How to care for your skin

Irrespective of skin type, to be at its best, your skin needs adequate supplies of B vitamins and anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium. Anti-oxidants enhance the immune system's ability to fight it out better and cope with allergens-essential for sensitive skin types. Not to forget the importance of drinking plenty of water and consuming essential fats to moisturise skin from within. Therefore, the main foods to focus on are wholegrains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Increase consumption of essential fats such as Omega-3s, in the form of oily fish and flaxseeds. These foods calm inflammation and moisturise skin from within-crucial for dry skin. Sugary, refined foods are best avoided as they are empty calories. Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, therefore not conducive for healthy, glowing skin either. Not to mention smoking, which ruins your skin! Here are some tips for specific skin types.

Sensitive Skin
Look at food intolerances/allergies to ramp up your immunity as they play a huge role in skin flare-ups.

This is what you must do-
1.Keep a food diary and eliminate foods that cause skin reactions.

2.Avoid processed, sugary and refined foods. Additives such as food dyes and preservatives stimulate the body's inflammatory pathways.

3.Sensitive skin is prone to redness and irritability. Deficiency of B vitamins can cause dry, flaky and sensitive skin, Therefore, eat more wholegrains, legumes and pulses-they are rich in B vitamins.

Oily Skin

Hormones have been linked to this skin type as they act on the sebaceous glands and stimulate them to produce excess sebum. If you have oily skin you should aim to balance your hormones.

 Correct Way Of Eating- 

1. Eat a varied diet rich in wholegrains, fruits and vegetables for adequate fibre intake.

2. Focus on phytoestrogens from soya, chickpeas and lentils.

3.There is also a possible link between a deficiency in Vitamin B2/B5 and oily skin. Wholegrains, beans and nuts are good sources of these vitamins.

4. Feast on cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower as they are high in indoles that help eliminate excess oestrogen and hence balance hormones.

5. Get more zinc from your diet to fight blemishes. Mushrooms and pumpkin seeds are good sources.

6. Avoid xenoestrogens (chemicals that interfere with hormones) that are formed by heating food in plastic containers in the microwave.

7. Avoid saturated fats from dairy and red meats as they interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids.

Dry Skin

Most of us complain of dryness in the winter months. However, it gets to be a problem when you have chronic rough patches, redness and irritation.

Right way of eating

1. Vitamin E helps maintain skin elasticity and keeps it moisturised. Almonds, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, wheatgerm are rich sources.

2. Ensure that your diet is rich in zinc as it helps skin to heal.

3. Choose foods with high sulphur content as it promotes skin rejuvenation. Eggs, garlic, and onions are good sources of sulphur.