Super Nutrients for Healthy, Ageless Skin
You are what you eat, and it goes without saying that what we choose to put into our bodies will reflect our skin’s health. We all know how important it is to load up with nature’s superfoods to nourish your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But, what exactly are the nutrients that our body needs to keep skin cells functioning and boost elasticity? Let’s explore the top 5 nutrients to restore and maintain radiant, healthy skin.
COLLAGEN
Bone broth is all the rage these days – and for very good reason!
Collagen forms the building blocks for all cell growth. It is in your muscles, membranes, hair and nails. Collagen hydrates the skin and boosts skin elasticity which keeps it firm and plump. As we age, the body’s ability to produce collagen reduces dramatically, which is why skin starts to sag and wrinkles set in. By incorporating collagen into our diet, the body can maintain optimum levels and keep skin younger and healthier.
Find collagen in bone broth as well as organ meats and wild-caught fish. Choosing a high quality, well-sourced protein is key to reaping the nutritional benefits. If you struggle to get your daily source of collagen, you might like to look out for collagen supplements that can easily be incorporated into your daily diet – our favourite is by Fiona Tuck
VITAMIN C
It’s no secret that Vitamin C is a powerhouse of health benefits. As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C protects your skin from free radicals, which we encounter every day. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which damages skin cells and is a primary reason for premature skin ageing.
Did you know that Vitamin C can also help your body to produce collagen? Paired with the right amino acids from your diet, Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to keep your skin radiant.
Some vitamin-C rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus, red capsicum and cruciferous vegetables protect your cells from sun damage and are anti-inflammatory.
Include deeply coloured vegetables and low-fructose citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, in your diet to reap the Vitamin C benefits.
Did you know that a couple of tablespoons of Sauerkraut will give you 35% of your daily Vitamin C needs? It’s one of the highest Vitamin C superfoods you can find. Not to mention 21% of your daily Vitamin K and 12% of your daily iron needs.
GLUTATHIONE
While we get most of our antioxidants from the food we eat, the body does make some naturally. Glutathione is your body’s master antioxidant, and is in just about every cell in the body! Glutathione can fight oxidative stress, detoxify the body, support the immune system, and boost cell function and repair.
Damaging molecules known as free radicals are caused by stress, pollution, smoking and UV. These play havoc on our skin by breaking down collagen, causing skin damage and accelerating the effects of ageing.
Glutathione plays a key role in protecting the skin from these nasty free radicals and, as it is an antioxidant that declines with age, we need to increase our intake of glutathione-rich foods to maintain skin health.
Grass-fed whey protein helps the body to produce glutathione naturally. You can also find this nutrient can also in cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts and broccoli and spinach, avocadoes, asparagus and okra.
CAROTENOIDS
There’s nothing prettier than a bowl full of yellow, orange and red fruit and vegetables. The pigment in these foods is known as carotenoids, and it’s a skin-tastic nutrient!
There are many different types of carotenoids – one you’ve probably heard of is beta-carotene. This nutrient is a precursor to vitamin A which we know is key to preventing breakouts and psoriasis. Think sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and red capsicum, to name a few.
Lycopene is another carotenoid that is found in low-carb veggies like red cabbage and tomato. This clever nutrient protects the skin from sun damage and boosts mitochondria health, vital for optimal skin function.
POLYPHENOLS
Highly pigmented plants are home to a large group of compounds called Polyphenols. They protect the body from free radical damage and can also fight against the effects of UV rays that cause sunspots and fine lines.
Found in herbs, dark green and purple vegetables, dark chocolate and green tea, polyphenols are the skin’s protectors.
Of course, many other nutrients are essential for skin health, including Omega-3, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Zinc, and selenium.
Nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits and proteins are vital not just for skin health but for overall health and wellbeing. So loading your plate with nature’s best and avoiding processed, sugar-filled snacks is the way to go to keep you looking and feeling your best.
Nutrition Through Skincare
At GERnetic, we pride ourselves in creating holistic products renowned for giving essential nutrition through the skin. GERnetic skincare combines powerful active ingredients that provide precisely dosed nutrients to the different layers of the skin. Our products are packed with amino acids, proteins, vitamins and trace elements, all of which are crucial to a well-nourished skin.
It is becoming inherently clear that by pairing a great skincare routine with optimal nutrition, you may have the recipe to turn back the hands of time.
For all your Anti-Ageing, Rejuvenating Skincare solutions, visit a Salon Near You