top 15 foods for Beautiful skin

Aloe vera .

Aloe vera helps promote surface hydration of skin, and is also notable for its anti-balding properties. Individuals who want to regulate their sebaceous glands will also benefit from aloe vera.

Olive oil .

Functions like jojoba oil; it allows other ingredients to reach deeper into the skin for maximum effect.

.Lavender .

A soothing addition to any natural skin care preparation, lavender also has a lovely natural fragrance that will perk up your creams and lotions.

Apple juice .

Apples contains lots of B-vitamins and antioxidants. Apple juice is considered an excellent mild cleanser, and it will not dry your skin.

Beeswax .

Beeswax is used to lock in moisture. When combined with cleansers it ensures that some of the natural moisture of the concoction stays close to the surface of the skin.

Caffeine.

Caffeine has been noted for its ability to naturally tighten skin and improve the appearance of fine lines on the skin.

Marigold .

 Marigold is known for its anti-inflammation properties, which makes it an ideal ingredient for creams applied after prolonged sun exposure. Marigold is a restorative ingredient.

Camphor.

 Camphor has natural anti-bacterial properties, but is very potent and should not be used excessively in topical preparations. Commercial products are regulated so that camphor concentration is 11% or less.

Grape skin .

 Grape skin naturally contains resveratrol which naturally eliminates impurities on the skin, and also helps preserve the elasticity of your skin. Grape skin may be added to any home preparation.

Honey.

 Has natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Honey may be used as a natural emollient as well. If you don't want chemicals too in the moisturizing process, go for fresh honey!

Jojoba oil .

Jojoba oil is a moisturizing agent and also helps other ingredients in a preparation to reach deeper into the skin tissue.

Bentonite clay .

Bentonite clay has long been hailed as one of the best natural cleansers. Bentonite clay can easily remove dirt and sebum build-up from your pores.

Kinetin.

 Kinetin is one of the few compounds in existence that has been tested often, and actually has notable anti-aging properties.

Lemon juice .

Lemon juice cleanses the skin, and also removes impurities found deep in the skin tissue. If you want a natural astringent that works fast, go for lemon juice.

Milk .

Milk can be added to home preparations because of its fat content, which naturally moisturizes the skin.

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food Antioxidants and cancer

food Antioxidants and cancer

9 foods that fight wrinkles

If you’re scrutinizing over your dull, dry winter skin and fine lines and wrinkles, you’re not alone. According to a recent national survey by Allergan, Inc., approximately 60 percent of women 21- to 65-years-old said they would rather have a younger-looking face than a younger-looking body.

Yet experts say it’s time to forget the expensive creams and procedures. The key to aging gracefully is simple: Eat healthy.

Here, find out which foods to avoid and which to add to your plate for beautiful, younger- looking skin..

1. Cut out inflammatory foods.

“Foods that create inflammation are pro-aging,” said Dr. Frank Lipman, an integrative and functional medicine physician and author of “The New Health Rules.” Nix processed, packaged and fast foods, as well as gluten, dairy and sugar.

“Eating too much sugar will make you more prone to wrinkles and make you age quicker,” he said.

2. Omega fatty acids.

Keeping your skin well-hydrated from the inside out is one of the best ways to prevent dry skin and wrinkles. Omega fatty acids -3, -6, and -9 found in healthy fats and oils are vital because they become part of the skin cell walls.

“If the skin cell walls are plump and healthy, the skin will look more hydrated and dewy as well,” said Paula Simpson, a nutricosmetics formulation expert and beauty nutritionist.

Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, olive oil and avocado are all great choices.  

3. Amino acids.

Another cause of wrinkles is the weakening of collagen and elastin in the skin that happens as we age. Amino acids found in protein sources can help rebuild and repair damage. Meat, fish, eggs, tofu, some grains, nuts, and seeds are all excellent sources.

4. Leafy green vegetables.

Broccoli, kale, spinach and mustard greens will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Green juices are also an easy way to help absorb the nutrients more quickly.

“It’s like a liquid multi-vitamin full of antioxidants,” Lipman said. Be sure to limit the added sugar and fruits with a high glycemic load.  

5. Phytoceramides.

“As we age, the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) thins and weakens, making it susceptible to dehydration and wrinkling,” Simpson said.

What’s more, production of ceramides— molecules that keep the skin firm —starts to slow down. Phytoceramides, plant-based ceramides found in wheat germ, brown rice, spinach and beets, can help to protect the skin’s outer layer.

6. Antioxidants.

Too much time out in the sun is a leading cause of aging.  The sun creates free radicals that can permanently kill off healthy skin cells. Yet the sun is not the only culprit— an unhealthy diet can do the same. Load up on a variety of brightly colored, antioxidant-rich foods that contain carotenoids like tomatoes, carrots, kale and pumpkin that can protect the skin and reverse some of the damage.

7. Potassium-rich foods.

If you have dark circles under your eyes, it’s probably genetic but they can also be caused by water retention or sodium-rich foods. Many fruits and vegetables, as well as potatoes, nuts, beans, legumes, meat, poultry and fish are potassium-rich and can offset the sodium. Plus, cutting down on your salt intake is a wise choice for your skin and your overall health.

8. Rooibos tea.

High in polyphenols that help protect the skin from premature aging, rooibos tea hydrates the skin and is an alternative to coffee, which can dehydrate your skin.

9. Fermented foods.

Probiotics regulate digestion and put the good bacteria back in the gut, which can also help skin look healthy, Lipman said. Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and fermented vegetables are all probiotic-rich.