Our skin requires plenty of fresh ingredients and a loving hand to glow with good health... Check out our list of ingredients for healthy skin.

The skin is more expendable than many other organs in the body. If nutrient levels are sub-optimal the skin is 'last in line' and may miss out. One of the best things you can do for your skin is to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, some good quality protein, fish, raw nuts and seeds, and use products that don't contain harsh chemicals.

Supplements and foods that can help you keep that healthy glow...

Vitamin A: A good sourse of this is Cod Liver Oil capules (careful with dose if you are pregnant)

Betacarotene: Found in orange fruits and vegetables

B Complex Vitamins: Very important to replace if you are stressed, smoke, drink alcohol or have a diet high in processed foods

Vitamin C & Bioflavanoids: Vitamin C is known for its importance in the manufacture of collagen, which plays an important part in keeping the complexion smooth

Anti oxidants: Often found in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables... Carotenoids, Lycopene, Grapeseed and many more

Vitamin E: 400 international units is recommended a day. Vitamin E, another free radical fighting antioxidant, can also prevent skin damage from sun exposure when used topically. Vitamin E rich foods include wheatgerm, spinach and sunflower seeds

Essential Fatty Acids: Found in Evening Primrose, Fish and Flaxseed Oils. Well known as a balancer for skin, whether lipid dry or over oily. Help reduce skin inflammation from conditions such as eczema

Selenium, Silica & Zinc: These minerals are useful for tissue elasticity and as a powerful antioxidant and important for the formation of new skin.

Plus a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing the daily values of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Incorporate the following in your diet...

Garlic: Not only can garlic help your body stay young by enhancing your immunity, it may also prolong the life span of normal skin cells and help them maintain their youthful shape, according to some laboratory studies

Protein: Protein is a building block, essential for keeping your skin looking young. Fish is an ideal source of protein as you also get your essential fatty acids

Water: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day - if you exercise you may need more

Eat right: Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh food and very little processed foods. A balanced diet is the key to a healthy and beautiful skin

Avoid the following in your diet:

Alcohol: Go easy on the drinking. Making too much merry can make your skin suffer a lot. Not only does that morning-after puffiness contribute to wrinkles, but alcohol also dehydrates you, which is anything but good for your skin. (Editors tip: Obviously I’m not going to tell you to stop drinking as that’s one thing I could never give up. But I do try match my alcohol intake with glasses of water).

Smoking: It has been linked to premature wrinkles since it lessens circulation to surface capillaries

Fatty food: Medical research has shown that poor dietary fats generate free radicals, the naturally occurring unstable molecules that damage your body's healthy molecules and contribute to ageing and wrinkles. Thus stick to a low saturated and Trans fat diet

Article by Karen Moffat
Dip.Med. Herb, N.D., Iridologist,
Clinical Nutritionist, Wellness Coach
Karenmoffatt@ihug.co.nz