Foods that nourish skin-deep

A series of recent studies shows an interesting link between certain foods and drinks and the prevention of damage through the sun on our skin.

While reducing your exposure to the bright sun and wearing thin, long layered clothing are still the best choices to avoid skin damage and sun burns, there are a number of foods that can help to heal and restore. Just turn to your kitchen and feed your skin.

White, green and black tea, in particular with lemon, have been found to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation UVB can cause free radical stress, which can lead to the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants in tea can help the skin the damaging effects of the sun.

Foods rich in lycopene and carotenoids, such as red tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, and onions provide some protection against skin cancer and help against prematurely aged skin. The micronutrient carotenoid is mostly found in dark yellow or red vegetables and fruits. By eating tomatoes, peppers, melons, fresh apples and pomegranates the carotenoids are distributed in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. They help absorb the light, act as antioxidants and offer anti-inflammation from sunburn. Plus, they increase blood circulation and absorption of skin nutrition.

Ketchup gives some protection against inflammation, premature skin aging, and some skin cancers. Tomato juice, tomato sauce and paste are great choices as well as the lycopene in cooked tomatoes is more available than in the raw tomatoes.

Orange fruits and vegetables are rich in Vitamin A. Carrots, apricots, pumpkins and oranges are also rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants which are important in skin rebuilding and restoration. Other foods rich in vitamin A are liver and eggs.

Foods rich in vitamin C are great wrinkle fighters. The water-soluble antioxidant fights sun and free radicals, which affect the structure of the skin. An important component of the skin is collagen. Vitamin C can protect collagen. An excellent food rich in vitamin C and able to increase collagen is kiwi.

Foods rich in vitamin E are also believed to decrease the risk of sunburn. Whole grains, fish, and green leafy vegetables all contain vitamin E.

Green Leafy Vegetables are also rich in fibre which helps eliminate toxins from our intestines and body which in turn helps in preventing wrinkles and blemishes. Spinach, wheat grass, green algae, and cabbage contain many antioxidants, which are responsible for countering the effects of free radicals. The vitamins and minerals in vegetables let the skin glow from within. Eat a variety of 8-10 vegetables and fruits daily.

Buckwheat, related to rhubarb, is rich in protein which is essential in the restoration and regeneration of skin tissues. The gluten-free kernel contains a full spectrum of essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, which promote good and healthy skin. Buckwheat also contains many antioxidants, the important anti-wrinkle fighter.

The trace mineral silica strengthens the connective tissue in hair and skin. It helps to heal skin and keeps it strong and youthful. Food rich in silica is asparagus. Add lots of clean water to your diet as asparagus flushes toxins out of the body through increased urination.

Researchers have found that dark chocolate might also help fight cancer. Choose darker types higher in cocoa, which contains the important flavinoids which protect against sunburn.

To prevent blistering and peeling of the skin, apply apple cider vinegar, which keeps the skin moist and cool. Or add lemon juice to water to help heal sunburns and disinfected. Other condiments that help heal sunburns are honey and olive oil.

To sooth dry skin and to add moisture, put aloe juice, sliced potatoes or cucumbers on your skin.

The fat in dairy helps heal sunburns. One of the best remedies is whole milk. Soak a cloth in milk and place it on the skin for 20 minutes. Repeat several times throughout the day. Or heal sunburns with yogurt. Choose a yogurt that has live cultures. Let the yogurt soak into the skin for 20-30 minutes, then wash off.

The foods we eat play an important role to protect the skin from premature crow's feet and fine lines, specifically in the sensitive eye area. Besides adding lots of skin-friendly foods to you diet, drink ample amounts of clean, filtered water, exercise and apply natural and chemical-free skin crèmes and lotions.