Fall Foods that keep your Skin looking Gorgeous

Cooler temperatures in the fall can be a cause of dry, lackluster skin if you’re not supplying your body with the proper nutrients. You may think that beautiful skin is all about what you put ON your body but the foods we eat actually play an important part in establishing how our skin will look and feel. Mother Nature is a lot smarter than we are and she kindly helps us combat the effects of cooler temperatures by providing us with seasonal foods that will keep skin looking bright, young, and beautiful instead of dull and dehydrated. 

These are some of the best fall foods to keep your skin glowing through the fall. Most of us will be eating at least a few of them this week on Thanksgiving! 

Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and sweet potatoes are all fall vegetables that keep skin beautiful thanks to their high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps firm and tone skin, providing a more youthful look. Eating it regularly prevents free-radical damage and protects skin cells, helping prevent wrinkles. This antioxidant is needed for the repair and growth of tissues and in the formation of the protein collagen, which is used to make new skin and give it its elasticity.

Winter squashes such as pumpkin, acorn and butternut squash are all rich in beta- carotene. This precursor to Vitamin A can help fight wrinkles and balance skin ph. to reduce excess oil while also fighting inflammation that can make skin look puffy. Beta- carotene and Vitamin A both encourage new skin growth by increasing cell turnover; this helps skin follicles clear and reduce the likelihood of acne and dry, rough skin.

Sweet potatoes have a high level of Vitamin A and beta-carotene, a great combo when it comes to a skin super-food. Retinol and retinoic acid, found in many skin care products, are both derived from Vitamin A which helps keep skin smooth and wrinkles at bay. The beta-carotene adds another level of skin protection by combating free radicals, which result in skin aging. Their low glycemic index also makes them a great carbohydrate choice since they won’t cause spikes or crashes in blood sugar, associated with hormonal imbalances that can lead to frequent breakouts.

Kale, spinach, Swiss chard and collard greens are cool weather leafy green vegetables that are all good sources of Vitamin E. In recent years Vitamin E has gained popularity as a supplement for immunity, healthy eyes and healthy skin. The benefits of vitamin E come from its antioxidant properties, removing free radicals which can cause damage to the cell structure and lead to premature aging. Including these leafy greens as part of your regular diet can also help soothe dry skin, which is common as temperatures begin to drop.

Pumpkin seeds and pecans are packed with skin beautifying zinc. Zinc helps the body maintain its collagen supply, which helps give skin elasticity, prevents wrinkles and even sagging skin. This important nutrient is also essential for maintaining hormonal balance, a crucial part of keeping acne at bay.

Cacao powder, chocolate and roasted pumpkin and squash seeds are good sources of copper and easily found during the fall. Copper is an essential mineral required by the body for bone and connective tissue production. It aids in the production of collagen, helping with skin elasticity, and gives color to our hair, skin and eyes. Just make sure you’re not adding too much sugar to your cacao powder!

These yummy foods are abundant now so eat up! Also make sure to Drink plenty of water, getting enough sleep, (sadly for me that hasn’t been part of my routine since my youngest was born 20 months ago!) avoiding cigarette smoke and reducing your stress levels (also laughable for some moms right?!!) are also essential parts of any healthy skin routine. Remember that skin has to replenish from the inside out just like the rest of your body.

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