Top 10 Foods for Great Skin

Almost any tea is a delicious beverage, but green tea in particular has many uses when it comes toskin care. First off, drinking it will help keep you hydrated, and hydration is key when it comes to greatskin. It can also be applied topically in different ways to help reduce sunburns, treat acne, moisturizeskin and clear up those dark circles under your eyes. Is it any wonder that so many lotions and moisturizers brag about having green tea extract in their products? And you thought tea was just for fancy English parties.

#9: Soy

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While there is still research being done on the full effectiveness of soy for your skin, it has already been shown to have some remedial properties. Soy contains isoflavones, a plant compound that helps boost collagen production. This in turn can in turn help address wrinkles and skin inflammation, in addition to other health benefits unrelated to the skin. Soy is another product that is found in different lotions and creams as well as certain foods, and can be applied to your skin directly as well as taken orally.

The flaxseed is a special type of plant seed that, unlike others of its kind, needs to be ground up before ingestion, as our bodies cannot properly break down a full seed. Flaxseed has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which help heal skin irritation. It is also great for anti-inflammatory purposes, helping with skin rashes, acne and dermatitis, as well as conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. The omega-3s also help your body produce more oil, which then keeps yourskin smooth and soft. And, applied topically, flaxseed oil is a natural moisturizer that locks in water and keeps your skin hydrated.

Eggs have been sought out as a skin treatment source for many years – millennia, in fact – especially for DIYers. As with soy, the full benefits of eggs are still being researched, but so far the results have been favorable. Egg whites can be used in a facial mask that helps to keep skin firm and blemish free. Also, the protein in eggs contains amino acids, which some people claim help skin produce more collagen. Guess you shouldn’t be wasting your eggs on Halloween pranks.

While eating oatmeal helps your body in a few ways, its use as a home remedy facemask is what lands it on this list. Containing quite a few amino acids, oatmeal helps fight acne, minor skinconditions and skin damage, and is a natural skin soother. Why else would you take an oatmeal bath when you have the chickenpox? A mask made with oatmeal is also hypoallergenic, meaning any skintype can benefit from its use. And if all that wasn’t enough, combining oatmeal with other ingredients can also act as a moisturizer and help your skin stay hydrated.

They are great as a snack, but who knew they could also be great for your skin? Sunflower seeds contain a plethora of elements that are good for you: they are high in vitamin E, which helps prevents wrinkles and fine lines and promotes healthy skin growth. Sunflower seeds have copper, which aids in the creation of melanin. This, in turn, gives your skin its color and helps protect against UV damage. In addition, sunflower seed oil can help soothe other skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

Putting yogurt on your face might draw strange looks from people, but you’ll have the last laugh when you show off your beautiful skin. Yogurt is one of those foods that can be made into a mask that can be used for different skin needs. Want to lighten and brighten your skin? Yogurt can do that. Need to get rid of those blemishes? It does that as well. Want to fight off wrinkles? Yogurt can also help you there. And while you are waiting for your mask to dry, yogurt makes a healthy snack. Just don’t eat it off your face.

#3: Chocolate

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Tired of hearing everyone tell you that chocolate is unhealthy? Well, believe it or not, dark chocolate actually has a bit of a health kick to it – specifically, dark chocolate. Dark chocolate can help your heart and blood pressure. It also helps reduce stress, which in turn can cause problems for your skin. What’s more, its potent antioxidants fight free radical damage, and keep your skin looking youthful. But before you go out and buy all those dark chocolate bars, you should know that you only need a small amount of dark chocolate to reap those benefits.

The walnut functions as a super seed for all the health benefits that it provides, including those that affect your epidermis. Packed with vitamin B, walnuts help reduce the physical effects of ageing. They’re also good for alleviating stress, which as we’ve mentioned can affect skin health. Walnut oil is a great moisturizer, so it lends a hand in fighting dry skin. That same oil can also lighten dark circles and can be made into a mask for that extra added skin healing effect. Make it into a face scrub along with oats, honest, cream and olive oil and you’ve got it made. Before we reveal our top pick here are a few honorable mentions: - Goat Milk - Spinach - Salmon - Red Bell Peppers - Tomatoes

#1: Water

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What could be healthier than plain old water? Although it seems so basic, water is pretty much the single most important thing for keeping skin healthy. Staying hydrated is the first line of defense for many skin conditions, as dry skin is the basis for many common dermatological problems. Plus, drinking 8 glasses a day will help ensure your body is free of skin-clogging toxins. With the other entries on our list, you might have to grind them up or turn them into a paste so that they can work their magic. But for water all, you have to do is take a drink; it’s just that easy. Do you agree with our list? Which home remedy made of food do you use for your skin? For more healthy top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.