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Summer is officially here, and for most people that means eating lots of chilly treats to stay cool. However, when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and acne free, not all treats are created equal-many of our summertime favorites are loaded with excess sugar, which can lead to skin inflammation or glycation (a loss of skin elasticity and sheen due to collagen deterioration-collagen serves as the building blocks of the skin).
If you're smart about it though, there are plenty of summer treat options out there that won't wreak havoc on your skin! It's all matter of finding foods which have many of the important vitamins and minerals for good skin health, and thankfully there are plenty out there.
Keep in mind that simply eating healthy foods won't treat or reverse conditions like acne, which has more of a hormonal basis than a dietary one; however, these skin-friendly foods do a good job of supplementing treatments that do address conditions like acne directly.
Below, we give you three summertime treats that will both satisfy your craving for something tasty and cool and keep your skin healthy and glowing. From a lazy day at the pool to a vacation in a far-off destination and everything in between, these snacks will satisfy without doing a number on your skin!
Ingredients - use organic, when possible
Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are three fruits you should be very familiar with if you're looking for skin-conscious food options, and that's why this tasty smoothie recipe contains all of them! These berries are lower in sugar than most other fruits and contain high levels of antioxidants-the free radical-fighting substances that help prevent the oxidation of cells that can lead to aging, sagging skin. In particular, these berries are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and flavonoids.
This recipe is super simple to create-the only equipment you'll need is a blender. It's important that you use only fresh or frozen berries, since canned fruit is often high in refined sugar. Thankfully, most grocery stories have frozen berries year round if fresh ones aren't available.
In a blender, mix together the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with ice and a splash of water or fruit juice. Blend until all the ingredients are mixed well. If you're not getting the consistency you want, continue to add water or juice little by little. For an extra kick, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint into the mix-it's full of antioxidants as well!
You may not think of chocolate as a food that would be good for your skin, but if you go for the right kind (i.e. dark chocolate) it can be a welcome addition to any skin-conscious diet. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than other varieties but is just as tasty, and it's full of flavonoids as well. When shopping for dark chocolate, make sure to go for a brand that is at least 70% cocoa
(the higher the better!)-that's the level where you start to find a significant amount of antioxidants.
Coconut oil has long been used as a way to maintain healthy skin, and we've even looked at its benefits in the past.
Kiwi is a great source of both vitamin C and vitamin E-two other important antioxidants. However, kiwi is a bit higher in sugar than the fruit in our tri-berry smoothie, so make sure to only enjoy this snack in moderation.
For chocolate-kiwi pops you'll need popsicle sticks as well as a double boiler for melting the chocolate. If you don't have access to one, putting a small sauce pan inside of a larger pan filled with water will work as well.
First, you'll need to prepare the kiwi by slicing it into portions that are roughly one inch thick. Once the kiwi has been sliced, remove the skin from around the edges of your portions. Insert the popsicle sticks into the kiwi and place them in the freezer.
Melt your dark chocolate in the double boiler and add the coconut oil. Allow the mixture to return to room temperature, and then begin dipping the frozen kiwi into the chocolate. Return the dipped pops to the freezer until the chocolate has completely hardened around the kiwi. Then enjoy!
Not only are avocados full of heart-healthy fats that help promote clear, healthy skin but they're also chock full of vitamins A and C-which we've already discussed as powerful antioxidants. Tomatoes are similarly high in vitamins A and C, and even onions, smelly as they are, provide you with skin-protecting antioxidants as well! With fresh guacamole you really hit the skin care jackpot.
In a mixing bowl, scoop out the flesh of the avocados with a spoon and combine with a finely chopped tomato and onion. Add cilantro sprigs to taste and sprinkle the lemon juice on top to keep the avocado from turning brown. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to maximize the flavors of the guacamole. Guacamole is perfect served with chips by itself or as a condiment for Mexican-inspired cuisine!
*Avocado contains ingredients that have blood thinning properties, so if you have blood problems or use aspirin, or blood thinners of any kind, eat avocado and foods made with it in small quantities and not too frequently. It is also good idea to consult your physician.
With a Promise of Clear Skin, Dr. A