GREAT, you’re getting adept with your knowledge on facial products. Now, it’s time to include in your diet some superfoods for a radiant complexion.
Of course, a solid skincare routine is already a good leap forward, but you don’t see gentlemen with enviable complexions binging on junk food all day err day. Skincare isn’t just what you put on your face, it’s also what goes into your body.
Like it or not, it’s true: Munching on processed foods with high sugar content, along with a fibre-deficient diet, resolves that huge question mark you may have about why you’re still getting outbreaks.
The science is simple — treat your body well and it’ll reward you with a complexion that beats the laser. Here are easy-to-incorporate superfoods for a radiant complexion that will restore your skin’s balance from the inside out, plus the best ways to eat them.
01: Avocados
If you don’t know about the guacamole song, it’s time to get cultured. Not only do they taste great with a creamy texture, but it’s also an easy start to incorporating superfoods for a radiant complexion in your diet.
THE GOOD STUFF
The fruit is a great source of vitamin C and E, offering protection from free radical oxidation and promotes the creation of collagen and elastin, both of which keeps your skin firm. It also has carotenoids, oleic acid and omega-9-fatty acids that reduce inflammation and improves skin tone.
BEST EATEN WITH: Guacamole and avocado toast
02: brazil nuts
Sunscreen in the sunny tropics is a must, but for that extra protection, Brazil nuts are good to munch on too. If you ever feel stressed at work, eating these nuts have been scientifically proven to boost mood levels too.
THE GOOD STUFF
Brazil nuts work from within to protect against sun damage, age spots and reportedly, skin cancer as well. Its high amount of selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works with vitamins C and E to support the immune system. They are also an exceptional soothing agent that prevents dehydration while mitigating skin concerns such as eczema.
BEST EATEN WITH: Just like how you always eat your nuts! It’s crunchy with a slightly creamy taste.
03: flax seeds
Don’t belittle its tiny appearance — these guys have big benefits.
THE GOOD STUFF
Flaxseeds help contribute to radiant skin thanks to its rich omega-3 content, which curbs inflammation as well as maintaining skin hydration and moisture. In extended periods of time, flax seeds are also known to play a part in regulating sebum production. No sebum = no acne outbreak — easy peasy.
BEST EATEN WITH: Sprinkle them over your cereal, porridge or even in your favourite soup/stew.
04: Cacao
As if you needed a reason to indulge in a well-deserved slab of dark chocolate. But what you don’t know is that cacao doesn’t just make your dream dessert, it is also a skincare powerhouse.
THE GOOD STUFF
The superfood is notoriously efficient at restoring the skin’s lipid layer which keeps your skin hydrated for longer — great for when you’re on the plane with a dry atmosphere.
Its polyphenol antioxidants also guard against environmental wear and tear, whereas vitamin C, copper and omega-6 work together to prevent the breakdown of collagen, keeping your skin plump.
Of course, don’t take this as an excuse to max out your credits at The Cocoa Tree — remember, the bigger your dark chocolate, the larger the ratio of the sugars and calories too.
BEST EATEN WITH: By itself, with coffee, tea — the possibilities are endless (you don’t need us to tell you how to eat your chocolate).
05:quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced as keen-wah) is probably one of those superfoods you’ve seen around but never know its true value.
THE GOOD STUFF
Whole grains like quinoa are far superior alternatives to white rice for more reasons than just providing fibre.
It consists of high levels of riboflavin that generates skin elasticity and the production of connective tissue, keeping your skin taut and wrinkle-free over the long run. Its zinc content also works on sloughing dead cells naturally for that radiant complexion.
BEST EATEN WITH: Your salads, taco meats and even stews.
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This article was first published on Lifestyle Asia.