When we hear the word ‘skincare’, the first thing that comes to mind is products. We think of all the cleansers, moisturisers and serums that we’ve spent money on through the years. We think of our routine facials, and all the trends we follow to achieve that picture-perfect skin we all desire. What we fail to realise is that caring for our skin has more to do with what we are putting inside of our body, and not what we apply to the outside.

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. What we eat every single day is more important than the products that we are using in our facial routines. Unhealthy diets can result in acne breakouts, inflammation and premature skin aging. There are certain foods that benefit our skin in multiple ways. These foods have to be incorporated into our diet if we want that flawless skin we dream of. Read on if you’d like to know which 5 foods are recommended for healthy, glowing skin.

1. Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon and herring are amazing foods to eat if healthy skin is your goal. The reason for this is that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are vital to maintaining skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids keep the skin moisturised and a deficiency in these fatty acids can result in dry skin. Fatty fish is also an excellent source of vitamin E, a very important antioxidant for your skin.

2. Nuts: Nuts are a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Walnuts in particular are a great addition to your diet as they contain zinc and zinc is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier. Other nuts that are recommended include almonds, cashews and pistachios.

3. Broccoli: Broccoli is a super food that is full of different vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins and minerals found in broccoli include zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C. Broccoli also contains lutein which protects skin from oxidative damage. Other vegetables that are recommended for their impressive properties include cauliflower and brussels sprouts. These veggies assist with collagen production and skin elasticity.

4. Tomatoes: I’m sure that we all have tomatoes on a regular basis as they are an important ingredient in almost all dishes. Tomatoes are an amazing source of vitamin C. Tomatoes are also rich in carotenoids, which means that they assist in protection from sun damage and wrinkling as well.

5. Avocados: We have all heard that avocados are rich in healthy fats. Getting enough of these fats in our diet is essential to help our skin’s flexibility. These fats also help our skin to stay moisturised from the inside. Avocados are also an excellent source of Vitamin E.

Along with the foods mentioned above, it also important to drink nothing less than 2 litres of water a day. There are many foods that can assist you in improving your skin, and it is also important to stay away from foods that can damage your skin. Having a healthy balanced diet is the best decision you could make for yourself.