When you weigh all the ways you may increase moisture in your skin and boost collagen synthesis, you might initially think of devices like red light, serums like retinol, and maybe expensive in-office treatments like thermage and microneedling. Sometimes all you have to do, though, is think simpler—smaller—then go back to your diet and what you eat.
The foods we eat offer the best skincare accessible. Even if you are using great moisturizers, cleansers, and serums and are doing everything else right, you are not doing nearly enough; without a good diet with foods that enhance hydration and naturally help maintain your collagen levels. Review your grocery list before adding still another thing to buy. These nine amazing, satisfying foods will boost collagen products that “love your skin back” and help you keep hydrated.
Sweet Potato
Packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, sweet potatoes protect skin and cells from free radical damage. It provides enough water to keep your skin hydrated, vitamin C—which is vital for the production of collagen—as well as fiber to aid digestion and discourage breakouts.
Bell Peppers
Especially red bell peppers are high in vitamin C required for the formation of collagen. This anti-inflammatory breakfast helps your skin via high water content and antioxidants such as betacarotene.
Green Tea
Strong antioxidants in green tea are polyphenols, most significantly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Apart from protecting the skin from oxidative stress, green tea has anti-inflammatory effect to help to reduce skin irritation. This makes one concerned about water intake.
Avocado
Maintaining the moisture of your skin depends on healthy fats; avocado is among few foods as good a source of monounsaturated fats. Excellent in vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, this is truly a superfood for your skin.
Tomatoes
Lycopene found in tomatoes helps to neutralize free radicals, decrease skin aging, sunburn, and collagen breakdown. Tomatoes are ideal hydrators because of their high water content; they also give a good supply of vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen.
Fatty Fish
Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids abound: salmon, sardines, and trout moisten skin and reduce inflammation. These fatty acids also promote collagen formation and their vitamin D content aids in skin healing.
Seeds
Many times high in vitamin E, sunflower seeds and other seeds fight oxidative stress and retain moisture in the skin. Particularly linoleic acid, they pack in zinc and omega-6 fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory action. Omega-6 preserves the barrier activity of the skin and avoids moisture loss.
Almonds and Walnuts
Though all nuts have health benefits, walnuts and almonds stand out for their high doses of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are absolutely essential for young-looking skin.
Dark Chocolate
Should you not have expected a treat on this list, it is advisable to learn more about dark chocolate—that is, chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa content. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids including catechins and epicatechin — cocoa aids the body in combat of free radicals. It has anti-inflammatory properties; its magnesium could help skin cells repair themselves.