I am excited to introduce my very first guest post contributor today from Smile As It Happens! Please join my in welcoming Emma Banks! Emma is a 20-something, new wife, living in upstate New York. When she isn’t blogging you can find her spending time exercising, crafting or doing whatever brings a smile to her face. I am hoping she will come back to share another fabulous post, so please add her to your circles!
Three Healthy Foods to Eat Your Way to Better Skin This Spring
by Emma Banks
Winter is coming to an end, and it’s time to take out your spring dresses, short sleeve shirts, shorts and skirts in preparation of the upcoming season. I don’t know about you guys but winter always does a number on my skin. Moisturizers and various creams are definitely useful but there are better ways to care for your skin. If you truly want to have long-term healthy and beautiful skin your diet should be the first place you look. Just like most things, what you eat has a huge impact on your skin health. I was quite oblivious to this until a friend brought it to my attention and recommended a few foods to help me get on track. Here are a couple pointers for all of you out there who long for summer skin but just aren’t sure of the right steps to get there.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest fish to eat for great skin. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon gives you the nutrients your body needs to strengthen cell membranes. With stronger cell membranes, more moisture can be held in the skin and make your skin look plump and healthy. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon can also help reduce inflammation in your skin. If you get sick of salmon halibut and tuna are fantastic alternatives. Be sure to play around with different recipes while preparing your fish as well. No one likes eating the same thing over and over again. Personally, I love a little lemon juice on my salmon along with some asparagus or green beans.
Avocado
As a good source of biotin, avocados can do wonders for dry skin, which many suffer from during the winter season. You can chop up an avocado to add to a healthy salad or puree. Also an avocado smoothie can be wonderful after you work out. Another personal favorite of mine is an avocado facemask. They are so easy to make and your skin feels wonderful afterwards.
Cut the avocado in half, and remove the seed.
Scoop the avocado pulp out of the skin. Put the pulp into the blender, and puree it until smooth or slightly chunky.
Pour the puree into a bowl, and use your hands to apply the mask onto your face until completely covered. You can also use a clean makeup brush to apply the mask.
Wash your face with lukewarm water after 10 minutes or use a soaked washcloth to clean off the avocado mask. You can use this mask every day or every other day to moisturize your skin.
Dark Chocolate
Many people believe chocolate is awful for your skin and they try to cut it out completely. If you’re like me and have a serious sweet tooth not eating any chocolate can be a bit extreme. However dark chocolate actually can be very beneficial for your skin. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents wrinkles. Dark chocolate also helps reduce stress and breaks down less of the skin’s natural collagen. I’m not saying sit in front of the TV with three candy bars each night. But if you get a craving go ahead and indulge a little. In moderation dark chocolate is fine for you and also a great way to end the day and de-stress a little bit.
There are many pieces to the puzzle of beautiful skin. However, nutrition is one you have full control over and should have no excuse for neglecting. Various products may help out or be a quick fix but nothing will give you the results you want like proper diet. Also remember to have fun while working on your skin. No matter how you slice it nothing makes you look better than self-confidence. Be sure to wear a smile every day this spring and the rest will fall into place. Before you know it people will be stopping you wondering what your secret is!
[…] The first of my best anti aging skin care tips is to keep your body hydrated and full of nutrients. You know when you haven’t been drinking enough water and you lips get all dry and cracked? Well think about your skin. Well-hydrated skin will be more smooth, plump and supple. Dehydrated skin is more likely to result in deeper wrinkles and sagging skin. Drink plenty of water, minimize sugar and processed foods to prevent breakouts and consider foods that are good for your skin, such as salmon, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, avocado, a good source of biotin and get this – dark chocolate, which contains flavonoids (antioxidants). You can read more about that in one of my previous posts discussing healthy foods for your skin. […]