07 Aug Eat Right for Your Skin Type

Loving the skin you’re in is so easy when you give your body the right nutrition. Your skin is your body’s largest organ; it covers about 2 square meters (22 square feet) of space; it’s full of touch and pain receptors, a variety specialised cells and home to its very own microbiome of around 1000 bacteria species! Skin is super-special, and it’s so very important that you give it the care it needs.

Skincare isn’t just about caring for the outside with cleansers, lotions and oils; it starts with feeding your skin from the inside out, by following the right sort of diet for your individual skin type. Faithful to Nature has put together a handy guide to help you eat right for your skin’s needs.

1. Dry & Dull Skin

Omega-3

• Why it works: This essential fatty acid helps to nourish & hydrate your skin from the inside out.
• Where to find it: Flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, oily fish like salmon & tuna.

Beta-carotene

• Why it works: Packed with antioxidants, beta-carotene helps to repair skin tissues & protect against sun damage. Great for managing dryness & eczema-prone skin.
• Where to find it: Red & orange fruits & vegetables; carrots, mangoes, papaya, pumpkin & apricots.

 What to Avoid

Caffeine, alcohol, high sodium (salty) foods & sugary fizzy drinks can all dehydrate your body, contributing to dry skin.

2. Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Vitamin D

• Why it works: Vitamin D helps to control the production of natural oil (sebum) by your skin’s sebaceous glands. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Where to find it: Mushrooms, oily fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, fortified soya products.

Dietary fibre

• Why it works: Fibre helps to flush out your system, preventing the build-up of excess oils & blemishes.
• Where to find it: Crunchy vegetables, wholegrains, bran & brown rice.

Water & healthy fluids

• Why it works: Water cleanses & hydrates your skin from the inside, preventing the accumulation of excess oils.
• Where to find it: Grapefruit & cucumber have a very high water content; plus they’re both full of fibre & vitamins. Soups, fresh juices & plenty of filtered water are also recommended.

What to Avoid

Dairy products, fried foods & processed sugars both contribute to excess oil production & acne breakouts.

3. Sensitive Skin

Zinc

• Why it works: This mineral reduces the inflammation that causes sensitivity & redness, while also promoting cell division, speeding up wound healing & protecting against UV radiation.
• Where to find it: Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, lentils, cashew nuts.

Vitamin A

• Why it works: Vitamin A (retinol) promotes epidermal health, keeping the skin soft & supple. It combats problems like psoriasis & severe acne.
• Where to find it: Carrots, leafy greens (kale, spinach), pumpkin, turnips, apricots.

What to Avoid

Highly processed foods, or those full of artificial additives, are big skin irritation culprits; refined sugars, refined grains, processed meat & trans-fats can all cause skin inflammation & sensitivity.

4. Mature Skin

Vitamin C

• Why it works: Vitamin C supports collagen production, helping to plump the skin & reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Where to find it: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, berries) & dark green veggies (spinach, broccoli).

Vitamin E

• Why it works:Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant; it fights the free radicals that damage skin cells and lead to ageing. Vitamin E also helps your skin to hold in moisture, which keeps it looking firmer & younger.
• Where to find it: Almonds, avocado, olives, sunflower seeds, sesame oil.

What to Avoid

Saturated fats, fried foods, caffeine & alcohol can age your skin.