Want gorgeous skin? Here’s what to eat

 

We spoke to registered dietician Kelly Lynch who gave us her expert advice on what to dine on and what to dodge to get a glowing complexion…

What can I eat for more beautiful skin?

Vitamin E
Vitamin E will not only help to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun, but it is also an anti-inflammatory and an immunity enhancer.Vegetable oils, legumes, nuts (especially almonds and hazelnuts), dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E.

Selenium
Selenium increases the absorption of vitamin E and may help protect skin cells from free radical damage. Excellent sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, lamb, and fish such as tuna, and salmon.

Water
Hydration is essential for clear, supple and youthful-looking skin. Kelly’s goal? Try and drink 3 litres of water daily, especially in summer.

Antioxidants
Fresh vegetables provide the us with antioxidants which help rid the body of unwanted substances, chemicals or additives that can cause skin infections, dark rings, dryness and ageing.

Vitamin A
Steer clear of dry, flaky skin by grazing on foods high in vitamin A. A common ingredient in both acne and anti-ageing treatments, vitamin A is can be found in oranges, carrots, pumpkins, eggs and low-fat dairy products like youghurt and cottage cheese.

 

Any foods I should avoid?
There is little evidence to say that your diet is linked to a breakout or acne. As a dietician, Kelly has found that balancing a patient’s diet and ensuring that they eat at routine times during the day, can help problematic skin. Plus, avoidance of sugar, caffeine and refined carbohydrates such as baked goods (there go those biscuits and cakes), cereals, soft drinks and sweets also improves general health and consequently skin too.

Which lifestyle factors can affect my skin?

Smoking
Smoking damages your skin, and makes it age faster.

Sun
Excessive time in the sun ravages the skin, and causes wrinkles, dark spots, dryness and puts you at risk of skin cancer.

Lifestyle
A poor lifestyle in general will affect your skin and it must be remembered that your nutrition makes the most difference in terms of being healthy or unhealthy.

 

Special thanks to Kelly Lynch, registered dietician, for her insight. To find out more about her practice, check out her website www.kellylynch.co.za.