Healthy Skin, Healthy You

Did you know that the largest organ of your body is your skin? It protects your body against diseases and infections and protects your internal organs. Seeing that it plays such a major role as guardian for your body, skin health is crucial and should not be neglected. November is National Healthy Skin Month and as the weather is getting colder, it serves as an important reminder to protect your skin.

Your nutritional status and diet plays a significant role in the maintenance of healthy skin. Your skin can be a reflection of what you put in your body. For example, if you aren’t eating enough nutrient-dense foods or drinking enough fluid throughout the day, your skin may appear dry and dull. If you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables that are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, your skin is most likely going to be smooth and glowing!

5 Nutrients for Good Skin

Various foods can aid in maintaining good skin health, that’s why it’s important to keep a well-balanced, nutrient-dense, nutrient-rich diet.

Here are 5 nutrients that can help you maintain naturally glowing, healthy skin!

1. Vitamin A – This vitamin helps promote healthy skin cell production and aids in protection from overexposure to the sun. Beta-carotene is a pre-cursor of vitamin A, therefore your body converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A. Look for foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach and butternut squash!

2. Vitamin C – This antioxidant not only aids in wound healing, but it also assists in the formation of collagen, which provides your skin with elasticity, keeping it firm and vibrant. Good sources include oranges, berries, papaya, peppers and broccoli.

3. Vitamin E – This fat-soluble vitamin also acts as an antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin, decrease cell damage and protects from aging and sun damage. It can be found in foods such as vegetable oils, almonds, peanuts, seeds, avocados and spinach.

4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids – These essential fats can help reduce inflammation and assist in skin repair. Since our bodies cannot produce this, we must obtain it through diet. Good sources of omega 3’s include salmon, eggs, flaxseed, walnuts and avocado.

5. Water – Drink your water! Not only does it keep you and your skin hydrated, but it helps your body and skin flush out toxins.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin

Aside from a nutrient-rich diet, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following tips for further maintenance:

Wash your face everyday to get rid of any impurities.
Look at your skin regularly for any unusual spots that could potentially point out any signs of cancer.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to help protect your skin from overexposure of the sun.
Keep that skin hydrated by moisturizing daily.

Don’t neglect your skin; eat well, keep hydrated and protect it from potential hazards!

Your turn to take action: What will you do to help keep your skin healthy? Let me know in the comments below.