5 Superfoods for SuperSKIN

You're walking the aisles of beauty store and you see a 14-step skin care routine and think to yourself “I have to buy ALL of this to have nice skin?” Who can relate? Been there, done that and let us tell you, it is not a good feeling (for you or your bank account). Defeated, you might think to yourself - you'll never have the skin you want. Well, think again. What if we told you that beautiful skin comes from within? No, we aren’t just talking about inner beauty (although every important, you’re ALL beautiful!) When it comes to skincare, it’s not only about what you put on your body, but also about what you put in your body. Here are 5 superfoods to help you glow from the inside out! 

First up, turmeric! As an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is an ideal addition to your smoothies and fresh pressed juices. It helps treat uneven skin tone and restore that natural dewy glow we all strive for. Ready for a bonus? It keeps us looking young forever! How might you ask? Well, turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that fights free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals can cause all sorts of issues within the body and outside of the body, including dulling our skin! When it comes to skin health and inflammation, two things can happen: In the short run, your skin looks puffy and constantly tired, and in the long run it can lead to wrinkles and advanced aging. Studies have also shown that turmeric supports skin tissue and collagen production helping to treat stretchmarks, reduce rosacea and eczema, and even acne scarring.  

Next, we have what we’re sure will be a crowd favourite, dark chocolate! Yup, you heard us correctly, dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher can be a powerful source of antioxidants. Bioactive compounds in the delicious treat provide you with a thicker, firmer and a more hydrated complexion. How? Chocolate is made from cacao and cacao is packed with magnesium. Magnesium reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which reduces collagen breakdown, ultimately keeping your skin plump and healthy.  In translation, chocolate keeps you lookin’ young! Flavonoids in dark chocolate can also help your skin reflect harmful UV rays and prevent them from penetrating its barrier. It’s said that they can even reduce redness by about 25%. These powerful flavanoids are also said to help reduce inflammation and reduce skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. In addition, dark chocolate is mineral enriched which helps increase cell healing of scars and skin blemishes. So, the next time someone tells you to lay off the chocolate, you tell them you’re keeping yourself youthful – well as long as you’re sticking with 70% or higher. A chocolate bar made up of 50% white refined sugar definitely isn’t helping your skin issues.  

You’re about to go NUTS for the next food on our list – ALMONDS! The antioxidants in almonds help protect against oxidative damage to your cells. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an excess number of free radicals in our bodies, which damages our cells and is a HUGE contributing factor to aging. Almonds are also high in Vitamin E which nourishes and moisturizes your skin, combats inflammation and restores damaged cells. These are important factors to reduce skin dryness and fight acne. Who doesn’t want that right?!  

Chia seeds have made a huge splash in the health food world recently and after we’re done, you’ll know exactly why! Don’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case, by its size! These tiny little guys are an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to the building blocks of healthy skin. They help support collagen production, which is essential for keeping skin looking young and fighting signs of aging. In addition to being high in omega-3's, chia seeds are also high in omega-6 fatty acids which are known to restore your skin’s moisture barrier. This is what makes chia seeds a beneficial addition to the diets of those with dry skin and skin conditions such as psoriasis. They help in reducing inflammation and increasing circulation! This has got us feeling CHIA-ful for amazing skin. 

Last, but certainly not least, cinnamon makes our list! If you have acne prone skin, look no further. Cinnamon has anti-fungal, antioxidant AND antibacterial properties, making it the acne solution we’ve all been searching for! It slows down oil production by supporting enhanced blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients right to the skin. This results in that soft, hydrated skin everyone aims for. Cinnamon also helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This is important because diets heavy in refined sugars and carbs stimulate oil production, ultimately causing break outs.  

So, the next time you plan on stopping at the drug store to buy some acne cream or are wondering how to reverse the clock a couple years, make a stop at the grocery store instead! Feeling and looking good truly starts from the inside out!