We think most can agree that to truly feel great, looking great plays an important part. And the same goes for the other way around. To really look great, we must start with being healthy and feeling great from within. They really go hand in hand. And sometimes when our skin isn’t in the best of conditions, it is pointing to some possible health habits we should change, and it also can affect our mood, confidence, social interactions, etc. Well, there is so much hope, and some of that hope is edible.
Did you know that some of the most yummy foods right in your refrigerator or local grocery store’s produce section can help you to have clear, healthy and glowing skin? Avocados, strawberries and cucumbers are just some foods that, because of their nutritional and chemical properties, promote beautiful and healthy skin. Incorporate them a bit more into your daily diet and even try using some of the facial masks listed below. First, check out the healthful properties of these foods that can help your skin.
Avocados
Great for dry skin
- Great source of biotin (a vitamin) which aids in moisturizing your skin and strengthening your hair and nails as well
- The natural oil in avocados contains vitamin E and acts as an emollient by softening and smoothing the skin, and also aids in eliminating toxins.
Strawberries
Great for skin protection and healing
- Contain the antioxidant ellagic acid which helps the skin to retain moisture and to be protected from environmental damage such as harmful UV rays from the sun. This therefore helps prevent premature aging skin and aids in fading dark spots.
- A great source of vitamin C which aids in skin tissue repair. This vitamin helps to produce the protein collagen, which promotes wound healing as well.
Cucumbers
Great astringent / toner for oily skin
- Because of the minerals they contain, such as silica, which tightens connective tissues, cucumbers act as an astringent / toner, tightening pores and reducing swelling and oily skin.
- Also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids, helping to prevent and reduce water retention and swelling as well.
Face masks
Here are some simple masks you can try with these yummy and skin beautifying foods.
In general, when applying facial masks, wash your face first, apply mask to face and neck (avoiding eyes), lie down and relax for 15-20 minutes, wash mask off thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply your favorite moisturizer afterward if desired. Let us know your results if you get to try them out or if you have tried some of these before.
Avocado mask
Great moisturizer for dry skin
Puree an avocado and pat it evenly on your face.
Strawberry mask
Great for skin protection and healing
Puree 8-9 fresh strawberries; add 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, and a few drops of fresh lemon juice (about 8 drops for dry skin and 1 tbsp for oily skin). Apply and leave this mask on for 5 minutes.
Cucumber mask
Great astringent/toner for oily skin
Combine the juice of 1 medium-size, pureed cucumber with 2 tsp. honey. Apply. To refresh your skin apply fresh cucumber slices all over face and eye area . For dry skin, add some olive or grape seed oil.
Look and feel good while enjoying beautiful and healthy skin. These foods incorporated more into your diet, will also help you to be healthier in so many other ways too.