The skin is one of the most powerful indicators of health. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, acne, and inflammation all are signs of poor internal health, often brought on by consuming unhealthful foods and avoiding skin-healthy nutrients. To treat skin problems, most people turn to mainstream topical cosmetics, including lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams. However, treating outer blemishes with expensive, chemical-laden beauty products does little to address the root cause of the problem: poor nutrition and exposure to toxins in dietary and personal care products.
Snapper
This tropical fish, like salmon, is also sky-high in anti-inflammatory fats, and it harbors another beautiful skin booster: the mineral selenium. According to Moores, "Selenium has the ability to reduce the risk of sunburn and promote an even skin tone." Snapper itself has a sheen to envy in many fine restaurants the fillets are often served skin side up to show off its luminous scales.
Blueberries
Blueberries fall into the tightener/renewer category when it comes to skincare. This healthy and delicious antioxidant-rich fruit is high in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. In addition, these tasty berries will help clear acne and blotchy spots on your skin, leaving you with a healthier, happier glow.
Tea
Dietitians continue to debate just how much liquid we should consume each day, but for Moores, the requisite eight to 10 glasses still stands. "Our body is 70 to 80 percent water, and if we are not drinking enough, our cells don't regenerate and remove waste, resulting in a buildup of impurities." Moores suggests alternating glasses of water with hot tea or unsweetened iced tea green or black. These beverages boast their own supply of acne-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients (healthy substances from plants).
Fish
Heralded as the premiere source of omega-3 fatty acids, cold-water, oily fish are loaded with anti-inflammatory eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Clear Skin Diet lauds oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and sardines as the most potent choices for blemish-free skin.
Purple and deep red foods
According to The Clear Skin Diet, foods containing anthocyanins are high in antioxidants and help maintain blood flow to the skin, promoting optimum cell turnover (essential for keeping pores clear). Acai, pomegranates, purple carrots, black grapes, and beets are all great choices.
Whole grains
When it comes to thwarting acne-causing inflammation, fiber-packed whole grains work like a charm. “Whole grains carry a lot of antioxidants, They also stabilize blood sugar and prevent insulin spikes.” But be careful when perusing grocery store aisles for whole-grain items–crafty label lingo can make a loaf of bread or box of pasta seem like a healthy choice, when in reality it carries only a small percentage of whole grains. Logan advises checking a product’s nutrition info to make sure it’s high in fiber and low in sugar.
