Update your skincare routine by adding these ingredients to your  kitchen and it is easier than you think. Here’s a quick guide to keep your belly full and skin happy.

VITAMIN C
Our go-to for a cold has more benefits than you think. We need vitamin C to, yes, fight off any infection and boost our defence system, but we also need it to support collagen production. It strengthens the skin’s flexibility to maintain youthfulness, build a protective defence against free radicals and even out any discolouration and pigmentation. 
Eat This  

• • Bell Peppers (+ high in copper, niacin, vitamin A)
  • Broccoli (+ high in iron, zinc, magnesium)
  • Tomatoes (+ high in lycopene, folate, vitamin K)
  • Citrus Fruit (+ high in potassium, vitamin B6, fibre)

Use This 
Clarins Bright Plus Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion SPF 20 R870

HYALURONIC ACID
HA is one of those ingredients that seems to have no end to its amazing benefits. Because it naturally occurs in all the fluid that surrounds our joints and eyes, as well as the connective tissue in our bodies, there’s almost no chance for a bad reaction, when applied topically or ingested through our food. When ingested or applied on to your skin, hyaluronic acid works to effectively regenerate the cells, holds 1 000 times its weight in water, improves your skin’s barrier function and is a powerful humectant to keep skin hydrated and plump.
Eat This  

• • • Kale (+ high in fibre, iron, antioxidants)
    • Red Wine (+ high in flavonoids, tannin, antioxidants)
    • Bone Broth (+ high in proline, collagen)
    • Potatoes (+ high in vitamin C, potassium)

Use This 
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream R159.95

ANTIOXIDANTS
Our skin goes through a lot on a daily basis. For that, we need a first line of defence that will protect us against pollution, UVA and UVB rays, and the blue light from our computers and cellphones. These elements contribute to the age and deterioration of our skin. Not only that, but they also pack quite a punch when it comes to free-radical damage and how our barrier holds up. Eating foods rich in antioxidants won’t eliminate the harmful effects of these elements, but will build your tolerance and help speed up your rejuvenation process, as well as soothe inflammation and help prevent the harmful effects of sun damage.
Eat This  

• • • Red Grapes (+ high in phytochemicals, vitamin C, selenium)
    • Boiled Artichokes (+ high in copper, niacin, phosphorus)
    • Blueberries (+ high in potassium, folate, calcium)
    • Goji Berries (+ high in zinc, iron, fibre)

 Use This 
Clinique Super City Block Sheer Oil-free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40 R365

PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are bacterial microorganisms that you want to keep and not get rid of. They make up part of our microbiota, the thousands of organisms that live within our bodies and all over our skin. And this ultimately determines our overall health. To avoid issues such as acne, sensitivity, psoriasis and eczema, this microworld needs to be in balance, and for that you need probiotics and prebiotics (such as artichokes, chicory, raw garlic and raw bananas). In turn, your gut flora will be happy, and so will your skin.
Eat This  

• • • Greek Yoghurt (+ high in calcium, vitamin B, lactic acid)
    • Kimchi (+ high in fatty acids, vitamin A, antioxidants, fibre)
    • Cheese (+ high in calcium, protein)
    • Pickles (+ high in vitamin K, iron)
      

Use This 
Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Cleanser Whip to Clay R430   

For more skincare tips page through the January issue of Fitlife.