Your skin is your body's biggest organ with a very important role to play: acting as a barrier to protect your insides from the outside world.
To help it do its job, the skin is made up of many different layers, which is why it’s important to support it both from the outside (with good skincare) and inside (with good nutrition).
Here are 5 key nutrients that promote healthy, glowing, radiant skin.
1. Zinc
Zinc is an important essential nutrient that’s required for over 200 enzyme reactions in the body and is integral for skin health.
Adequate levels of zinc in the body:
- Supports the immune system
- Lowers inflammation in the body
- Nourishes the ovaries and supports balanced hormones
- Prevents bacteria from growing on the skin
- Promotes wound healing
Zinc is found in red meat, oysters, mussels and pumpkin seeds. If you aren’t eating these foods regularly, BePure Zinc Restore is an easy way to top up your zinc levels with high dose, bioavailable zinc picolinate and vitamin C for absorption.
2. Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein naturally produced by the body and type 1 collagen—found in marine collagen—accounts for up to 90% of all collagen in the body.
In a lot of ways, collagen is like a type of ‘glue’ that holds the body together, as it plays an important role in the strength and flexibility of our skin, hair, nails, ligaments and tendons.
As you age, your body produces lower quality collagen in lesser amounts. Adding more bone broths, eating head-to-tail or adding a high quality, low molecular weight collagen supplement is a great way to get more protein and support your body's natural collagen production.
Supplementing with quality marine collagen has been shown to increase collagen production in the body, improve skin elasticity and hydration, and reduce signs of skin aging. BePure Collagen+ does just that and more with a blend of high quality marine collagen peptides and powerful antioxidants to soothe skin inflammation.
Boost collagen in your skin by applying topical vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen. Try adding Tailor Gold Dust to your nightly routine for supple, glowing skin.
Try our delicious collagen smoothie recipe to support your inner health for that outer glow:
BePure Collagen+ Blueberry Beauty Smoothie
Serves 1 | GF, DF, RSF
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of water
1/2-1 cup of your favourite milk, we love coconut or oat
1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
1/4 cup chia seeds
2 tablespoons BePure Collagen+ in either Vanilla or Chai flavour
1 tablespoon of almond butter
Ice cubes (optional)
Directions:
Place all the ingredients into a blender and whizz. Enjoy!
3. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a group of powerful compounds both produced by the body and found in foods such as blueberries, leafy greens, cacao and goji berries. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which cause oxidative damage in the body.
By promoting oxygenation, protecting against sun damage and reducing inflammation, antioxidants support skin health and slow the process of ageing on the skin.
Did you know: Vitamins A, C, E and B3 are antioxidants? BePure Super Boost C is a great source of skin-supporting antioxidants that support natural collagen in the body and is beneficial for skin healing and protection.
Retinol is the synthetically derived form of vitamin A in skincare, and is known for its anti-ageing and anti-breakout effects. However it can also be harsh on the skin, with common side effects being sun sensitivity, dryness, redness. For a natural option without the side effects, try bakuchiol in Tailor Illume Oil.
4. Water
While we might not think of water as a ‘nutrient’, technically it is, and an essential one at that as it is required in amounts that exceed the body's ability to produce it.
Being hydrated is essential for almost every bodily function and our skin health is no different. Water is essential for the body's normal detoxification processes through the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system that help to give our skin a healthy glow.
Without enough water on board, our skin can become dry, tight and more prone to signs of ageing. Your skin is the last place to receive hydration from the water you drink, so double up your skin's hydration and plumpness with dose of hyaluronic acid in Tailor Hydrate Gel.
A good rule of thumb is about 0.033 litres of water for each kilogram of body weight, and more if you are exercising or in a hot climate. If you can, try to drink filtered water to avoid taking in chlorine and fluoride which can disrupt gut flora.
5. Omega-3's
Omega-3s are an important type of fatty acid that cannot be made by the body and must come from food instead. Omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-inflammatory molecules which help to control inflammation in the body and are particularly helpful for stabilising inflamed skin.
There are three different forms of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - found in plant foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - found in fish oils (such as salmon, tuna, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines), and marine plants such as krill and algae.
DHA and EPA are the most bioavailable forms, as the body must convert ALA to DHA and EPA before it can be used. If you’re not eating fatty fish 2-3 times per week you may also want to consider supplementing with a quality Omega-3 supplement such as BePure Three.
Healthy, radiant skin can be achieved from the inside out. Try incorporating these 5 nutrients into your diet and skincare routine to see your skin glow. Take your healthcare to the next level and learn about how superfoods and gut health can boost your skin's health.
Author - BePure | Scientific Wellness Company
BePure was founded by leading clinical nutritionist, Ben Warren. Ben had a vision of happier and healthier communities across New Zealand. His vision has become our core purpose - to create health journeys for a better life.
BePure now empowers people on their health journeys through education and nationwide seminars, nutritional support supplements, one-on-one support via the BePure Health Clinic, and at-home hormone testing via sister company Eve Wellness.