If you’re going to love the skin you’re in, you have to do so literally as well as figuratively.
Maintaining your body’s largest organ is not as easy as using body wash every now and again. Human skin is incredibly complex, and we each have our own unique skin type. As with most health issues many skin conditions can be fixed by adding a few simple super-foods into your daily diet. Keeping hydrated with tons of water is key, but there are many other ways to have clear, beautiful skin. We took a look at the most common skin types and what you should, and shouldn’t, be eating to achieve your healthiest complexion.
Oily
If you fall under this category, you may experiences things like enlarged pores, dull or shiny, thick complexion, blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes. Don’t worry – there are many things you can do to combat these fixable outbreaks!
Go for:
- Flaxseeds
- Almonds
- Cucumber
- Grapefruit
- Cold water fish
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kale
- Pinto Beans
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Green Tea
Avoid:
- Refined grains
- ex. pretzels, white bread, instant rice
- Inflammatory fats
- ex. bacon, pizza dough
- Sugar
- ex. corn syrup, candy, soda
- Fried foods
- Too much dairy
Dry
If you’ve got dry king, you are not alone. This common skin type effects the lives of people around the world. You may be experiencing roughness, visible lines, red patches, cracking or irritation.
Go for:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Halibut
- Sardines
- Oysters
- Eggs
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
Avoid:
- Alcohol
- Fried foods
- Excess sugar
Combination
If you’re skin is both oily and dry, your diet should be all about finding that perfect balance. Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). One of the most important things for those with this skin type is making sure you have a well rounded diet. Here are some things to make sure to include if you have combination skin.
Go for:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Cabbage
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Olive Oil
- Quinoa
- Brown Rice
- Millet
Avoid:
- High-glycemic carbohydrates
Sensitive
Sensitive skin may be the trickiest type of them all. Many different food types can trigger an outbreak for this type of skin. If you have sensitive skin you may experience reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, or skin erosion, very dry skin which doesn’t properly protect nerve endings in the skin and a tendency toward blushing and skin flushing. Add these to your diet to make all the difference!
Go for:
- Pomegranates
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Oats
- Aloe Vera
- Green apple peels
- Salmon
Avoid:
- Red meat
- Caffeine
- Egg Whites
- Soy
- Soda
- Alcohol
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Its reach has increased and many dermatologists blame the modern and often unhealthy diet.
Go for:
- Green tea
- probiotics
- dark chocolate
- pickles
- tempeh
- Apricots
- Carrots
- Mango
- Papaya
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
Avoid:
- Sugars (particularly fructose)
- cereals
- potatoes
- corn
- rice
- pasta
- alcohol
