Although beauty products are getting more and more high-tech, all filled with the latest good-for-you ingredients, there’s really no reason to spend a fortune on the latest high-end products. If healthy, great looking skin is what’s important to you, then you should start perusing the aisles of your local supermarket more carefully in search of these top complexion cures.
Chocolate
Funnily enough, chocolate’s not all bad, in fact, it’s not too bad at all. There have been several proven health benefits of this sweet snack, but one of the most favourable is definitely the effects it has on the skin.
Dark chocolate contains a potent antioxidant called flavonols. Antioxidants are great at preventing cellular damage – the most common pathway for aging, cancer and a variety of other diseases – and battling against free radicals. To gain the maximum flavonol, you should be eating chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao.
It’s not just eating chocolate that’s good for you though, applying cocoa butter or any other cocoa-containing treatment, topically can help to reduce any puffiness – you can thank caffeine for that one.
Yogurt
Dairy in general is great for your skin. The protein contained in dairy products helps to firm the skin, making it resistant to lines. However, the proteins in Greek yogurt are around double that of regular yogurt and a lot of other dairy products, so eating a serving daily will keep your complexion smooth and youthful.
Pomegranates
Another food packed full of antioxidants, this time though it’s polyphenol antioxidants. Just like flavonols, these also help to fight free radicals as well as regulating the skin’s blood flow. A pomegranate or a few glasses of its juice every day should help to eliminate fine lines and moisturise your skin. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of the taste, there are plenty of moisturisers out there that contain pomegranate extracts so you can reap the same benefits.
Walnuts
Omega 3 is essential in improving and maintaining skin’s elasticity, and walnuts contain a lot of these essential fatty acids. They’re also full of copper which boosts collagen production – collagen is responsible for skin health and elasticity. So, snack on a handful of walnuts to feel the effects of improved skin texture and high levels of elasticity.
Peppers
Studies have shown that women who eat yellow and green peppers tend to have fewer wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. The antioxidants found in orange and yellow vegetables (carotenoids) can also help to decrease your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which is great if you’re prone to burning with even the highest factor of sunscreen.
Sunflower seeds
These little seeds of goodness also protect your skin from the sun. The vitamin E that’s packed inside helps to protect the top layers of your skin, in order to keep it youthful and supple. Again, there are plenty of products that make use of the essential fats contained in sunflower seeds, and they’re particularly beneficial to body parts that are prone to drying out, like your heels and lips.
Kidney beans
No one likes spots and one way to zap the zit is to ensure your zinc levels remain stable. Spots have been linked to low zinc levels, and considering kidney beans are high in zinc, they definitely deserve a place on our list.
Green tea
Okay, so not technically a food, but this magic potion is a must drink for a beautiful complexion. Also exceptionally high in antioxidants, green tea helps fight inflammation and drinking just a single cup a day will reduce redness of the skin.
If skin health is something that interests you and you’d be interested in finding out more, check out our beauty therapy course and open the door to a brand new career.
Nick Cooper
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