A Men's Guide to a Healthy Skin Diet

Guys, if you want healthy, glowing skin, pay attention to the food you're consuming. A healthy skin diet is pretty much what you'd expect - a balanced, healthy diet with plenty of healthy fats and protein. The foods you eat affect your skin - and the rest of your body - in complex ways, so it's important to understand the nutritional makeup of the foods you eat if you goal is perfect skin.

The Guy's Healthy Skin Diet

A healthy skin diet is high in vitamins and contains plenty of water. The most important parts of a diet for healthy skin are:

• Antioxidants: Foods like strawberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals, which you can be exposed to from being out in the sun. When you protect skin cells, you're helping to reduce the signs of premature aging.
• Fatty acids: Foods like salmon and flaxseed are high in fatty acids, which keep cell membranes healthy. The stronger the membrane, the better equipped it is to hold in moisture. Cells that are hydrated have firm, healthy membranes, which lead to smoother, younger-looking skin.
• Healthy oils: Cold pressed, expeller processed and extra virgin oils keep the skin lubricated. However, a healthy diet should include these in moderation, since they're high in calories.
• Selenium: Eat foods like whole wheat breads and Brazil nuts to get enough of the mineral selenium, which is key to healthy skin cells.
• Vitamin A: To keep skin cells healthy, eat a healthy diet with enough vitamin A. One of the easiest places to find this vitamin is in low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt, which also helps digestion.
• Water: You've been told to drink eight glasses a day, but are you doing it? Good, pure hydration from water - not sodas - keeps the skin hydrated and glowing.

Eating a healthy diet can have a major effect on the appearance of your skin. Remember, you are what you eat!

Easy Healthy Skin Tips

For many men, perfect skin doesn't come easy - but for some, simple diet changes can do a world of difference. Here are some easy healthy skin tips:

• Add strawberries or blueberries to your morning breakfast for added antioxidants.
• Measure out eight glasses of water each day into a reusable water container. This way you'll know exactly how much water you are consuming.
• Take healthy snacks, such as nuts and trail mix, on the go. That way you're less likely to snack on unhealthy options, like chips.

Resources

Gibson, L., M.D. (2010). Healthy skin. Retrieved January 6, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-skin/AN01863.

Science Daily Staff. (2007). What to eat for glowing healthy skin. Retrieved March 17, 2010, from the Science Daily Web site: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109201438.htm.