Blemish-free skin requires attention from the inside out, says Olivia Jenkins, nutritionist and author of The Clear Skin Project. Introduce the following into your daily diet and beauty regimen to help diminish the appearance of acne scarring and improve overall complexion.
h20:
First and foremost, upping your intake of water will flush toxins out of your body, keep your skin hydrated and replenish new cells. Try aim for the recommended eight glasses a day, and consume foods with high water content such as cucumber which will provide similar benefits.
Omega-3:
Think salmon, almonds, avocado, and flaxseeds. “Foods with essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation,” advises Olivia. This in turn lessens redness which will help fade discolouring visible on the skin’s surface.
Zinc:
The most important mineral when it comes to treating acne scarring. “Foods high in zinc have been known to speed up the skin’s healing process,” shares Olivia. This includes things like “kidney beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews and spinach.”
Vitamin A:
Dubbed “the skin healing vitamin, vitamin A is an essential vitamin that acts as a powerhouse antioxidant in the body.” This can be found in red-orange-yellow coloured fruits and veg; tomatoes, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, grapefruit and apricots, as well as dark leafy greens such as spinach – which all promote healthy skin repair by regulating cellular growth and rebuilding tissue.
Facial Serums:
Make oils your friend. “Acne scarring can also be helped through a topical application of rose hip oil which delivers a powerful combo of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids to help repair and regenerate skin cells,” shares Olivia, who also recommends jojoba, immortelle and camellia oil. “You can use them morning or night, or both,” she instructs. “The most important thing to remember when using oil is to apply on clean, damp skin, and you’ll only need a very small amount. So two-three drops should cover your entire face and neck.”
