You are what you eat…!

This frequently heard saying has never been truer when it comes to skin care. A healthy nutritious diet, rich in vitamins and minerals can fight against the effects of ageing and can help keep your skin looking vibrant, young and supple.

All the main vitamins have a role to play in keeping your skin in good condition.  Vitamin A is important for anti-ageing and can be found in kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli and mangoes.  Vitamins B3 and B5 are often used in skin care products as they help reduce the appearance of aged skin and water loss respectively. You’ll find these vitamins in cereal grains, fish and milk as well as some vegetables.   Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, green vegetables, red and green peppers and strawberries, helps to form collagen and prevents dry skin.  Fish, milk and eggs contain large quantities of and vitamin D, which promotes cell growth (sunlight also provides a natural source of vitamin D, but be careful not to stay in the sun for too long as it is also a major contributor to the ageing of the skin). Vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant and is found in foods rich in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and a wide range of fruit and vegetables. And don’t forget the lesser-known Vitamin K, which can help to heal the skin and is found in kale, liver, avocado, milk and cabbage.

Minerals also play a crucial role in the health and appearance of our skin.  Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. Brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, wheatgerm, tomatoes and broccoli are all good sources of selenium.  Zinc and Copper help our bodies to produce elastin, the fibres that support our skin structure.  Sunflower seeds, lentils and almonds all contain copper, while lean meat and poultry are good sources of zinc.

Try also and take in foods rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, which are both very beneficial for the skin. Oily fish, walnuts and rapeseed oil are good examples.  Omega 3 fats can help the body fight against inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Finally, remember to drink lots of water.  This will help to keep your skin hydrated – and moisture is crucial to the skin looking vibrant and plump and helping to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In general terms, a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables with a good sprinkling of nuts thrown in, will provide most of the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your skin healthy. But if, for whatever reason, you are struggling to get the vitamins you need from your everyday diet, talk to us about multi-award winning skin-care drink Skinade or our range of IV drips and boosters that can be specifically tailored to your individual need or requirement.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.