Hydration is often known as the secret to nice skin and shiny hair. Yet drinking 1.5 litres of water a day isn’t enough. We also have to get our hydration from what we eat. Forks up, you can do this!
The shopping list:
Fatty fish
Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines work to hydrate your skin from within and even help fight acne. Getting enough fatty fish in your diet is key if you have dry or easily irritated skin.
When it comes to hair, eating oily fish can help revitalise your strands, slow down hair ageing, and strengthen its elasticity.
Green veggies
Broccoli, green cabbage, spinach, artichoke... If it's green and it comes from the earth, then it's good for your skin and your hair. Since greens contain a high content of beta-carotene and iron, these veggies are great sources of antioxidants that neutralise free radicals that accelerate skin and hair ageing. How? By maintaining the production of sebum and keratin.
Vitamin C rich fruits
Eat citrus fruits and red fruits without moderation since they’re healthy sources of vitamin C. But what does this vitamin really do for you? It promotes the production of collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and elastic. When it comes to hair, it guarantees a healthy shine.
Proteins
What sources should you get it from? In white meat like poultry or even eggs. If you’re vegetarian or trying to reduce your meat consumption, legumes like lentils, beans, or peas will give you a major source of plant-based protein and iron. Proteins promote the synthesis of collagen and slow down the ageing of the skin. They also contribute to the production of keratin, an essential component of strong and thick hair.
Dry fruit
Rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, dry fruits such as walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts strengthen the hair fibre and limit hair loss. They also make it possible to rebalance your skin and scalp by regulating the production of sebum. Eating just a handful once in a while is enough!
Vegetables or fruits rich in water (and good fats)
On the menu: melon, cucumber, watermelon, and tomato. Eating vegetables and fruits that contain a lot water helps to overcome dehydration and maintain the elasticity of the skin. Also consider adding avocados to your diet since they’re filled with “good fats” and vitamins C and E. These healthy fats brighten and revitalise your skin similarly as it does to your hair. Avocado also provides deep hydration. You can even apply it directly as a mask!
Dark chocolate
A major source of iron, dark chocolate is fully involved in the oxygenation of cells that work to stimulate hair growth, among many things. It’s also rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which will help smooth the texture of your skin and also protect it naturally from UV rays. Opt for a chocolate with a minimum cocoa content of 70% to take full advantage of these benefits.
One way love
This is no secret, and yet we continue to consume them in excess. Simple sugars and processed fats, while obviously delicious, disrupt our sebaceous glands and overstimulate sebum production, making our hair and skin become oilier than normal. They also facilitate inflammation, such as comedones and acne which can become more painful and virulent.
Now you know to what extent taking care of your hair and your skin happens through your plate, so favour vegetables, fruits, and unprocessed whole foods and you’ll be able to admire the significant improvement in your complexion as well as your hair!
