Treating your body right entails giving it the tools it needs to function smoothly… and skin health undoubtedly depends on what we feed ourselves.  Here are five nutrients that will help your skin perform at its best!

Probiotics

Good bacteria are crucial for managing your gut health and microbiome, which in turn affect the immune and inflammatory response of your body.  Ingestion of probiotics have shown improvement in skin barrier repair and hydration.

Find probiotics in foods like kimchi, greek yoghurt and kombucha.  Those with dairy sensitivities can try cultured coconut yoghurt instead!

Healthy fats contain fatty acids like omega-3 help to keep skin strong, supple and radiant.  Many people are not lacking in omega-6 as it is easily found in the corn or vegetable oils that are used in cooking.

Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, as well as walnuts and avocados are high in omega-3.

Selenium

This nutrient has been shown to protect against skin cancer and sun damage through anti-oxidative properties.

One single Brazil nut is enough for an adult’s recommended daily amount of selenium.  Other good sources of it are tuna, shellfish and eggs.  Be careful not to have too much!

Zinc

Zinc has a role in the management of sebaceous (oil-production) glands in the skin, aiding skin damage repair and keeping skin soft and supple. 

Find it in cashews, pumpkin seeds, fish and shellfish, as well as pork, beef and cheese. 

Flavanols

Flavanols are naturally-occurring antioxidants that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

You can find flavanols in cacao, in fruit such as grapes, apples and blueberries, as well as in tea!

Were you familiar with these nutrients and their benefits?  What other nutrients would you recommend paying more attention to?  Let us know!

Cover photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash