Foods that Improve Your Skin

Some foods are better for your skin than others. Specifically, some foods may work to improve certain skin problems. If you have one of these common skin conditions, perhaps a change in your diet could improve the health of your skin.

Eczema

Drinking a glass of red wine helps decrease the inflammation of eczema, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, because of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, found in red wine. They also recommend eating cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, because the omega-3 fatty acids found in these types of fish help decrease inflammation and improve immunity.

Varicose Veins

To reduce and prevent varicose veins, eat foods that promote circulation. Dietary fiber and bioflavenoids are nutrients that keep veins healthy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To include more fiber in your diet, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains like rice and oatmeal. Dark berries, dark leafy greens, garlic, and onions are all rich in bioflavenoids.

Wrinkles

While some dermatologists remain skeptical, a study conducted by researchers at Unilever in the early 1970s suggested that diets rich in linoleic acid, found in sunflower and safflower oils and in salmon and other fatty fish, resulted in less skin aging from dryness and thinning. These researchers also concluded that vitamin C helps to keep skin elastic by promoting the synthesis of collagen.

Acne

Unfortunately, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that food has no effect on acne. However, individual reactions to food vary. If you discover that every indulgence in chocolate results in a breakout, then cut chocolate from your diet. Also, according to Jennifer Thoden, author of How To Heal Your Adult Acne Naturally, drink plenty of water to prevent acne breakouts. Drinking water flushes the toxins from your body that would normally escape through the pores of your skin.

In general, to improve your skin, simply maintain a healthy diet. The top foods for your skin are whole, fresh foods like fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of water. Furthermore, good diets for healthy skin can also include red wine and foods rich in vitamin C.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center, "Varicose Veins," http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/varicose-veins-000173.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center, "Eczema,"

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/eczema--000054.htm

MedicineNet.com, "Vitamin C May Slow Skin Wrinkling" http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=84411

American Academy of Dermatology, "Food Does Not Cause Acne"

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne_and_diet.html

About.com, "How 8 Glasses of Water a Day Can Keep Acne Away"

http://healing.about.com/cs/skincare/a/uc_adultacne.htm