Skin focus: Nutrition to support glowing healthy summer skin

Our skin can certainly get a beating during the summer months. Days of wonderful hot sunshine can begin to take its toll on our complexion and skin come September.

Here are a few ways in which to support your skin from within with nutrient-rich foods during summer:

• Lycopene and beta carotene

  Antiaging UV protective sun defense from the inside. Think tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, apricots, and leafy greens.

• Healthy fats including omega-3 fatty acids

  Support hydration from the inside and regulate oil production of the skin. Omega-3 is crucial to the skin’s barrier function. Think wild salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, oily fish, walnuts, sunflower seeds, avocado, and olive oil.

• Antioxidants, carotenoids, and phytonutrients

  Preventative and protective for the skin. Vitamin C for example, is important to support collagen production. Think red peppers, cantaloupe melon, papaya, berries, broccoli, and citrus fruits.

• Hydrating foods that are water-rich

  Helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump as well as helping to cool the body. Think watermelon, cantaloupe melon, cucumber, celery, lemon, green tea, and coconut water.

Fill your plates and meal plan around all the colourful and abundant fresh produce summer has to offer. When you eat seasonally, you are feeding your body and cells the nutrients they naturally need at the time of the year.

Think:

Aubergine, beetroot, runner beans, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, courgettes, cucumber, herbs, new potatoes, peas, radishes, raspberries, rocket, strawberries, swiss chard, tomatoes and watercress.

Happy summer!

Katie xx

DISCLAIMER: This journal is for information only and does not constitute or include any advice of any nature whatsoever. No reliance should be placed on the information or opinions in this journal. The reader should carry out their own research and consult with a suitably qualified medical practitioner.