Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It eliminates wastes and it absorbs what is applied to it. Our skin is a mirror of how healthy our body is. Wrinkles, dry skin, acne and aging are just a few skin problems that show up on the outside. These skin conditions are often our bodies’ way of telling us we need change. These skin ailments can often be reduced by improving our diet. “Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne and aging, are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including its nutritional needs,” says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health. To get healthy skin that mirrors a healthy body consume the right vitamins and foods.

Forget processed foods, if you want your skin to exude health and vitality try these nutrients:

Silica:

Silica is a trace mineral. It strengthens connective tissues as well as hair, skin and nails. If you are not consuming enough silica this can weaken you skin’s elasticity and make it harder for your wounds to heal. For healthier skin consume foods that contain silica. Food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb. In its natural form, silica is found in the horsetail herb. Consuming silica will increase your skin’s elasticity and ability to heal.

Zinc:

Zinc is very important for skin health especially among acne sufferers. Acne may be caused, because of a zinc deficiency in the body. Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. Zinc also plays an essential role in immune function and helps maintain vision, taste and smell. Load up on zinc by eating fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in chia seeds, flax seeds as well as cold water fish. Omega-3 is useful for anyone who wants smooth, younger looking skin. It is also useful against whiteheads and blackheads. Omega-3 is responsible for skin repair, moisture content and skin flexibility. Your body does not produce Omega-3 on its own so you must find the proper way to obtain it through your diet.

Selenium:

Skin elasticity is essential for anti-aging. Selenium might be just the source for all your skin elasticity needs. It also prevents cell damage from free radicals. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as it can protect the skin from damage caused by excessive ultraviolet light. Find your anti-aging dose of selenium in wheat germ, seafood such as tuna and salmon, garlic, Brazil nuts, eggs and brown rice. Brazil nuts are perhaps the best source, and eating just 3-4 Brazil nuts per day provides adequate selenium intake for most people.

Vitamin C, E and A:

If you have a youthful appearance you can most likely give thanks to your collagen. Your collagen is what keeps your skin tight and youthful. As your skin ages your collagen can break down and wrinkles will start to appear. Vitamin C has been shown to be effective in aiding collagen and elastin in your skin. Vitamin C repels free radicals which damage the collagen and elastin in your body. Foods that you can turn to for vitamin C include oranges, red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is another skin care wonder. It can provide a multitude of benefits for your skin. Some benefits include preventing skin cancers, reducing wrinkles and soothing dry skin. Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, and avocados.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A promotes proper skin cell renewal. A deficiency in vitamin A can take the form of a dry, flaky complexion. Skin care products with vitamin A are used in anti-aging and acne treatments. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, chili peppers, dandelion, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

In addition to purifying your diet and adding more vitamin rich fruits and vegetables don’t forget to use the right skin care products as well. Many skin care products include harmful ingredients that may also be sabotaging your skin. There are products that includes vitamins C, E and A in their formula to promote healthy skin. With a diet rich in these nutrients as well as using pure products you can see a big difference in your skin. Thanks to the right diet your skin will start to mirror a healthier you. For more skin care tips, be sure to visit lifecellskin.com