I LOVE THIS!! I have worried about my stretch marks and cellulite for years! I’ve even gone so far as to go on a beautiful Caribbean cruise and never put on a pair of shorts or a bathing suit because I was so self-conscious. I love that Chrissy Teigan is so transparent about her gorgeous body. The bottom line is 90% of us have it in our lifetime and some is worse than others. The best thing that we can do for our skin is to try to maintain a consistent weight throughout our life times and ….
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Eat 5+ servings of vegetables that are rich sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C, which draw free-radicals out of your body, decreasing or preventing their damaging effects. Dr. Lawrence Gibson of the Mayo Clinic explains that while all fruits and vegetables are healthy choices, certain ones are particularly high in antioxidants that can protect your skin, including blueberries, green leafy vegetables, and yellow- or orange-colored fruits and vegetables. They are also a good source of water, which also helps maintain skin health and elasticity.
Fatty Fish – Foods such as salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds and walnuts are sources of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. Foods such as salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds and walnuts are sources of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids. These fats, which cannot be manufactured by your body, are necessary for the production of the oils that keep your skin lubricated, soft and pliable. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University adds that essential fatty acids help provide structure for cell membranes and help maintain the flexibility of your skin. A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to scaly, dry, inflamed skin that has impaired elasticity.
Water – As much as 65 percent of your body is made of water, which isn’t considered a food, but is an essential nutrient. Water also helps maintain the elasticity of your skin. A common sign of dehydration, explains Bastyr University, is lacks of elasticity of your skin. If you skin doesn’t bounce back when gently pinched, you probably need to drink more water to plump up your skin cells. East Carolina University explains that adult males ages 19 to 50 should consume a minimum of 13 8-ounce cups of water daily. For females in the same age group, the minimum amount is nine cups of water.
Green Tea Helps Skin and Overall Health – Green tea has two benefits for your skin: It contains antioxidants, which may fight the effects of aging, and drinking it is a good way to stay hydrated. When given the option, choose green tea over beverages that don’t promote skin health. This is one of Kaufman-Janette’s recommended strategies for healthy skin — and overall health. She says, “If you can substitute a good choice at every single meal for a bad choice, you’ll start to look and feel healthier.”
Skin Needs Vitamin A – Sweet potatoes give you a healthy dose of vitamin A, which has been found to help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. There are several topical creams on the market that contain vitamin A, but Kaufman-Janette cautions against using too many of these skin products, which can be drying and irritating. It’s better to include sweet potatoes and other foods rich in vitamin A as part of a healthy diet. (Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and replacement of high-starch white potatoes in maintenance)
Healthy Fats – Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins A and C, and fiber, make them an almost perfect healthy food that enhances your complexion and fight aging skin. Avocado is also a common ingredient in homemade or natural skin masks, but Kaufman-Janette says you are better off putting avocado in your salad than on your face. “Masks with avocado can cause clogged pores,” she says. “Definitely avoid them if you are acne prone.” (Add an eighth of an avocado daily when in maintenance. During phase 1 the use of 2 teaspoons of olive oil is a great daily healthy fat).
Vitamin D Slows Skin Aging – Vitamin D isn’t found naturally in the diet, but it is important for healthy skin, especially as people age, says Kaufman-Janette. People usually get Vitamin D through sun exposure, but if you live in a less sunny area or stay inside a lot, you need to get it through your diet. You can drink vitamin D-enriched beverages, eat foods fortified with vitamin D, or take a supplement in order to help slow the aging process on your skin. During the winter months I supplement with 5000 mg of vitamin D plus K3. During the summer I try to get in daily hikes and walks to get natural vitamin D from the sun)
Resources: every day health.com and live strong.com