The Path to Year-Round Healthy Skin

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Monday, 20 December 2010 19:05

Everywhere, December 2010 — Have you noticed that with this winter showing signs of handing down an extra dose of cold weather that our skin, especially on our hands, feet, arms, legs, face and elbows (which is just about everywhere) is suffering more than usual, as it becomes dry, flaky, itchy, and even sore in places? The folks at WebMD recently mentioned several ways you can work to keep your skin in shape for the season, which in turn should improve your outlook and help you enjoy life just that much more. Here are those reasons: Water: The drinking of water helps reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. It helps cells take up nutrients and purge toxins. And water improves circulation and blood flow, keeping your skin glowing; eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day should do it. Selenium: A trace mineral that may help protect skin cells from free radical damage, selenium may also play a role in skin cancer prevention. Sources can be found in Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, fish (like snapper, cod, halibut, tuna, and salmon) and beef, light turkey meat, oysters, sardines, crab, and whole-wheat pasta. CoQ10: …Or Coenzyme Q10, is a powerful antioxidant made naturally in your body. It protects skin and other cells from the damages of free radicals, provides energy and immune system function. The main food sources of CoQ10 include oily fish such as salmon and tuna, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains. Antioxidants: A molecule that inhibits oxidation and damage of other molecules, which if left unchecked can damage cells, antioxidants prevent or slow the damage that contributes to signs of aging, increasing wrinkles and dry skin. Antioxidants can be found in colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, tomatoes, apricots, beets, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, peppers, and beans. Vitamin A: Found especially in oranges, carrots and cantaloupe, consuming them will help you steer clear of dry, flaky skin. Good food sources of vitamin A include leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy such as cheese and milk. Vitamin C: This vitamin helps protect skin from the sun and helps undo damage done by free radicals. Excellent sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, broccoli, greens, and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that may help shield your skin from damage done by the sun is vitamin E, which is also an anti-inflammatory and immunity enhancer, and is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus, olives, and leafy greens in small amounts. Essential Fatty Acids: … such as omega-3s and omega-6s, help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, reducing dry skin and blemishes and helping to leave skin smoother and younger-looking. Sources include olive and canola oils, flax, walnuts, and cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Green Tea: According to the WebMD reporters, this may be the closest thing to a magic elixir that nature can offer for your skin. Green tea helps to stop inflammation, slow DNA damage, and can help prevent the sun from burning your skin. Brew some up soon. SOURCE: WebMD; Visual courtesy blogthecoast.com < Prev   Next >