CALM YOUR COMPLEXION WITH THESE 10 PLANT-BASED FOODS

May 24, 2018 by Hy Serure

Both physical and mental stress can negatively impact your skin, leading to irritation and flare-ups with common skin conditions. You can combat this issue by practicing stress-management and steering clear of inflammatory foods, like refined carbohydrates, red meat, alcohol, sugar, and dairy. Another way to battle inflamed or irritated skin is by increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory foods. Eat more of these plant-based foods to enjoy a brighter, calmer complexion.

1. PEPPERMINT TEA

Sipping on a cup of peppermint tea serves a double purpose of helping you fight psychological stress and reducing inflammation in the body that leads to a ruddy complexion. Peppermint tea has a cooling or numbing effect that eases irritation and inflammation from the inside out. It also boosts your immune response, so your body can effectively heal from skin irritations. 

2. OATS

Oats are often used as a calming agent in skincare products because they contain powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and avenanthramides that offer anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. These effects can be especially helpful if your skin is dry and itchy.

3. APPLES

Apples are naturally cooling foods that alleviate facial redness and irritation. They deliver antioxidant protection that reduces inflammation throughout the body and neutralizes free radicals. The skin of apples contains an antioxidant compound called quercetin that blocks pro-inflammatory processes that lead to skin inflammation and counteracts allergic reactions. 

4. BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are another antioxidant-rich fruit that fights inflammation. They contain a special flavonoid called anthocyanin which scavenges free radicals. These benefits don’t just stop at easing redness and irritation— the antioxidant powers in blueberries can also prevent the signs of aging like wrinkles and saggy skin.

5. COCONUT

Coconuts offer antioxidant protection to reduce skin irritation and infection, leaving your skin clearer, softer, and more radiant. This cooling food has the ability to fight bacteria, repair damaged tissue, and alleviate redness. Coconut water and oil provide these benefits, too! 

6. GREEN TEA

Green tea contains polyphenols that fight inflammation and helps to rejuvenate dry, red, or irritated skin. The polyphenols in green tea are known as catechins. They provide an abundance of skin-friendly benefits, like preventing skin cancer and eliminating bacterial and viral infections.

7. GINGER

Ginger’s incredible anti-inflammatory benefits make it a potent cure against skin conditions like acne or rosacea. In addition to helping to clear blemishes and treat irritation, ginger offers natural soothing effects that minimize pain and discomfort associated with common skin conditions.

8. SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS

Shiitake mushrooms are great for a calming complexion because they reduce inflammation and encourage cell repair. They contain high amounts of selenium, which has been linked to reduced acne and scarring. These mushrooms are also a great source of alpha-tocopheryl succinate, an effective form of Vitamin E associated with cancer prevention.

9. CUCUMBERS

If your irritated skin is red, dry, and itchy, cucumbers are a wonderful remedy. These cooling vegetables fight inflammation, ease redness, and provide natural hydration for your skin. Cucumbers are also antioxidant-rich, containing a variety of flavonoids like quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. These flavonoids prevent allergic reactions that irritate your skin and boost your body’s immune response. 

10. MELON

Melons offer wonderful benefits for irritated skin, such as cooling, hydrating, and antibacterial properties. High in antioxidants, melons help treat a number of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema by reducing inflammation and supporting skin regeneration.