While we don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to eat certain things to get rid of toxins in your body (that’s what your liver and kidneys are there for, you don’t need a special diet!), we do believe that the body needs to replenish certain things in order for it to run properly. We often find that random cravings mean we’re lacking in a particular nutrient (cheese for calcium, bananas for potassium, etc.) so we thought we’d take a look at some foods your body, and particularly your skin, is probably crying out for after the indulgence of Christmas.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish contain rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health. Christmas is usually spent indulging in salty foods like crisps and nuts, and drinking alcohol, both of which will leave your skin dehydrated, and omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to keep skin thick, supple and moisturised.
Walnuts
If you’re not quite ready to give up all of your Christmassy snacks, making a substitution might help. Walnuts richer than most other nuts in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, giving your skin a good dose of what it needs to be healthy. They also contain a good dose of zinc, which is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier, as well as necessary for wound healing and combating both bacteria and inflammation.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is another thing to eat, post-Christmas, as it contains high doses of vitamin A, giving your body the ability to absorb antioxidants which are incorporated into your skin to protect your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death and dry, wrinkled skin. We particularly like them cut into wedges and baked with a little coconut oil and smoked paprika!
Dark Chocolate
You’ve probably had your fill of sweet treats over the last few days, but if you still fancy something which feels like a naughty treat, opt for dark chocolate instead. It’s jam-packed with antioxidants which help to give you thicker, more well-hydrated skin. One study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate!
Green Tea
Now that you’ve stepped away from the Baileys for a few days, opting for something non-alcoholic and nutritious is a good idea, especially if you plan to indulge again at New Year. The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness as well as improve its hydration, thickness and elasticity.
Last updated on 30/12/2018.