When it comes to our skin, there is nothing more beautiful than a natural, healthy glow. Editor Trudi Brewer reveals how to eat and treat your way to a more luminous complexion.
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Our skin is an unforgiving reflection of the state of our general health and wellbeing. Poor diet, lack of sleep and too much time watching Netflix when we should be taking a brisk walk, all take their toll on our skin's appearance. Yes, you can camouflage the effects of a late night with clever makeup and some favourable lighting, but to regain truly glowing skin, you need to work from the inside out. The good news is that this is actually easier than you might imagine. With a few careful tweaks to your diet and beauty regime, you can transform your complexion from lacklustre to luminous. Here's how to do it:
EAT
Our diet is incredibly important for our health and wellbeing. What we eat affects how our body functions and, of course, how we look. If you eat a low-fat diet because you're watching your weight, then I've got news for you: fat is your friend. Well, the right kind of fat, that is. Here's a guide to the five best foods for glowing skin:
Oily fish
Rich in the best source of omega-3 for keeping the skin firm and feeling hydrated.
Salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which (aside from having huge health benefits for your heart, brain and lungs) keep your skin thick, supple and hydrated. If you're not a fan of fish, try taking a fish oil supplement instead.
Avocado…
High in glow-giving healthy fats, this fruit is jam-packed with skin-loving vitamins C and E.
The humble avo is high in glow-giving healthy fats but did you know this fruit is also jam-packed full of vitamins C and E? These antioxidants are important for your skin, protecting it against damage from free radicals and inflammation. Your skin also needs vitamin C to create collagen, the structural protein that keeps skin strong and healthy.
Nuts and seeds…
Known as good fats, nut oils are the best source of skin-loving fats.
Walnuts, almonds, macadamias, pistachios, Brazil nuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds – the list goes on. Nuts and seeds are the best sources of skin-loving healthy fats, protein, and vitamins E and B. Make these your go-to snack, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. Ideal at breakfast to kick start your day, nuts and seeds mixed with yoghurt helps with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and even eczema, which all ultimately age the skin.
Leafy greens
Brimming with vitamins and nutrients leafy greens are essential for healthy skin.
Broccoli, kale and spinach are all examples of leafy green vegetables that are brimming with vitamins and nutrients these greens are essential for healthy skin. Eat them in salads in summer and use them to make soup and casseroles in winter. And keep up those green smoothies first thing - you really can't eat too much.
Increase your H20
If you don't drink enough H2O you're skin will become dull and dehydrated within days.
I know you have heard this so many times, however if you don't drink enough H2O you're skin will become dull and dehydrated, it's that simple. Try to consume at least two litres a day (and no, that doesn't include your flat white).
Avoid sugar
Processed sugar can cause cause long-term damage, chronic inflammation, which can lead to lines, and wrinkles.
Sugar and processed foods, as well as and overload of caffeine, dim your skin's natural glow. Sugar is public enemy number one with skin - here’s why: A diet high in sugar activates inflammation, this binds to the collagen fibers in the skin that keep skin firm and supple. A diet high in sugar makes those fibers stiff. Processed sugar can eventually cause long-term damage, chronic inflammation, sensitivities and lines, and wrinkles.
TREAT
Incorporating skin oils into your beauty regime is a great way to nourish your skin during the cold winter months, a daily dose of cold pressed, wild harvested skin oils keeps your skin looking plump and feeling hydrated from the inside out.
Pure Fiji Exotic Oils
Stacked with cold pressed, wild harvested oils, make sure you use natural fruit and nut oils on your body.
Pure Fiji’s range of deliciously fragranced exotic oils blend virgin coconut oil with dilo, macadamia and sikeci oils. A unique formula, inspired by centuries of therapeutic use in the Pacific Islands, rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids these oils absorb quickly, moisturising and replenishing dry skin. Pick your favourite scent (there are nine to choose from (our favourites are below) and use it as a bath oil, perfect for a cold winter’s night. An all over moisturising treatment after your shower, and for a well-earned massage at the end of the day - we have even been known to use it in the hair to defrizz flyaway strands.
Pure Fiji Exotic Bath and Body Oils
Our favourite scents from the Pure Fiji Exotic Bath & Body Oils range includes, Coconut Lime Blossom, Noni, White Gingerlily, and fruity Guava.