Skin Food

I've been reading up on how to get more "beautiful" naturally - how to get better skin, whiter teeth, and clearer eye-whites.

I haven't really been taking good care of my skin except the occasional scrub, and exfoliating gel and night cream. No toner, mask, shaving foam, aftershave etc. I've recently seen many skincare products out there in the market, and I've just bought the new Vichy Homme toner. I also use Nugeno exfoliating gel, Face Lifting Cream and Men Radiant Youth Essence.

While my pores have become smaller and skin has cleared up more overall, I still have some scars from the teenage years :( I want to have a healthy radiant glow in my skin, but I think that's going to take a long time to achieve, and one way to do so is to start eating good "skin food". Without further ado, here we go:

1. Fish - All fish is supposedly good, especially salmon which contains omega-3, omega-6 and other essential fatty acids which prevent dry skin.

2. Lots and lots of vegetables - We all know vegetables are yummy and good for you, but how so? Dark green vegetables (brocolli, spinach, chai sim) and dark orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes) contain Vitamin A which are strengthens the protective tissue of the skin. Tomatoes also contain anti-oxidants, which counteract negative free radicals in our body.

3. Dairy products - Low fat milk and yoghurt contains lots of Vitamin A which is also important for healthy skin and eyes. Lack of Vitamin A leads to dry skin and pimples.

4. Citrus Fruits - Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons. While I know many people are not big on citrus fruits due to their acidity and sourness, citrus fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the synthesis of collagen which prevents skin from sagging. Regular intake of Vitamin C (maybe an orange juice a day) will keep skin youthful and firm.

5. Green tea - Green tea is the source of an extremely potent antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). Apparently this EGCG helps negate skin cancer, sun-related skin ageing and acne too.

6. Water - While necessary hydration is a given, most people do not drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day. Drink up for better skin!

7. Berries - Strawberries, raspeberries, blueberries, cranberries and dark plums are also help the body manufacture collagen. They also contain much antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and fibre.

8. Avocados - Avocados do contain a lot of fat, which is weird since it's a fruit. Which other fruits do you know contain fat? But the fat from avocados is mono-unsatured / "good fat", which once again keeps skin supple.

9. Whole grains - Whole grains are good for skin because they are loaded with the B group vitamins. B group vitamins are essential for normal skin functioning. They are required for the growth of new cells, replacing those that have died, and help strengthen the skin against infections and stress.

There are other other good foods for skin such as nuts, pomegranate juice and sunflower seeds - but these are foods which I seldom consume.

In addition, 8 hours of sleep a day should ensure sufficient time for cell regeneration.

I've been trying to consume more of the above foods, and hopefully I'll slowly but surely see results.

Live well!
Tim