6 foods that will improve your skin

Did you know at 23 your body’s natural production of collagen starts to decrease? Meaning your skin is more susceptible to sun damage and wrinkles. Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin and body providing elasticity and firmness to the skin keeping it looking tight and youthful. Vitamin C is also essential in youthful, healthy skin. Consuming Vitamin C can help brighten skin tone, reduce the look of aging and minimize blemishes. Achieving youthful glowing skin can be a challenge, but by incorporating certain foods it can be more obtainable.

Wake up with a hydrating bottle of lemon infused water. While your coffee is brewing have a bottle of lemon water to get your day started. Besides the water promoting hydration, lemon water will also strengthen your liver, boost your immune system and improve your digestion. Lemons are loaded with collagen and vitamin C, boosting your skins radiance and giving it a fresh glow. Lemon juice can also be used topically to reduce blemishes or acne scars. Put a little on your problem spots at night, and let the acid of the lemon brighten the pigment of your skin. But be careful, don’t drink more than one or two bottles of lemon water a day, the acid of the lemon can breakdown the enamel of your teeth.

Did you know tomatoes can also boost collagen production? Thats right!… Lycopene, the phytochemical that gives tomatoes their red color, is an amino acid that protects our skin from sunlight by producing collagen. Collagen acts as a barrier from the sun protecting your skin from sun-damage and wrinkles. When tomatoes are cooked it increases their lycopene levels. Eating cooked tomatoes such as tomato sauce and ketchup will improve your skins collagen levels and all over glow.

My dance teacher always told us to drink carrot juice before dance class because it has a natural form of energy. While that may be a myth, carrots do help to improve vision and clear up breakouts. Carrots are filled with beta and alpha carotene which convert to vitamin A, preventing over production of the skins outer layer and ultimately helping to prevent from clogged pores. Carrots also contain Lutein which is important for eye health and vision. Whether you eat them plain or add them to your morning smoothie, make sure you incorporate carrots into your diet.

Papaya is another fruit that is very beneficial for your skin. Papaya contains catechins, a highly active antioxidant that prevents the degradation of tissue and helps stimulate collagen synthesis. Papaya also helps the whitening and brightening of skin by dissolving dead cells giving you a radiant more noticeable glow. Incorporating papaya into your diet can keep your skin looking younger and healthier by its antioxidants like beta-carotene that delay the aging process. Eating ripe Papaya can also help with skin infections like acne, scars, and pimples. 1 cup of fresh, ripe papaya contains 144% of your daily needs of collagen strengthening Vitamin C.

Pomegranates are also filled with Vitamin C, preventing the look of aging and giving your skin a beautiful glow. Pomegranates also fight against acne breakouts. Many studies show people who suffer from acne have an over production of sebum (oil) whether caused by hormonal, genetic or digestive issues. Having low levels of Vitamin A, C and E in the blood have also been linked to acne. Luckily Pomegranates contain both Vitamin C and E, which work together to help prevent the oxidization of sebum and ultimately acne. Pomegranates also soften the skin while protecting the outer layer from sun and environmental damage. Pomegranates penetrate hydration into the pores and increase the skins natural production of collagen and elastin. Regardless of your age, pomegranates will help your skin by reducing unwanted blemishes and radiating its natural glow.

Sweet Potatoes also have amazing benefits not only for your health and body but your skin. Sweet Potatoes contain elements such as potassium and pantothenic acid which serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin. Sweet potatoes along with all the other foods listed contain beta-carotene and Vitamin C, helping with anti aging and promoting collagen production. Add them to your next meal to fuel your body and skin.

Remember, it is just as important to promote healthy skin topically as it is internally. Your skin is the largest and fastest growing organ on your body, if you treat it right it will treat you right. Start your day with a bottle of lemon water and add fruits and vegetables to your diet to boost collagen levels, leaving your skin feeling and looking its best.

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