The state of our epidermis is partly a reflection of our diet. Tired, hollow features and a wrinkled face like parchment can be a sign of poor eating habits. We review the food bases for radiant skin.
We eat colorful
For a golden complexion, we consume foods rich in beta-carotene or pro vitamin A whose antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radicals. Beta-carotene also contributes to a beautiful complexion by promoting the synthesis of melanin, a pigment produced by our skin cells. How to take advantage of its benefits in food? We stock up on colorful fruits and vegetables: carrots, oranges, lamb’s lettuce, broccoli, melon,…
We eat protein
Keratin and collagen are essential proteins in the constitution of skin cells. It is logical that we need to draw proteins from our diet in order to promote good cellular regeneration. Choice of: animal proteins (preferably white meat, fish, egg) or vegetable proteins (lentils, chickpeas, buckwheat, quinoa, tempeh, etc.).
The dietitian’s tip: we vary the vegetable proteinsand different combinations are made to provide the body with good quality protein. For example: whole grains (or seeds) + legumes (e.g. brown rice+ red beans; whole wheat+ soybeans)
The diversification of vegetable proteins provides good proteins but also fiber and iron.
You can also add oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.) which are also sources of protein but also providers of essential fatty acids, key elements which contribute, like proteins, to the maintenance, resistance and elasticity of the skin cells.
We limit sugar and bad fats
Exit white sandwich bread, pasta, pizza, sweets and cakes… These food products are full of quick sugar and should therefore be limited as much as possible, even more so when you have problem skin, because they trigger an inflammatory process and promote the appearance of pimples.
Ditto for products rich in fat (red meat, charcuterie, etc.) and alcohol (just like stress!) which create a oxidative stress in cells and blur the complexion.
Anti-pimple nudges
Certain foods help fight the inflammation that causes acne: turmeric, cinnamon, oilseeds, dark chocolate.
If you are a fan of “golden milk”, the healthy drink of the moment which combines vegetable drink and turmeric, you should be careful not to drink it every day because in excess, turmeric can tint your teeth.
Natural cosmetics can complete this beautiful skin diet. As for essential oils, some of them, such as ravintsaraand the tea tree(tea tree) play an effective anti-inflammatory role in countering pimples.
Red clay is also interesting for restoring radiance to the complexion, you can take advantage of its benefits by mask (see our red clay mask cosmetic recipe). On the vegetable oil side, the carrot is a great ally for a healthy glow, whether applied pure (organic oily macerate) or diluted in your usual day cream.
Thanks to Alexandra Fernandez, dietician at the Hélianthal Thalazur thalassotherapy center in Saint-Jean-de-Luz (64).
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