This isn’t about defeating the next political uprising, it’s about fighting the unstable molecules that damage skin.  Unfortunately, the appearance of wrinkles and dark age spots are part of the aging process as collagen production decreases. But you can help to reduce the effects of time by fighting free radicals and their effects. 

Protecting yourself from the sun is the first step, so make sure you always slip, slop, slap, ensuring your face stays out of the sun.  You can also help your skin from the inside out. A wholefood supplement high in antioxidants is the easiest way to make your body fighting fit, but adding selenium to your diet is even better.  

Selenium is an amazing mineral: its antioxidant properties protect cell membranes from UV damage, inflammation, and even pigmentation.  To boost your intake, try to add these foods to your diet: Brazil nuts, seafood (such as prawns, salmon, and crab), white meat, brown rice, and mushrooms.

Speaking of important minerals, many people are deficient in zinc.  One of the ways to know if your body is missing out, is by looking at your skin.  Zinc helps to keep your skin clear by keeping hormones in balance and boosting your levels of vitamin A.  Many people with zinc deficiencies will have acne breakouts, and instead of reaching for the right foods, they go to the store for a chemical-laden astringent.  Instead, it might be a good idea to try a wholefood approach.

 Adding oysters to your diet is the best way to dose your body with zinc( 85g of the slippery molluscs yield 74mg of the mineral!).  If you don’t like oysters, try dark meat (particularly beef), nutritional yeast, oats, and pumpkin and flax seeds.

Not all chocolate is equal (definitely don’t reach for a candy bar if you’re trying to be healthy), but this delicious treat has some fantastic benefits.

Adding raw cacao powder to your smoothies or baking, or eating high quality dark chocolate can do wonders.  This is because cacao contains nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, copper, and magnesium, all of which are vital for glowing skin.  But wait, there’s more! Chocolate also contains theobromine, a vasodilator that helps increase the flow of blood to the skin, is antioxidant, and has even been shown to improve mood!

Essential fatty acids are essential for a reason, and adding the right one to your diet is a simple way to look younger, longer.  This is because every skin cell is surrounded by two layers of fat that make up the cell walls. These layers incorporate dietary fats and are key to the appearance of plump glowing skin.   

The most important fat for your skin is Omega-3.  This fatty acid is the basic building blocks for cell structure and is a terrific anti-inflammatory.  Omega 3s have been shown to improve the look of skin by plumping it up, while working under the surface to boost the health of the cells and reduce inflammation.  It has also been reported that Omega 3s can reduce pimples and blemishes by suppressing a hormone called IGF-1.

You can boost your Omega 3s through a plant-based supplement or add these foods to your diet: cold-water fish, walnuts, linseeds, pumpkin, chia, hemp, and grass-fed beef. A perfect skin-care meall would be a wild-caught salmon steak, with a pumpkin and walnut salad.

It seems every second skin care commercial is selling us on the power of vitamin C. There’s a good reason for that – collagen production.  Collagen is a structural protein that builds our muscles, skin, and bones. Combined with elastin and keratin, collagen is also what makes skin plump and firm.  If you’re vitamin C deficient, you won’t have what you need to produce collagen, help wounds to heal, or prevent age spots. The vitamin is also an excellent source of antioxidants, a key ingredient in general health and in youthful skin.

But you don’t have to apply vitamin C topically in the form of an expensive serum in order to see the benefits.  Adding a vitamin-C rich wholefood supplement or certain foods to your diet is a great way to help your skin. Try putting more peppers on your plate (chilli, or red or green capsicum), or broccoli, kale, strawberries, or papaya.

For optimum health, when you’re choosing a moisturiser or cleanser, remember to read the labels, and stay away from anything you can’t pronounce! There are so many wonderful natural options out there, and if you click on this link, you can read about easy ways to make great choices about what you put on your skin to boost your natural glow!

Enjoy the skin you’re in,  and with a few simple changes you can glow from inside out!