Eating food for healthy skin is a great idea, because they provide antioxidants, which are good for the health of your whole body. There are even some foods for healthy skin that work when applied directly. Of course, a professional product will feel better and be more effective than anything that you cook up in your kitchen. But, there’s no reason not to give some of these tasty creations a try, beginning with protein.
Proteins are the building blocks of all life and all of the skin’s cells. Recommended protein intakes depend greatly on who you ask. Body builders often suggest 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight to build muscle. Others sources usually recommend ½ to one gram per pound.
More can’t hurt you, as long as you don’t go overboard on calories. Many experts suggest that the best food for healthy skin is salmon, because of the protein that it provides, the omega3 fatty acid content and the antioxidant Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is responsible for the pink color of salmon. Wild Alaskan or Chinook are your best choices. Salmon from the Atlantic is farmed. The Astaxanthin is not natural. The best foods for healthy skin are those that contain lots of antioxidants. That means fruits and vegetables should be high up on your list.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory activity. Inflammation is the cause of pimples and other blemishes. It is also responsible for rosacea and redness. Chronic inflammation and free radical damage are two of the causes of cellular aging. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, before they can do any damage.
In a recent report, dermatologists said that free radicals damage is the primary cause of wrinkles, sagging and all of the signs of aging.
Eating food for healthy skin might help, but using antioxidant-rich creams are proven effective for reversing those signs of age. One particularly potent antioxidant is coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 levels are quickly depleted during sun exposure, because it voluntarily gives up an electron to neutralize free radical molecules. UV rays from the sun are the primary causes of increased free radical production and activity. Exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollutants are another cause. Foods for healthy skin will only improve your appearance, if you also make an effort to avoid overexposure to the sun and all exposure to cigarette smoke.
Coenzyme Q10 must be properly formulated or it will not penetrate through the skin’s outer layers. The molecules must be reduced in size to fit through the tiny “gaps” in the skin’s surface.
You will see many protein rich creams on the market, but most of them will not penetrate or they have been denaturalized and cannot be used by the skin’s cells. Protein is a food for healthy skin that can be applied directly, but only if it is the right type and it is processed properly. Creams containing the bioactive form of the protein keratin have the most proven benefits for improving the skin’s health and appearance.
In addition to eating food for healthy skin, you might try drinking more green tea and cutting out sodas. The high glycemic index in soda contributes to breakouts. Green tea contains unique antioxidants called catechins, which helps protect against the damaging effects of the sun. Never underestimate the power of antioxidants. Use them frequently, inside and out.