What's the best way to start a natural approach to skincare? These superfoods can help

Friday, March 25, 2016 by: Sarah Landers
Tags: skin care, superfoods, natural health

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(NaturalNews) Skincare can be expensive. The cosmetics industry makes over $55 billion every year according to The Cheat Sheet, and it seems that there is a fancy serum for everything – from anti-aging treatments to acne remedies. But did you know that what you're buying off the shelves is full of chemicals and probably helping to exacerbate your skin problems?

According to Elle, people use several cosmetics products in their daily routines that actually cause problems for your skin. For example, washing with harsh cleansers strips your skin of all its natural oils, which can then lead to overproduction of oils as your skin tries to compensate. Meanwhile, that expensive anti-aging cream is probably becoming less effective every time you use it, due to the antioxidants within that break down when exposed to light and air.

So if your drugstore brands are actually not doing much good for your skin, what's the alternative? More and more people are turning to superfoods and a holistic approach to their skincare routine – and the results are amazing. Check out these superfoods and what they can do for your skin:

Berries

These tasty little bite-sized fruits are fantastic for your skin and overall health. Raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are full of vitamin C, which according to the Daily Mail are "vital for the formation of collagen, which gives our skin structure and elasticity." A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming more vitamin C improved the appearance of wrinkles and reduced dry skin. Meanwhile, eating just five strawberries a day will provide you with almost 98% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Orange vegetables

Vegetables that are orange get their color from their high levels of beta-carotene, which helps your body convert that all-important vitamin C into a usable form, according to the Daily Mail. Beta-carotene also helps prevent damage from free radicals and has antioxidant properties. So all your carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are excellent foods to eat when you're trying to keep your skin healthy.

Walnuts

According to Top10GrocerySecrets.com, walnuts are really amazing when it comes to skin care. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are important when it comes to regulating your levels of cortisol – that nasty stress hormone. Cortisol is also thought to not only increase your levels of stress but reduce your memory capacity and give your skin wrinkles from the tension of muscles on your face. Walnuts also help moisturize and repair your skin.

Oily fish

Salmon, mackerel and trout are not only delicious but are very good all around for your health. They are packed full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are not only good for regulating cortisol, they are also vital for your skin structure and appearance. As reported in the Daily Mail, "they are incorporated into cell membranes in the epidermis... and help to maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent moisture loss."

These four superfoods are wonderful additions to your weekly shop. And it's not just superfoods that are both natural and great for your skin – essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil have been proven to help treat acne and reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Top10GrocerySecrets.com

Natural.News

CheatSheet.com

Elle.com

Science.NaturalNews.com