that people with lighter skin color have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, enough sun exposure could lead to sunburn and even skin cancer regardless of race. Everyone should wear sunscreen when prolonged exposure to the sun is expected. The only healthy tan is the one you are born with!
The active ingredients found in sunscreens undergo rigorous FDA testing before they are approved for sale. When applied to the skin, the ingredients do not penetrate deep enough to cause systemic toxicities. Sunscreens are generally considered safe for topical usage based on available scientific studies.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen to be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. It is also important to reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. When in doubt, reapply.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 will block 97% of the harmful ultraviolet rays found in sunlight. Additional SPFs offer only a slightly higher level of protection and do not increase the duration of its effectiveness.
Sunscreen manufacturers are now banned from claiming that products are “waterproof” or “sweat proof.” Sunscreens marked “water resistant” are protective for up to 40 minutes even after the skin gets wet. It is still recommended that you reapply after getting out of the water.” M.W & A.P.
“Cellulite is a growing concern for most women in the United States, and it is unbiased to age or body type.1 In most cases, cellulite is inevitable and directly related to the many changes and other external factors the body goes through over time. Just as the process of aging is a natural progression, so is the development of cellulite. There are multiple stages or phases of cellulite with a range of causes and symptoms. Cellulite must be routinely treated and maintained to effectively manage and powerfully resist the rate of formation.
Cellulite is an easily identifiable, fat tissue-related disorder accompanied by visible characteristics. It is identifiable by its dimply texture, comparable to an orange peel or cottage cheese. Cellulite areas can be cooler to the touch than other surface areas of the body. Understanding what cellulite is, how it engenders and the dominant causes are essential for professionals to be able to effectively treat and resolve the problem areas and make a difference for every client.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is localized lipodystrophy, or a degenerative condition of the body’s adipose tissue. Damaged fat tissue occurs in specific areas of the body, typically in the hips, thighs and buttocks. Impaired adipose fat tissue is ultimately non-responsive, causing an interruption in the circulation and flow of the lymph, fat and fibers that exist in the tissue. The subcutaneous layer of the skin is where the fat tissue is located. The most significant culprit to cellulite genesis is estrogen levels, so most women develop cellulite due to high estrogen levels, while men do not. Furthermore, the connective fat-tissue for men is much thicker than for women, so it does not allow the fat pockets to form and result in hollowed dimpling.2 The softer connective fat-tissue in women is susceptible to the dimpling because the fibers and protein in the adipose layer accumulate and become stagnant in a matrix-like pattern, and the soft tissue collapses on a micro level through these pockets that form. The key to treating cellulite is to stimulate and trigger a physical response from the areas by boosting blood circulation and fat metabolism.
Throughout the body, there are fat storing and fat releasing receptors; they determine where cellulite is predisposed. As mentioned earlier, cellulite areas tend to be cooler to the touch because those areas are afflicted. The main cellulite areas for women are just below the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. For women, these areas have six times more fat-storing than fat-releasing receptors than anywhere else in the body. By comparison, men have six times more fat-storing receptors around the abdomen area. This is a contributing reason why men are not likely to suffer from cellulite, but the balance of the fat receptor allocation in the body is a greater health risk for men.
Cellulite is not exactly esthetically pleasing, but in most cases, it is more of an appearance issue for women than a deep-rooted health problem. The allocation of the fat-storing receptors actually puts men in jeopardy of serious health conditions especially if they are overweight. In men, the fat located in the abdomen wraps itself around the organs. In women, the fat-storing receptors are away from the organs. Cellulite is a symptom that stems from a variety of factors, which can actually be indicators of other health related concerns, such as circulation, hormonal balance and other reasons we will further examine. Ultimately, cellulite itself does not pose a health threat to women. The presence of cellulite is normal. In the words of Dr. Nürnberger and Dr. Müller, cellulite is, “an invented disease.” In 1978, they established a grading system to assess and determine the severity of the cellulite.
Grades of Cellulite
The original cellulite scale ranged from zero to three, according to Nürnberger and Müller, but it is commonly categorized as one to four today. Examining cellulite in accordance with the modern scale can be done with the guidelines below.
Grade 1. The mildest or practically non-existent type of cellulite is identified as Grade 1. This grade does not exhibit any signs of dimpling, even when the surface is pinched.
Grade 2. This grade of cellulite most often does not raise much concern for women. Dimpling is noticeable only if the area is pinched or compressed; when standing, the surface appears smooth and even.
Grade 3. An overwhelming amount of women who have Grade 3 or higher are emotionally and psychologically impacted by the esthetically undesirable condition. They are self-conscience about their physical appearance, uncomfortable in social settings and may even have a lower self-esteem. Grade 3 cellulite has prominent dimpling but only when standing up.
Grade 4. This grade of cellulite is indefinitely visible. It is noticeable when standing, sitting and especially when the area is squeezed.
Cellulite may be soft or hard, but it depends on the kind of cellulite.
Soft cellulite. Soft cellulite is close to the surface and is easier to treat than hard cellulite, which is deeper in the subcutaneous tissue. Soft cellulite is the most common and responds relatively quickly to appropriate cellulite therapy. The dimples may appear to be comparable to cottage cheese, a soft sinking-in-like texture. Edematous cellulite, a type of soft cellulite, is a result of fluid retention. It can be related to diet or an individual’s level of daily activity. The fluid retention and poor circulation causes swelling that can spread to the lower extremities of the body. Nodules may be felt in the fat tissue as well, and it may be bothersome. Consistent treatment and some lifestyle changes prove to be successful in rectifying the problem.
Hard cellulite. Hard cellulite is deeper; it sits close to the muscle or may be attached to the muscle. It requires much more intense, deeper and aggressive stimulation and manipulation of the area to initiate movement and flow of the stagnant fat. Boosting lymphatic and fat drainage is vital to promote healthy adipose tissue.
Hard cellulite, also known as fibrotic cellulite, is the most severe. It is common among athletic body types. In some cases, it may appear to look mild, but actually, the cellulite is just hidden. It is more difficult to treat because the tissue fibers combined with the fat are denser. Hard cellulite can be stubborn and resistant to treatment initially. Women suffering from hard cellulite can experience pain and sensitivity because the circulation is compromised in the cellulite areas. In such cases, the cellulite stricken areas tend to be a cooler temperature to the rest of the body.
Many women experience the frustrations of doing everything right when it comes to taking care of their bodies, yet they still are faced with feeling powerless in getting rid of cellulite. For a healthy individual that works out regularly, the cellulite may become worse because it hardens and compresses closer to the muscle. In other cases, weight-loss may exacerbate soft cellulite. Cellulite is damaged tissue, which is non-responsive or slow to respond. The catalysts of cellulite include, but are not limited to, a person’s diet, hydration, stress levels, environmental exposure, daily physical activity, genetics and hormonal fluctuations.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet high in nutrients and low in sodium supports adipose tissue health, while drinking lots of water throughout the day helps facilitate the flow of fat and lymph throughout the body. Exercising promotes overall wellness and also activates the production of endorphins, which ultimately help counter the effects of stress. These are just some basic tips to proactively resist cellulite.
Pregnancy, post pregnancy, menopause and the use of hormonal medications are all hormone-related reasons cellulite may develop or become worse. Since women’s hormonal equilibrium is estrogenically dominant, the endocrine hormone producing glands in women attribute to all layers of skin being thinner than that of men. This means that the connective fat tissue is also thinner. As a result, fat cells are predisposed to collapsing through small compartments that develop throughout the adipose tissue between the fibers, leading to cellulite formation.
Poor circulation is both a cause and effect of cellulite. A simple way to boost the circulatory system is through contrast showering, or switching the water from hot to cold. In general, treatments that enhance circulation in cellulite problem areas may cause redness and sensitivity but with purpose. The increased flow of lymph and fat will break down the accumulated stagnant fibers and proteins in the fat tissue that are responsible for the uneven texture. By jump-starting the internal fat drainage cycle, it will facilitate the breakdown of cellulite, and work to smooth, tone and contour the targeted areas.
There are a variety of recommended ingredients that effectively work to battle with cellulite. Capsaicin derived from cayenne peppers, caffeine, theophylline, rhodysterol from red algae and mustard seed powder are among some of the more potent cellulite fighting ingredients. Antioxidant rich ingredients including aminophylline, aloe and sea buckthorn are critical in neutralizing free radicals, which are destructive to healthy tissue. Overall, the potency of cellulite-targeting ingredients work to break down fat deposits that accumulate under the skin and accelerate the process of tissue regeneration.
Cellulite is mostly an esthetic condition. Although cellulite can be frustrating for women, it is normal for most women to have it. Just like the on-going journey to keep the skin on the face looking youthful and free of wrinkles, there is a desire to keep the skin on the body looking smooth and free of cellulite. Untreated cellulite accumulates just as chronological aging never stops. Ultimately, most types of cellulite can be remedied with appropriate spa treatments and home product use, but consistency and patience are required.” V.T
“Removing milk products from your diet can help improve complexion
Are you seeking clear, youthful skin?
You might want to consider ditching the dairy. While we still don’t know the exact connection between dairy intake and acne, and butter from the diet will reduce breakouts and redness, and improve complexion.
Which came first, the milk or the hormones? Most dietitians and dermatologists believe that it’s how milk is produced and processed that causes the most complexion problems. Dairy cows not only have a naturally occurring hormones, like progesterone and insulin growth factor, but are often given additional hormones to increase production and keep them in an artificial state of lactation. This means that excess hormones make their way levels of inflammation, aging, and acne.
Some people may find benefits in just transitioning dairy intake to organic sources only, which have less hormonal and antibiotic content than conventional dairy. For others, that might not be enough to combat everything. If you’re dealing with dairy-related issues, I recommend removing dairy completely for 12 weeks to see if you observe noticeable changes. Since the average life of a skin cell is about 120 days, you should see improvements in your skin tone and acne production within that time period. From there, reintroduce one dairy product at a time into your diet to see how you respond to it.
For most Americans, dairy is their primary dietary source of calcium and vitamin D.
Therefore, it’s critical you find other foods to replace those nutrients. Many nondairy milks, like almond, cashew, and soy, are usually fortified with calcium and vitamin D, but check the label to make sure. A serving of dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli contains roughly 150 milligrams of calcium, 1/7 of the dairy requirement.” A.C.
Dry, flaky skin is a major concern for many people, especially in the winter. While moisturizers, oils and creams are great for topical use, treating skin from the inside out can also help to introduce some hydration back into the skin.
Vitamin C helps boost skin hydration while working to prevent wrinkles. Foods filled with vitamin C include: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pineapple, kiwi, oranges and avocados.
Vitamin E protects the skin from free radicals, which can lead to early signs of aging. Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, avocados, trout, walnuts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and olive oil are some of the foods rich in vitamin E.
Beta-Carotene works to protect the skin against damage from UV rays. Some foods rich in beta-carotene are sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, spinach, winter squash, kale, pumpkin, red peppers, peas and broccoli.
Healthy Fats help to keep the skin moisturized and flexible. Avocados are one of the best foods containing healthy fats along with cheese, extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, whole eggs, chia seeds and dark chocolate.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids can also work wonders on the skin. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include: seafood, wild salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, sardines, soybeans and olive oil.
Zinc can actually help with creating new skin cells. Seafood, dark chocolate, oysters, lamb, wheat, pumpkin seeds and spinach are all rich in zinc.
Potassium fights against another form of food that could be drying your skin out: sodium. Bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, watermelon, avocados, walnuts, yogurt, dark chocolate, tomato soup, edamame and butternut squash are some of the numerous foods that are rich in potassium.
Antioxidant-rich foods have numerous benefits, but they specifically protect the skin from free radicals. Dark chocolate, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, pecans, walnuts, spinach, strawberries and artichokes are all included in the antioxidant-rich food family.
