- The kind of food you eat has an impact on your skin.
- Vitamin E, C and collagen can help improve your skin but high sugar and salt intake can be harmful.
- Drinking enough water regularly helps with glowing skin.
You might be trying out new products every time your skin has pimples but you might be overlooking the foods that you eat.
“When it comes to skin health, it is important to not only nourish the skin from the outside but also from the inside,” says registered dietician Aziwe Booi, who confirms that there are indeed some foods that we consume daily that might cause skin breakouts.
But, with thousands of foods to choose from, how do we differentiate which foods are good for our skin and which aren't?
Aziwe highlights some of the foods we can reduce in our diet and the foods we should consume regularly for improved skin conditions.
Reduce sugar and salt intake
Apart from weight gain, high sugar and salt intake can aggravate skin conditions.
Aziwe says acne is one of the common skin conditions that can be worsened by a high sugar and salt intake. So, try reducing the amount of cake or cooldrink you have because that could be the reason why your acne is not getting better.
Eat more foods with vitamin E
Look for more foods that contain vitamin E such as sunflower oil, peanuts and spinach.
Aziwe says vitamin E provides antioxidants that have benefits such as “reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of skin conditions”.
READ MORE | Bye bye blackheads - A guide to clear skin
Eat more foods with vitamin C and collagen
Aziwe says the intake of vitamin C and collagen is a great combination for your health. Besides collagen being the greatest protein in our bodies, it helps build skin, muscles and bones. Collagen also helps reduce the depth of wrinkles and other skin conditions when consumed with vitamin C.
Reduce processed foods
You might have to reduce tin foods or sliced cheese because these are processed foods and can have a negative impact on the skin on your face.
Stay hydrated
Drink enough water daily.
Vitaderm’s Ruan Winter says staying hydrated helps keep your skin glowing and this might be one of the easiest yet effective ways to ensure that you maintain clear skin.
