Brighter skin, softer skin, glowing skin – where can I get that?! How can I brighten my skin? It may not be a surprise to you that working from the inside out is the way to go. The brightening we’re talking about is evening out the skin tone, reducing dullness, and balancing the oils and hydration in your skin. So, let me give you the low-down on some foods (and more importantly, the vitamins & minerals they contain) that will help get you that radiant complexion you came here for.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is known in the skincare world as being a major brightening agent that provides powerful antioxidants and improves collagen production. Foods that are high in vitamin C include any citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines), kiwi fruit, bell peppers / capsicum, and broccoli.
Vitamin E
Two vitamins that are in love are vitamins C & E; they often work best as a pair. The best vitamin E containing foods are nuts (peanuts, almonds, pine nuts), avocados, and salmon. As well as in the body, this duo works incredibly well topically.
Selenium
Selenium is a great mineral that will work supportively with vitamins C & E. This trace mineral is only needed in very small amounts to reach that daily recommended dose, and it works by calming down inflammation and hyperpigmentation in the skin. Foods that are rich in selenium are brazil nuts (2 – 3 of these per day is enough!), shellfish, eggs, and whole-grains.
Zinc
Zinc is another great anti-inflammatory that you can incorporate into your diet to assist in achieving healthy looking skin. It is also beneficial in regulating your skin’s oil production (great for both oily and dry skin!). Zinc containing foods include oysters, beef, chicken, and whole-grains.
So.. how can I brighten my skin? Choosing to incorporate whole foods that contain these aforementioned vitamins & minerals will benefit your skin in the most positive and healthy way, and assist with that glow – just make sure you’re consistent with it. Combining these foods with skincare products that also contain vitamins like vitamin C & E will help. As always, I wish you luck on your journey.
Yours,
Kait x
Cover photo by Karolina Grabowska