Eat clean and your skin will thank you with a healthy glow

You may know that to eat clean, whole foods is good for your health but it’s also vital for retaining smooth vibrant skin throughout your life.  Food plays an integral role in how we feel on a day-to-day basis, how much energy we have and also how healthy and vibrant our skin looks.  These are all good reasons to be mindful of the food choices we make.  While it may be difficult to eat a clean diet 100% of the time, aim for an 80/20% ratio and your skin will thank you.

As a professional makeup artist I am often asked by my clients what products I use to keep my skin glowing. Quite honestly I don’t spend a lot of money of skincare.  While I do use clean natural products, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, pass on processed foods, the rest comes from the clean food I enjoy.  Check out these tips on how to have summer fresh skin.

These are some of the superstars in the food-for-beauty world and the benefits you’ll reap from including them daily or weekly.

Healthy fats-

Wild-caught salmon contributes to whole body wellness, is anti-inflammatory and loaded with omega-3’s making it one of the best beauty foods to consume.  Eating wild-caught salmon three times a week will rival any expensive beauty cream and likely come out the winner!  There are endless ways to prepare this moist fish.  One of my favorites is to dress it with ghee or coconut oil, salt, pepper and a bit of fresh dill just before placing on the grill for 15-20 minutes.  It’s also just as delicious the next day served cold on a bed of greens.  So make extra for quick satisfying meals in a hurry.

Avocado offers many benefits when ingested or used topically due to it’s healthy fat content and phytonutrients.  It’s delicious on it’s own and it’s mild flavor makes it a great addition to smoothies, desserts and even served on sweet potato toast.  Keep extras on hand and refrigerate to slow the ripening process.  Have a few too many overripe avocados?  Whip up a mango/avocado salsa to top fish tacos or baked sweet potato.  Very overripe? Mash and apply to cleansed skin for 10 minutes for an ultra-moisturizing mask.  Rinse well.  For added benefit – exfoliate first.

Complex carbs-

Sweet potatoes are the internal retinoid for your skin.  Their high Vitamin A content signals cells to slough for a fresh layer to appear.  They are loaded with Vitamin C which speeds up collagen production to help maintain skin’s elasticity.  Unlike it’s distant relative -the white potato; the sweet potato is of the morning glory family.  White potatoes are of the nightshade family and can contribute to inflammation -the skin’s enemy!  So while they taste like a sinful treat sweet potatoes are actually the better option.

Carrots eaten daily will give your skin a healthy glow just as they lightly stains fingers and sink upon peeling.  They are loaded with vitamin C making the skin appear more plump.  Carrots have an abundance of vitamin A to strengthen the connective tissues for more toned and taut skin.  Try adding 1-2 carrots to your daily diet by adding to juice drinks or grating over oatmeal laced with raisins, walnuts and honey for a carrot cake inspired breakfast.

Nuts and spices-

Tumeric has a compound called curcumin which is highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic.  These properties are beneficial used both internally and topically.  Taken internally turmeric will reduce inflammation in other areas of your body making this one of the most potent health promoting foods available.  Take it in whole form by adding it to juice drinks or Indian-inspired dishes.  Powdered turmeric can easily be sprinkled on foods such as roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and is best absorbed with a small amount of pepper.  Capsules are probably the easiest choice for insuring your daily dose of this wonderful, colorful nutrient source.

Pinenuts contain a high concentration of protein making them an excellent choice for healthy hair with strong growth cycles.  While all nuts are good sources of protein pinenuts have the benefit of being especially hydrating and moisturizing due to their high oil content.  The healing properties they provide with skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and itchiness makes the oil an excellent choice for massage.  Try grinding pinenuts slightly and adding to jojoba oil for an excellent nourishing exfoliant.  Rinse and enjoy soft supple skin.  Top salads and soups with these tasty morsels as well.

Vegetables-

Celery has natural electrolytes essential for all life.  It helps purify the bloodstream aiding in detoxification.  It’s an excellent diuretic relieving bothersome bloat which can be most unflattering when it shows in the face.  A glass of celery juice can instantly reduce uncomfortable bloat and is recommend for defined facial tone.  Because it aids digestion, the nutrients from foods you eat will be better absorbed allowing you to fully reap their benefits.  Celery loaded with almond butter makes a tasty satisfying snack.  Celery is also a great addition to your daily juice drink.

There are many wonderful healthy foods available -too many to list.  These are some silent heros that typically don’t take center stage but should be included for true radiant beauty.  Eat clean and your skin will show it!