Did you know that the food you eat affects more than just your waistline? A balanced diet not only helps improve energy and overall bodily function, but the food you consume also has a significant impact on your skin.

This is exciting stuff

I remember when I was in high school, and acne hit me like brick wall. I was embarrassed, awkward, and tried my best to cover up my blemishes with pounds of makeup. It turns out not only was my acne then getting worse from the clogging of makeup, but my diet is what was affecting my skin.

I visited my first dermatologist when I was in high school for acne.

At the time I was consuming small amounts of water, a very low amount of healthy fat, lots of dairy, and high amounts of refined sugar products. I wake up everyday to paint a full face of makeup everyday in order to hide my skin, but when it came to my attention that I would not be able to achieve a good makeup look without clear skin, I made it my goal do whatever it would take in order for me to achieve clear skin.

Here are a few foods to help kick start your healthy skin diet

After lots of research, I determined one way I could start was with my diet. I washed my face twice a day, had been through several drug store lines for acne products, and decided I would try to make a change in my diet. After a few months of switching up what I ate, here is what I found to most successful for cleaning up my skin:

1. Healthy Fats! Okay I know what you’re thinking, “No way am I going to eat fat because it will make me fat! I’m here to tell you that is far from true, because healthy fats will not only keep you full and satiated throughout the day, but healthy fats contain omega-3 fatty acids to help keep skin-cell membranes strong and elastic. So alternatives like oily fish, avocado, and nuts are great additions to incorporate into your everyday meals.
2. Drink Water! Around 80% of our bodies are composed of water, and in order to replenish our bodies, it is important to incorporate lots of water in between and during meals. Unfortunately, chugging water will not immediately clear skin, but it will help detoxify your body by keeping fluids moving. This small step can really help clear your complexion and overall improve the texture and resilience of your skin.
3. How many of you struggle with oily, dull, and wrinkly skin? Simple sugars such as refined grains and cereals significantly contribute to the amount of oil on your skin. Unfortunately, because high-glycermic foods transfer to sugar quickly in the body, they typically lack antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to the overall being of skin and result in excess oil.
4. Minimize the dairy. The good news is for all of you ice cream, chocolate, and cheese lovers is that you do not have to give up what you love completely. However if your skin is sensitive to what you consume, consider minimizing dairy because the saturated fat content and hormones often results in a build up of waste that can result in pimples and breakouts throughout the skin.

Unfortunately, not all skin problems can be resolved by simply making these editions to your diet but this is a great beginning to kick start good skin care. Not only will these changes improve your overall nutritional intake by incorporating options for a more balanced and varied diet, but also help to improve your skin. All of these editions will help you glow from the inside out and the key with these tips like all food advice, consume these food groups in moderation.

You’ve got this 🙂

♥Little Kelli