Sunday, December 26, 2010

Foods to Eat for Healthier Skin

Strawberries/raspberries/blueberriesStrawberries have more antiaging vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit. And research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who eat foods rich in C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those who don’t
Sip it: Strawberry Smoothie Mask
In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
(or a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—they’re all antioxidant stars). Stir together blended berries, 1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt, and 11⁄2 tablespoons honey (a great moisturizer) in an 8-ounce glass. Enjoy smoothie, setting aside enough to coat your face

Olive OilThe antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil don’t just benefit you on the inside—they soften your skin, too. Plus, consuming olive oil, a staple in the healthy Mediterranean diet, provides antioxidants to disarm free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Smooth it on: Olive Oil Quencher
Dab a pea-size amount of extra-virgin olive oil on lips to hydrate a parched pucker; or use it on rough patches (think elbows and heels), as needed.

Green Tea: Research shows that drinking green tea may reduce your risk of skin cancer. (And when you add a generous squeeze of citrus juice—like lemon, lime, or orange—the tea’s antioxidants get a boost of staying power, so they remain in and benefit the body longer.) 
Press it on: Easy Green Tea Eye Treatment
Chill damp tea bags in the fridge and put on eyes for 10–15 minutes. Green tea contains tannins, which act as an astringent when applied to skin and can help reduce puffiness, Perricone notes.

PumpkinPumpkin’s orange hue is from carotenoids, wrinkle-fighting plant pigments that help neutralize free radicals in the skin, keeping them from damaging the cells that fast-forward aging. Plus, pumpkin has hydrating properties.Although the seeds make a great fiber-filled snack, you get the skin-saving antioxidants from the pulp.
Smooth it on: Pumpkin Pudding Facial
In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt, 4 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Coat face; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. “It’s good for hydrating and softening skin,” Ionescu says.

PomegranatePomegranates are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits. Research shows this fruit’s juice has more inflammation-fighting anti oxidants than red wine or green tea.
Scrub it on: Pomegranate Exfoliating Scrub
Cut off pomegranate crown, and score rind in sections, without cutting all the way through. Place in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes. Break rind away from seeds, which will sink; strain seeds. In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add 3⁄4 cup turbinado sugar.

No comments:

Post a Comment