Food for Healthy Skin

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It measures 1mm thick when we're born and grows to 2mm think by the time we are adults. As we age, our skin gets thinner and becomes more susceptible to sun damage. So, what can we do to take care of it?

Well, like I have said before...you are what you eat. What you are putting in your mouth can have a big effect on how your skin looks and feels. Here are some tips of what you can do and eat to keep your skin glowing and beautiful, even in the cold months of winter...

Water - we've talked about water before...hydration is very important in keeping skin looking and feeling healthy. Since drinking lots of water helps flush toxins out of the body, it in turn helps the skin stay clear of blemishes.

Low fat dairy products - since our skins cells are dependent on Vitamin A, and low fat dairy products are a great place to get it from. Dairy products contain the "true" form of vitamin A (as opposed to many vegetables that contain beta carotene that needs to be converted), this is especially important to people with thyroid conditions or diabetes that cannot convert the beta carotene to vitamin A.

Berries and plums - these fruits are high in antioxidants...these antioxidants protect the cells membranes from damage and disintegration. By protecting your skin from damage, you are helping ward off premature again...and who doesn't want to do that?

Healthy Oils - fish oil, walnut oil, flax oil...these all contain essential fatty acids, which are essential for cell membrane protection. Your cell membranes act as a barrier to harmful things, but they also hold water in the cell, so the stronger your cell membranes, the better your cells can hold moisture.

Green Tea - this tea has anti-inflammatory properties and is protective to the cell membrane. It may even help prevent or reduce your risk of skin cancer. It also contains polyphenols which are good not only for your skin, but for your overall health.

Moisturize - cleansing, toning and moisturizing are of course also important for healthy skin. Make sure to chose good quality, clean products...emu oil, shea butter and olive oil are all natural moisturizers.

And finally, eating a balanced diet, lots of fruits and vegetables, avoiding fried foods, and limiting the alcohol all improve skin health as well....so, continue doing all of those things and you're headed in the right direction!