When we think about beauty, we often think of wearing the right makeup and using the right skin care products. But moisturizer and serum can only do so much.
To have a bridal glow that will be the envy of all who see your wedding photos, putting the right things into your body is just as important as choosing the right foundation or lipstick.
Staying hydrated and eating healthy are two of the best things you can do not just for your overall health but for the appearance of your skin. But what are the best foods to eat before your wedding day? Are there certain foods that can improve your skin leading up to your ceremony?
Yes! There are certain foods that brides can consume in the months leading up to their big day that will make a difference. If you want to have the best skin of your life for your wedding, read on to learn the 25 best foods and beverages to incorporate into your diet.
In This Article
Does Diet Really Affect Your Skin?
In a word? Yes. What you eat can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your skin. Whether you’re dealing with acne or fine lines, the right diet really can make a big difference, especially when combined with proper skin care.
If your nutrition is lacking in any way, your skin won’t receive the vitamins and minerals it needs to be hydrated, firm and youthful-looking. In fact, an unhealthy diet can lead to inflammation, redness, puffiness, acne and early signs of aging such as fine lines and sagging.
While genetics certainly do play a role in your skin’s appearance, filling your body with healthy and nutritious foods can definitely help brides-to-be who are less than satisfied with their complexions. While results vary from person-to-person, health experts agree that your diet can play a key role in your skin’s appearance.
The Best Beverages and Foods to Eat Before Your Wedding Day for Sensational Skin
Eating a diet heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy, lean proteins and quality fats rich in omega 3 is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. But not all nutritious foods are created equal when it comes to achieving glowing, healthy skin.
To have the best skin of your life, consider incorporating foods and beverages from this list into your diet on a regular basis. They are:
1. Water
Serving: At least eight cups a day
We all know water is good for keeping us hydrated, but did you know that drinking enough water each day can keep away signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles?
Drinking water regularly each day helps maintain skin elasticity and helps the body to flush out toxins that can dull your complexion. Drinking a sufficient amount of water can also reduce puffiness and helps prevent tight or itchy skin.
While there is no one-size fits all rule for how much you should be drinking, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says women should drink 11.5 cups of water daily.
If you’re not used to drinking water, consuming eight eight-ounce glasses is a good start. The remaining 3.5 cups can likely be made up by the other beverages and food you consume throughout the day if you eat a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables and drink tea, coffee, milk or juice.
2. Green tea
Serving: At least 1 cup per day
Drinking at least one cup of green tea each day can do your face a world of good. Green tea is packed with polyphenols, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Not only can this help reduce acne, it can lessen fine lines. This super beverage also contains vitamin E which aids in new skin cell growth and vitamin B2 which helps your skin stay firm and more youthful looking.
3. Leafy greens
Serving: Unlimited
Any dark leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse but kale and spinach are two of the best. You’ll get a virtual alphabet of vitamins from them, including lots of the antioxidants that are skin-friendly.
4. Flax
Serving: 1 Tablespoon
Flax is rich in AL acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are good for you because they can reduce the effects of UV radiation, smoking and pollution and can also lessen wrinkles and improve dry skin.
5. Avocados
Serving: 1/4 fruit
Avocados are a good source of vitamins C and E, which are two of the many antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. They also are rich in monounsaturated fat, which helps your body absorb certain vitamins, including A, D, E, and K.
6. Kiwis
Serving: 1 fruit
Surprise, surprise. Kiwis beat out oranges when it comes to vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals. Studies have shown vitamin C may protect skin from UV damage and aid in the production of collagen to keep skin better hydrated.
7. Nuts
Serving: 1/4 cup
Want to add some crunch to your diet? Nuts, which are high in vitamin E, are a healthy way to do that. Vitamin E can counter some of the ways our skin ages by helping to prevent collagen destruction, a key ingredient in healthy skin. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
8. Olive oil
Serving: 1/2 Tablespoon
Olive oil is known to help curb inflammation thanks to its antioxidant levels. In fact, olive oil is being studied for use in products to curb eczema and psoriasis and other skin conditions. It could also aid in dealing with inflammatory acne.
9. Yogurt
Serving: 1/2 cup
Not only is yogurt packed with protein, it’s also loaded with probiotics. Probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that help fight inflammation, including the type that worsens skin conditions such as acne. Probiotics can help with skin sagging and increasing skin’s hydration, too. Be sure to choose either Greek yogurt or plain yogurt and be mindful of how much sugar is added. More than nine grams per serving is too much.
10. Peppers
Serving: No limit
Bell peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C and are also an excellent source of beta carotene. Vitamin C is essential in the creation of collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and strong. Beta carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A which acts as a natural moisturizer while also helping to prevent breakouts.
11. Broccoli
Serving: No limit
Broccoli is chock-full of skin-healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. Broccoli is also a good source of sulforaphane, a powerful protector against sun damage. This special compound works to neutralize toxins and reduce inflammation.
12. Berries
Serving: 1 cup
Berries are like tiny health bombs full of antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and A. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen formation, while vitamin A is used to treat acne and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Both are also used to improve skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
13. Red grapes
Serving: ¾ of a cup
Red grapes are famous for containing resveratrol, a compound that comes from this sweet fruit’s skin. Resveratrol is credited with a wide range of health benefits and has been found to reduce the effects of aging.
14. Oranges
Serving: 1 fruit
Vitamin C is a key ingredient in achieving sensational skin and oranges have that in abundance. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen production, a protein that helps keep your skin firm while also reducing other signs of aging.
15. Apples
Serving: 1 fruit
Apples are another fruit loaded with the all-important antioxidants vitamins A and C. Found in the apple’s skin, these antioxidants help reduce the signs of aging. Apples also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of cell and tissue damage.
16. Lemon
Serving: 1 Tablespoon
This sour citrus fruit can minimize the signs of aging as well as hyperpigmentation and scarring thanks to its high levels of vitamin C. Lemon is also a natural bleaching agent and can be used to treat sun damage.
17. Cucumber
Serving: No limit
Cucumber is one of the most hydrating vegetables you can eat, thanks to its high water content. The peel of a cucumber contains Vitamin C which slows the signs of early aging and Vitamin K, which aids in healthy collagen production.
18. Pineapple
Serving: 1 cup
Pineapples are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and minerals that play a vital role in achieving clear and healthy skin. Eating this fruit regularly can improve your skin’s texture, fade sun spots and help keep acne at bay all while aiding in the removal of dead skin cells.
19. Bananas
Serving: 1 fruit
This fruit is like an internal moisturizer for your skin. Packed with vitamins A, C, K and E as well as folate and minerals, consuming a banana daily is an effective way to improve your skin’s health. It’s also rich in dietary fiber, which helps to improve skin circulation.
20. Tomatoes
Serving: No limit
Tomatoes are a terrific source of vitamins C and E as well as beta carotene, three ingredients that can soothe the skin and lessen inflammation. Tomatoes are also a good source of lutein, and lycopene, both of which are proven to protect your skin against sun damage.
21. Dark chocolate
Serving: 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams)
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Incorporating a serving of dark chocolate into your regular diet can be great for your skin. Its bioactive compounds can improve blood flow to the skin while also increasing your skin’s density and hydration levels.
22. Cherries
Serving: ½ a cup
Cherries are a good source of vitamins A, B, C and K, folate and minerals, all of which are essential for healthy skin. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce damage to the skin caused by pollution, chemicals and UV rays.
23. Quinoa
Serving: ¾ of a cup
Rich in Vitamin B, quinoa is a delicious, protein-packed grain that can help brighten your skin when consumed regularly. It also contains lysine, a key ingredient in the production of collagen and elastin which can help repair damaged skin and counterbalance the impact of sun and pollution exposure.
The Benefit of Herbs and Spices for Healthy Skin (The 5 Best to Use)
Fruit, veggies and healthy fats and proteins are not the only way to improve your skin tone. Using the right spices in your food can also be beneficial. Here are the five best spices and herbs to consume for healthy skin.
1. Cinnamon
Just one serving of cinnamon has more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries — and antioxidants are known to fight free radicals that damage skin. Cinnamon can be used in smoothies, on oatmeal, in tea or coffee drinks and in baking.
2. Ginger
Just like cinnamon, ginger is chock-full of antioxidants that help protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays and slow the breakdown of collagen. To get the most benefit from this spice, try cooking with fresh ginger.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric has long been used for relieving joint pain, but its anti-inflammatory properties are also
effective in decreasing the bacteria that cause acne. You can take a turmeric supplement or use the spice in your cooking.
4. Chamomile
If you’re a tea lover, you’re in luck. Drinking chamomile tea is great for your skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness, itchiness and swelling. This herb can even be added to your bath water to treat dry skin and eczema.
5. Cumin
High in vitamins A, C, and E as well as other nutrients, cumin can be used to prevent premature aging by battling free radical damage. It also acts as a detoxifier and can help clear the skin of toxins.
Meta data: If you want a glowing complexion for walking down the aisle, your diet could be the key. Our guide shares the 23 best foods to eat before your wedding day.
