The Best Foods for a Healthy, Wrinkle Free Skin

by Janice Kumar

Nature has provided us with many natural foods which are good for various ailments of the body. I have selected the following foods which are extremely useful for a youthful well maintained skin. The skin should stay wrinkle free , without blemishes or acne , taut and full of vigor. To maintain and encourage your skin to stay youthful , the following foods are useful. They are normal everyday foods and you will be surprised how much they can benefit your skin.

Oranges contain vitamin C which is most essential to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays . This Vitamin helps in preventing wrinkles by producing collagen in the skin. Eat one whole fruit ( not just juice) everyday, regularly for beneficial effects.

Sunflower seeds contain essential fatty acids which help skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and prevent water loss. This helps keep skin soft and supple, improve hair texture and reduce blackhead formation . Take three teaspoons twice a week or use sunflower oil to cook your food in.

Papayas are a low calorie fruit filled with the goodness of carotenoids releasing vitamin A. They have an anti oxidant effect and help in maintaining younger looking skin. One bowl ( apx. 200- 250 grams ) of fruit a day is enough.

Whole Grains are a source of Vitamins of the B group. They help in replacing dead cells in the skin and in fighting skin infections. Niacin in whole grain helps skin cells to absorb nutrients and release energy. In order to increase intake, simply replace your normal white breads with whole grain bread , biscuits and pasta with whole grain products.

Green Tea is loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants. They prevent skin from UV rays and free radical chemicals in the atmosphere, prevent wrinkle formation and remove blemishes from the skin. Take Green tea without milk boiled in hot water twice a day to enjoy the beneficial effects.

Pulses are a rich source of proteins that help skin glow. They contain biotin which also helps in controlling hair loss. Simply cook well in boiling water to release nutrients and enjoy a protein rich meal.

Aloe Vera is considered a miracle plant with multifarious positive effects on the human body. The juice of this plant is very beneficial for patchy irritated skin, helps prevent acne and skin pigmentation. Simply take 30-40 ml of juice daily for better skin. However do not extract juice from raw pulp but take the juice available at chemists in pre-packaged form. Raw pulp if ingested without processing can contain some harmful ingredients which can cause stomach upsets and more.

Go ahead and incorporate the above foods in your diet and experience smooth, wrinkle free skin. You may note that simply taking minerals and vitamins in pills will not help the skin. It is the hidden nutrients in the fruits that are a must have.

I have written another article on foods that can be applied directly on the face and skin for many beneficial effects. Check out the Article : Face Foods also.

Foods you can Directly Apply on your Skin and Face.

In my previous article, I discussed the foods you can eat and are beneficial for your skin. Here I mention foods you can apply directly on your skin to find a cheap, natural alternative to expensive skin creams and medication. These foods are endowed with natural minerals, astringents and natural softening agents that provide a healthy alternative to modern cosmetics.

Enjoy the following tips.

Pure almond oil is an excellent source of natural moisturizing agents. In case, you suffer from dry and itchy skin, massage your face and other exposed arms and legs with pure almond oil. This oil nourishes your skin and removes scars and blemishes. This is an excellent all the year around tonic. Use it regularly to find a smooth clear blemish free skin. This oil is also excellent for the cold weather, preventing dryness by providing moisture and essential nutrients. Look for commercial applications that contain almond oil, incase you look to buy skin nourishing creams or gels. Many modern cosmetics make use of this wonder food for better skin care.

Some common problems faced by many women and men is the emergence of pimples, black spots. black heads and itching on the facial skin and also on arms and legs exposed to the elements.

Some common foods that can be beneficial towards curing and treating these complaints, the natural way are available easily and cheap. Many commercial cosmetic applications also make use of these foods to be effective and safe.

Fresh juice of apricots applied on the face for ten to fifteen minutes is an effective solution to itching and sunburns. This natural remedy also helps in reducing various rashes and eczema. Apply daily for 7-10 days to find effective relief.

Apply a paste of ground drumstick pods and leaves mixed with fresh lime juice on the face. Rub gently and let it stay on for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Continue daily once in the morning for 7-10 days and you will find pimples and black heads and black spots slowly but surely vanish. You will be pleasantly surprised to find clear smooth beautiful skin that glows and makes you look years younger.

One quick solution to persistent pimples on the face is the application of raw garlic juice blended with fresh lime juice on them. This daily once a day application will remove and reduce the formation of face pimples rather quickly. However the application itself will sting and hurt a bit. So if you have the inclination and the motivation for a quick solution, do try this remedy for a quick fix.

A couple of common daily routines, that can be followed for maintaining a blemish free facial skin that shines with vitality and health are easily followed.

Apply papaya pulp on the skin. This pulp rubbed gently on the face and the skin polishes the area, clearing it of all impurities that cause pimples, black heads and spots. This gentle polishing, once every two to three days, reduces the formation of pimples/acne and cleans the skin thoroughly making it glow.

The application of grated potatoes as poultice to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, pimples, acne, black heads is very effective and time tested. Use it once a week to find clean clear skin over the long term.

One natural alternative to using soap on the face is a paste of Bengal gram flour with yogurt. Blend this Bengal Gram flour with yogurt to form a thick mixture in a cup. Rub lightly in the upwards direction while applying to the face. Wash after 10 minutes to find clean clear skin. Regular application of this mixture, will reduce the formation of pimples and acne and will help remove black heads the natural way.

The above natural cost effective solutions will be beneficial to a wide range of skin types. Do try a convenient remedy to find clear healthy facial skin. They may take a little extra time to prepare and apply but these remedies are worth the time and effort.