Beauty From Within: Feeding Your Skin

Do you invest hours, energy, and money in purchasing and using the best skin care products and cosmetics? I hope you do, because you're worth it! But do you place the same importance on the best nutrition for your skin?

Most of us don't spend much time contemplating whether that cheeseburger and French fries at the Golden Arches or the no-fat-all-fruit diet will help -- or harm -- our skin.

Research shows, however, that what you put inside your body is definitely reflected outside your body. For example, if you eat an unbalanced diet, such as an extremely low-fat diet, your skin may appear dry, flaky, and/or age prematurely.

Your nutritional intake is particularly important if you are prone to certain skin problems, such as rosacea, a chronic skin condition that results in flushed cheeks and nose. If you have this condition, you can prevent or minimize occurrences by avoiding spicy foods and eating those vegies (especially ones that are dark green, such as spinach and broccoli).

Think that since you don't have any specific skin conditions, you're exempt? Wrong. Your nutritional intake impacts your skin's color, how dry it is, its softness, tone, and more. Particularly important are vitamins B1, B2, B3, A, D, and C and minerals such as biotin and pantothenic acid.

In addition to taking a basic multivitamin, you can enhance your skin's health by consuming a basic well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, such as dairy, poultry, fish, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit. Remember: a skin that glows with health is the best gift that you can give to yourself!

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