Eat for better skin: your questions answered

Are there are certain foods that give your skin a good detox, or contain vitamins that are essential for a healthy complexion?

Your question is really interesting as for many years the nutrition industry has focused on what ‘not to eat’ for healthy skin when in fact the focus more recently, and correctly, is looking to what ‘to eat’ to support the skin, the biggest elimination organ of the body after all. When the liver and the kidneys are overloaded, the skin, provides detoxification back-up by expelling toxins through sweat. However this can result in tired-looking skin and blemishes, therefore a detox is an essential part of any long term beauty regime. Water is a key detox-er for skin but also there are a number of foods that maximize this process. Here are my favourites:

Artichoke – supports the liver and the production of bile for effective breakdown of toxins
Turmeric – a fantastic source of antioxidants and liver support, as well as anti-inflammatory for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
Ginger – encourages the circulation and delivery of nutrients to the skin needed for cell regeneration and removal of unwanted material
Celery – this is particularly blood cleansing so supports the supply of healthy, clean blood to the skin cells
Alfalfa sprouts - rich in detox boosting nutrients vitamins A and E, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorous
Avocado – rich in vitamin E needed for healing damage to skin cells from toxins
Lemons – they ‘alkalise’ the body and help to encourage lymph flow
Tomatoes – cooked tomatoes are a rich source of the wonder antioxidant Lycopene which aids the repair of damaged skin cells
Green tea- contains catechins, a group of polyphenols shown to be very effective at repairing damage to skin cells