We all seem to be suffering with problematic skin in one way or another, whether it’s acne, eczema, scarring, or psoriasis there’s not a corner of the UK that is safe from skin struggles. We spend approximately £300 billion per year on keeping ourselves looking our best, but are products and potions really going to be the answer to our skin problems?

No!

I have spent the last 14 years fighting acne, oily skin, and uneven skin tone with countless products and treatments, and nothing worked. It was all a complete waste of time that caused a huge amount of disappointment and heartache. What was the answer to my problems? My diet of course! All these topical lotions and treatments only ever really cover up the symptoms temporarily, or in my case, not at all. See, skin problems doesn’t just happen for no reason – they are a symptom of a deeper imbalance within the body. Something is off kilter and when your body is imbalanced it’s prone to disease.

Which disease you get when your body isn’t running at it’s peak happens to be determined by your genetics. For some people it’s acne, for others is eczema but the answer is still the same. We need to stop looking for that miracle product that promised a clear complexion and turn our attention onto finding the root cause of our body imbalances. Only then will we be able to achieve the clear skin of our dreams.

A healthy diet and good digestion aren’t optional for healthy skin, they’re essential! If you want to change the outside I’m afraid you won’t get very far without changing the inside. Healing your body from the inside out is the only way that will bring those permanent results.

Top foods for healthy skin

I’m sure you’re aware of the positive impact switching your diet to a more primitive regime can have on our overall health and wellbeing, but did you know that certain foods will also work wonders on your skin?

Carrots For Clear Skin

The carotenoids and bioflavonoids (antioxidants) which are found in yellow and orange foods like eggs, ghee and sweet potatoes have been linked to skin and eye health. These plant based foods are full of beta-carotene which your body can convert into vitamin A but to get a decent amount of vitamin A in your diet you will need to consume animal based vitamin A from eggs, ghee and liver. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin as it helps to prevent cell damage and premature ageing. Read more here.

Green For Go

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and Swiss chard also contain lots of beta-carotene, which is essential for renewing and repairing you skin. It’s abundant in vitamin K which is great for lowering inflammation in the body. These greens are also mineral-rich and supply the body with a whole host of skin-loving nutrients such as vitamin B, C, and E as well as plenty of fibre which helps keep blood sugar in check.

Beets For Beautiful Skin

Red, blue, and purple foods contain an abundance of phytochemicals like lycopene and anthocyanins – these have been linked with antioxidant and anti-ageing properties within the body. The main benefit of blue/purple/red foods is increased circulation. With increased blood flow we can ensure our skin is getting ample amount of healthy blood which will help nourish skin cells.

Go Nuts For Seeds

Nuts and seeds are great for a clear complexion as they contain lots of vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fats. Vitamin E protects the skin and supports healthy skin growth and can be founds in almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts. Zinc helps maintain collagen which keeps your skin smooth, supple, and firm and can be found in almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

C For Collagen

Vitamin C and collagen are a power-packed duo that are essential for healthy, glowing skin. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its firmness and strength and can be found in foods such as bone broth – vitamin C plays a key role in the production of this complexion-boosting protein. You might think that your best source of vitamin C is an orange (69.7 mg per serving) but you’d be wrong. There are a handful of vegetables that contain more than twice the amount of an orange, for example red bell peppers contain 190 mg of vitamin C, broccoli contains 132 mg, and a cup of kale provides 80.4 mg of vitamin C.

Add Some Spice

There are some spices which contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients that can help maintain a gorgeous glow. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and cinnamon stimulates blood circulation which results in plumper, healthier looking skin. Hot peppers and chillies are also great for the skin as they contain high levels of vitamin A and C so turn up the heat and spice things up!

Glow With Garlic

Garlic is a powerful, natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Add lots of garlic to your meals and you’ll be keeping vampire and skin infections away!

Drink It Up

Drinking water frequently throughout the day will help keep your skin stay moist, flexible, and elastic thus preventing it from drying out. Water that you drink and absorb in the body will help wash out the toxins when you go to the toilet. These toxins would normally accumulate and escape the body through your skins pores sometimes resulting in the build up of acne spots. Skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema can be helped by the drinking water and by keeping your body well hydrated. This will also reduce the likelihood of sunken eyes and dark circles around your eyes.

Remember, changes to your long term clear skin goals aren’t going to happen overnight, so don’t expect miracles with any diet changes – it takes at least six weeks for new, healthy skin cells to reach the surface.

Peace, Love & Clear Skin,