Skin Care Tips For a Good Complexion

Beautiful healthy skin needs a health diet with lots of antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables. As part of a good diet, there are certain foods that will go a long way towards skin and body health.

Our moms were right when they told us to eat our vegetables! Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach are a great source of antioxidants; as well as other fruit and vegetables. Generally the darker the fruit is the greater the antioxiant value. These are also good sources of Vitamin A, C and E.

Vitamins C and E are particularly good for eliminating blemishes and blotchiness. This means citrus fruits and juices and leafy greens are a good source of Vitamin E.

The reason why fruit and veggies are so important is because they contain lots of antioxidants. These work to protect us from free radicals which can affect our skin. Free radicals are everywhere, particularly from air pollution and other things we can't control. The antioxidants are necessary for our overall health anyway.

A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and omega-3 fatty acids can help skin retain a healthy glow, it's anti-aging, and can precent or heal blemishes.

All fruit and vegetables are good for our skin, and overall health, but a few especially are important. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, plums and blackberries are particularly full of antioxidants. In fact, they have been shown to have the highest content of antioxidants of any other food.

Low fat yogurt with acidophilus, or probiotics, helps with normal digestion, which also means healtier looking skin. In addition yogurt has vitamin A which is important for our skin also.

Essential fatty acids, found in salmon, nuts and flax seed, are necessary for normal cell membranes. These allow nutrients to enter the cells, and waste products to be removed. The cell membrane retains water, so a stronger membrane the better it is for holding moisture. The result is healthier and younger looking complexion.

Green tea has lots of beneficial antioxidants, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Green tea also protects the cell membranes, and is great for our overall health.

1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup low fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup non fat milk
1 or 2 cups crushed ice

Blend until smooth.

Many people are not aware that a lot of popular personal care products contain toxic chemicals. The common ingredients in such seemingly harmless things like toothpaste, deodorant, skin cleansers and even baby products contain chemicals that have been linked to health problems such cancer , infertility and learning disabilities.

Many commercial skin care products have been found to contain toxic chemicals and known cancer causing agents. How can this happen? The reason is because the FDA does not regulate the cosmetic and skin care industry. Many questionable things can end up in products unknowing to consumers. Not only that, but very few things are tested for safety. It's an unregulated industry, so consumers need to be informed. I have included some resources here for you that I think will be very helpful.

The chemicals found in many personal care products also have a detrimental effect on the environment, as these contaminants make their way into our waterways.

As consumers are becoming more aware, many are choosing to use all natural skin care and cosmetic products. The cosmetic industry is responding to this demand. The number of companies taking responsibilty and signing the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics is growing. These companies that have signed have pledged to only produce products that have no chemicals or carcinogens in them.

Stacy Malkan wrote a book called Not Just a Pretty Face, which talks about this issue and what we can do about it. Another great book is Beauty to Die For by Judi Vance. It's shocking to discover how dangerous so many products are.

Why put chemicals on your body and into the environment when there are natural skin care alternatives? It's better for you and your overall health. Companies who continue to be irresponsible toward consumers will have to change if people stop buying their harmful products.

The amount of water you drink each day has a direct effect on how healthy your skin is. Drinking enough water can help keep your skin moister, younger looking, and free from acne and blemishes. Many people don't drink nearly enough water. Coffee or tea or juice is not the same as drinking water.

Drinking water moisturizes your skin from the inside out and clear up your skin. It can give your skin a healthy glow, and is important in helping the body get rid of toxins.

One of the main reason for tired-looking skin is dehydration, both on the surface and throughout the body. Keep your body well hydrated for your health and your skin.

Having a good complexion is a result of good eating, getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and using products on our skin that are free from harmful chemicals.