On average, women spend roughly $75-$100 on skin care products a month, and some over $250 a month! This probably doesn’t sound surprising to all of those Ulta and Sephora addicts out there. Whether it’s for clear, wrinkle-free skin, shiny hair, strong nails or a healthy glow, we are constantly looking for the next best skin care product.

Rather than focusing so much on what we put on the outside of our bodies, we should also focus on what we’re putting inside our bodies. What you eat has a lot to do with your appearance – not just your waistline. Nutrients that we get from whole foods can have several benefits for our skin. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can help prevent wrinkles and increase elasticity in our skin. Did you know that tomatoes contain a chemical called lycopene which has been shown to improve our skin’s natural SPF and protects it against sun damage?

However, the food we eat can also do the opposite. Refined white products such as sugar, salt and highly processed foods, can increase stress hormones that cause breakouts. A diet high in saturated fats promotes the production of free radicals that can prematurely age skin. On the other hand, healthy fats such as omega 3’s that we get from salmon and flax seeds can help strengthen skin cells and reduce inflammation. Other fats that are essential for healthy skin include avocado, olive oil, and a variety of nuts and seeds. Minerals such as zinc promote healthy skin turnover; on the contrary a zinc deficiency can cause abnormal pigmentation along with stunting hair and nail growth. Last but not least, one of the most important nutrients that we can include in our diets for a beautiful complexion and healthy glow is water!

Take a look at what you are eating (and what you aren’t) and try to make some changes to improve your diet! You may start seeing changes right away and be able to cut back on some of those cosmetic expenses by simply changing your eating habits. And of course, if you need help sorting through the different foods that can help your skin look its best, you can always make a nutrition appointment with us. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!