5th June 2017

Skincare Superfoods

The importance of a daily skincare regime can’t be stressed enough when it comes to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. It is important to start at a young age because it is never too early to start looking after your skin, even if you just start with a simple daily moisturiser and sun protection. But did you know that what you put into your body can make just as much of an impact on your skin health as the products you apply, if not more?

There aren’t any disadvantages to be had with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Not only will this benefit your overall health, but you can cleanse your skin from the inside out and still eat so many foods that you love!

Below are just a few of the amazing superfoods that have the properties to benefit your skin care:

Sweet Potato

– Sweet potato is one of the most popular foods at the moment, and rightly so. They are a tasty, healthier alternative to regular potato-based foods, with almost every pub and restaurant offering a choice of sweet potato mash or fries with your meal. They are a great source of Vitamin A, which effectively combats sun damage and cellulite. Other foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, beef liver, spinach and butter.

Sunlight

– Yes I know what you’re thinking, this doesn’t really count, but sunlight is food for your skin in a similar way that it is for plants. It promotes Vitamin D synthesis from cholesterol in your skin and is the best source of Vitamin D above anything else.

At the same time, you need to monitor the time you spend in the sun and ensure you implement proper sun protection. Vitamin D helps to reduce spots and growths, and can be found in some foods, mainly fatty fish, like salmon, tuna and sardines. Vitamin D is also found to be very good for mental health.

Kale

– Another hot food of the moment, kale is a source of nutrients called lutein and zeaxanthin that absorb and neutralise the free radicals created by UV light. Not to mention that kale is a great source of Vitamin A and C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to regenerate Vitamin E, as well as providing protection from sun damage. Many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries and peppers, are a great source of Vitamin C.

Avocado

– It seems we can’t get enough of avocados these days thanks to their nutritional value and numerous health benefits. They are packed full of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that tackles sun damage and premature ageing. Foods such as almonds, butternut squash and sunflower seeds are also rich in Vitamin E.

Water

– While this one seems a little obvious, water does so much more for your skin than simply hydrate it. It is a far healthier alternative to sugary drinks as sugars attach to proteins in collagen, causing a production of compounds within your skin that cause sagging and wrinkling.

You might worry that to eat healthy you have to cut out all of the things you love, but that really isn’t the case. There are even health benefits from some of your favourite treats, such as those below:

Dark Chocolate

– Dark chocolate contains plant compounds, known as cocoa flavanols, that possess antioxidant properties, helping to hydrate your skin and improve circulation.

Green Tea

– Green tea is full of polyphenols, which contribute to improved elasticity and smoothness, and antioxidants that increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin for a healthier complexion.

Red Wine

– Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant compound with anti-tumour properties that reduce the probability of skin lesions as a result of sun damage. Of course, red wine should always be consumed in moderation!

Skincare with Dr Firas A-Niaimi

When it comes to skincare, it doesn’t have to be hard. You just need the knowledge and the tools to improve your skin health, which is where Dr Firas comes in. He is a fully trained expert medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over 10 years of experience, boasting an abundance of skills and expertise in everything from skin conditions to advanced laser treatments.

If you have any skincare concerns, you can schedule a skin health check with Dr Firas today!