The 6 Best Foods for a Glowing Skin
Because my Postpartum Skin needed help, and maybe so does yours
Do you remember when you were pregnant and you were constantly complimented on the quality of your skin? “You are glowing, have you just had a facial” were some of the comments I used to receive on a weekly basis.
Fast forward to a few weeks into my motherhood journey, and there was no one making any comments; it was very clear that my skin didn’t look healthy as the hyperpigmentation was taking over my forehead, some random pimples had appeared from nowhere, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept longer than 3 hours. All in all, it was a certainty that I wasn’t likely to be called by L’Oreal to become their model of the year.
As Heidi Murkoff says “Just like the rest of your body, your complexion can take a long time to get back to normal after you’ve delivered.”
Hormonal swings, stress, sleep deprivation and about zero time for skin care are all playing a role. And what about those dark splotches on your forehead (melasma), upper lip and cheeks, which have yet to fade — will they ever?
The bottom line is that all postpartum women go through a tough stage when it comes down to skin issues, especially in the first twelve months postpartum. It is important to stay away from the midday sun as much as possible (or at least until the melanin production slows down), while applying a 50+ zinc-based, organic sunscreen.
Although it’s natural for our skin to age and change, we can do it gracefully by limiting our alcohol intake, by avoiding processed foods and by not smoking, as they play a fundamental role if you want to get your glow back.
Moreover, whenever you can, it is advisable to indulge in the following foods:
Almonds
The health benefits of almonds are extensive, and its proprieties are used to assist with high cholesterol, bone density, constipation, low energy, respiratory disorders, and even diabetes. What many people don’t know is that almonds help in maintaining healthy locks and glowing skin thanks to its good dose of the skin cells protector Vitamin E. Almonds are extremely versatile and can be added to meals or eat as a snack.
Avocado
When we think about good fats, our brain automatically goes to avocado. Filled with Vit E and monounsaturated fats, Avocado protects the skin and keeps it moist, so don’t only eat your avocado, but spread it all over your face for a tasty natural mask. Apply 2 times a week for three weeks and you will notice the difference.
Olive oil
And this is another good fat! No wonder olive oil is a staple food in the healthiest diet; with its antioxidative proprieties it doesn’t only assist your skin and hairs, but it also protects your heart. It’s always preferable to consume it raw because it changes its chemical structure when heated. Add it to salads, roasted veggies or anywhere really. Apply as a night mask and be ready to shine (and to change your pillow sheet the next day).
Be aware: getting thoroughly rid of olive oil from skin and hairs can be quite challenging, so don’t apply when in a rush; save it as a weekend pampering treatment.
Oats
Another food that is good for the heart and that helps to lower our cholesterol while keeping up our energy level. Pick oats for breakfast or as a pre-gym snack and avoid all the sugary bars and cereals that promote pimples and irritated skin. There are plenty of facial masks that can be done with oats but my favorite is the anti-inflammatory one:
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of finely grounded rolled oats, one of preservative-free organic yogurt and one of honey (Manuka being the favorite choice). Mix together and apply to skin for 15–20 minutes. Relax and wait for the magic to happen.
Cacao
Yes! Cacao is delicious and versatile. It is also packed with antioxidants (flavanols), great for keeping up the energy and to alt the sugar craving while improving the blood flow, hence the quality of your skin. My favorite recipe is a simple smoothie made of half frozen banana, half ripe avocado, cacao, and 3 ice cubes. Your skin and belly will thank you for it.
And do not forget to drink Water
Our body is composed of an average of 60% by water, depending of course on our age and gender. Think about what happens when we don’t water our plants. That’s also what happens to our body when we don’t drink enough; moreover swapping sugary drinks for water has the benefit of helping our teeth from decaying and maintains our body weight stable. So drink up!
