Looking in the mirror can be as stressful as standing on the scale waiting for that number to tell you how much you weigh. Appearance may not be as important as being healthy, but we want to talk about where being healthy and looking healthy intersect. Skin health, to be exact, and the supplements that you can take to reduce the damage done to the skin. Let us also remember that lifestyle is a very important component, as well.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a supplement that has many benefits for the body. One of them is the supplement’s ability to attract and retain moisture to the skin. Improved moisturization conditions in the skin can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, contribute to healthy tissue, and reduce the chance that skin will crack or feel dry. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component in the body, so it’s anti-aging properties are seen as natural. This is refreshing since many new anti-aging supplements are not always seen as natural.
2. Eating Fats
Of course, eating fats is good for your body because the right fats, the healthy ones, can keep your skin looking great and your body slim and toned. Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, wild caught salmon, and grass-fed beef are all examples of the kinds of foods that have healthy fats. They help to regulate your hormonal system and provide clean-burning fuel. These all contribute to a functioning metabolism and a good sleep pattern, both of which contribute to that healthier looking glow in front of the mirror.
Be wary of sugar-coated fried foods, often treats such as donuts and other fried foods will use cheaper oils, such as canola or vegetable oil. These oils break down in heat much faster, are processed past the point of really providing any nutritional benefit, and can contribute to adipose fat storage. Adipose fat is the kind that hangs around the gut area and makes your stomach area appear bigger than it actually is. Adipose fat can also be harmful in the body if it is in the body long term.
Other foods with beneficial fats include pumpkin seeds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and chia, flax and almonds. Focusing largely on Omega-3 fats, instead of Omega-6s, can greatly increase the health of your skin. Omega-3s help to produce the natural oils that act as a layer on the skin, helping to moisturize the skin.
3. Applying Fats
Another way to increase skin health is to use some of those same foods in a different manner. Coconut oil is a great way to moisturize the skin because it is rich in Omega-3’s and it penetrates the skin better than other oils. Coconut oil has naturally occurring anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. This also helps to clear out any bacteria residue that could be hanging out on the skin surface. Don’t forget that coconut oil is good for hair health, too! It can soften dry, brittle hair and give it shine.
For more ways to look great using fats, check out my latest book, Fight Fat with Fat. It is a wonderful resource for living a healthy lifestyle!
