How what we eat can affect our skin and our hair
Words Camille Claudet
Share the article on
Staying hydrated is often cited as the ultimate secret to great skin and shiny hair. However, you also have to pay attention to what you put on your plate. We are what we eat, after all.
On the shopping list
Oily fish
Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines help keep skin hydrated and can also fight signs of acne. So, worth giving a try if you have dry or sensitive skin. They can also give your hair a makeover, helping to keep it healthy and even slowing down aging of the hair and scalp!
Green vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, spinach, artichokes...if it’s green and grows in the ground, it’s probably going to be good for you. Often rich in beta-carotene and iron, green vegetables are powerful antioxidants. This means they help neutralise free radicals (those things that accelerate aging of the skin and hair). How? By balancing and reassuring the production of sebum and keratin.
Fruits rich in vitamin C
Citrus fruits and berries are great news for your hair and skin. The vitamin C they contain encourages collagen production, which keeps skin tight and bouncy, and adds a healthy shine to your hair.
Protein
Everyone talks about it, but where can it be found? In white meat such as poultry, and even in eggs. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just reducing your consumption of animal products, pulses such as lentils, beans and peas are great sources of protein. Making sure you get a good amount of protein helps your body produce collagen and slow down skin aging. It also helps with keratin, the foundation of strong, healthy hair.
Dried fruits and nuts
Packed with vitamin E, magnesium and potassium, dried fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts help reinforce the hair fibre and can help reduce hair loss. They can also help balance the sebum levels of skin and hair. A handful every now and then is all you need!
Fruits and vegetables rich in water (and good fats)
On the menu: melons, cucumbers, watermelons, tomatoes, eating fruits and vegetables with high water content can help avoid dehydration and maintain the elasticity of your skin. Spare a thought for the humble avocado too, which is packed with “good fats” as well as vitamins C and E. These good fats can help illuminate and refresh your skin and your hair. Avocado is also a great moisturiser — you can even apply it directly to your face as a mask!
Dark chocolate
An iron-rich superfood, dark chocolate works full-time to help oxygenate your cells, which in turn helps encourage hair growth. It’s also rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help smooth skin and increase its natural UV protection. Choose a cocoa count of 70% or more to really reap the benefits of your next mid-afternoon snack.
To avoid: refined sugar and processed foods
We all know it, but we do it anyway. Refined sugars and salty processed foods might offer a party on the palette, but they can be problematic for our bodies, causing inflammation, throwing sebum levels out of balance, and leaving our skin and hair greasier than usual. This in turn can lead to acne, ingrown hairs, and other frustrating skin issues. Avoiding these foods can be tough, but it’s worth the extra discipline.
So, taking care of your hair and skin also includes what you put on your plate, and it’s worth taking the time to think about what you buy and what you cook. If you do, you can sit back, enjoy and — more importantly — enjoy the benefits!