Your skin is your body’s largest and fastest-growing organ. Amazing, right? Yet most of us neglect it and think that because we put a number of expensive products onto our skin that the food we eat and our lifestyle won’t affect it. This is not exactly true.

Our lifestyle and diet have a huge impact on the way our skin looks, feels and ages.

The food you eat has a huge impact on your skin. You are literally feeding your skin from the inside out so be sure to nourish it if you want to retain your youthful glow.

These are some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet to hydrate and boost your skin’s texture and appearance giving it a glowing sheen.

1. Avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats which are essential to keep your skin looking plump and hydrated whilst also preventing your skin from ageing. Avocados are also high in Vitamin E; a highly important antioxidant that prevents the skin from oxidative damage which occurs in our daily life.

2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as sardines, salmon and anchovies are great for hydrating your skin. They contain high amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids which is important to retain your skin’s health and moisture. They also contain high amounts of DMAE which prevents the skins ageing process and leaves it looking plump and youthful. Fatty fish is also an excellent source of Vitamin E which reduces skin inflammation and protects your skin against damage from free radicals.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green Leafy Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and brussels sprouts are rich in ALA (alpha-lipoic acid) which fights free radicals and is incredibly anti-ageing. ALA has also been shown to reduce under-eye puffiness and have an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin. Green leafy vegetables are also high in Vitamin A, C, E and chlorophyll which enable the skin to retain its moisture and also protects the skin from damaging free radicals which cause ageing, dehydrated and tired-looking skin.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are incredibly high in Vitamin E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and are a great addition to your diet in order to boost your skins hydration. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help to protect cell membranes thus leading to the skin retaining its moisture and staying hydrated. Walnuts also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium; all of which provide antioxidants and are important to keep your skin looking youthful and hydrated.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries contain the highest concentration of antioxidants per serving than any other fruit. They have high levels of Vitamins A, C and E and assist with neutralising free radicals in your skin and your body. Incorporating blueberries into your diet will give your skin a boost enabling it to retain its moisture and bring out its youthful appearance.

6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains high levels of Vitamin E which is essential for hydrated, glowing skin and also improves your skin’s elasticity. The antioxidants and good fats contained in EVOO also fight damaging free radicals and therefore facilitate healthy and hydrated skin. I use EVOO as my body moisturiser and not only does it leave your skin hydrated and healthy, it also makes it feel amazing. I would definitely recommend trying it on your body and feel the difference.

SKINCARE

1. Jojoba Oil

I have been using Jojoba Oil on my face every other night before bed for over 2 years and I can’t express how much I love it. Jojoba has anti-inflammatory properties which calm the skin, assist with skin repair and rejuvenation and is very hydrating. I wake up and my skin is baby soft and plump – I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

2. Vitamin E Oil

I use pure Vitamin E oil once or twice a week depending on how dry my skin is which is particularly common during the winter months. Vitamin E has been proven to hydrate, reduce signs of ageing and diminish the appearance of scarring. It’s also full of antioxidants and leaves your skin feeling soft, plump and hydrated.

3. Castor Oil

I use pure Castor Oil as a face mask once a week and it leaves my skin feeling so fresh and hydrated. Castor oil contains essential fatty acids which assist in restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance. I particularly love using Castor Oil during winter when my skin is much drier and I don’t tend to use it so much during warmer weather as it is quite thick and intense.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is the best natural makeup remover substitute. If you use it with a warm cloth, it gets all your makeup off and leaves your skin so soft and clean. I wouldn’t recommend using it every single day but as a face mask a few times per month it’s great at hydrating and cleansing your skin. I use Pure Coconut Oil as a body moisturiser a few times per week and it leaves your whole body hydrated, glowing and soft.

Start to incorporate some of these foods and skincare tips into your lifestyle for glowing skin and let us know your results!

Holly Zoccolan is a Holistic Lifestyle & Skin Health Coach offering consultations for weight loss, fatigue, skin conditions, digestive issues, mindset shifts and overcoming emotional eating. After overcoming her own stress-related dermatitis and eczema, Holly is keen to educate others on how to best improve their health from the inside out. Holly has a holistic approach to health and teaches her clients to understand and identify current habits that are not working for them and how to adapt their lifestyle for them to get the results they want.