Bridal beauty: eat your skin healthy

Eat oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout. These omega 3 fats produce our skin’s oil barrier, which helps maintain hydration and keeps cells plump, while also protecting it from environmental stress. These fats work to reduce inflammation, which can be great if you have acne.

Make sure to get enough plant-based fats like nuts, seeds, legumes, avocados and olive oil. These foods are packed with mono- and poly-unsaturated oils, which form the foundation for healthy cell membranes. Choose a handful of unsalted walnuts or almonds as a snack. They are also a great source of protein and zinc, which helps skin repair.

Protein is the building block of our skin, as well as our muscles, hormones, enzymes and hair. Great options to bump up your protein include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yoghurts. Chickpeas, beans, peas and lentils are good vegan options. These foods also contain zinc, selenium and vitamins A, C and E, which are fundamental to skin health.

Packed with antioxidants, dark green, leafy vegetables contain things like vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and selenium. These can help reduce inflammation, which allows skin to then rebuild itself. Selenium can help target skin-damaging compounds before they cause problems. Spinach, rocket, lettuce, kale and broccoli are all super sources.

Last but not least, water. Your skin needs this. You probably already know just how much! Keeping those cells hydrated can only do your skin good.

Photography by Jason Lloyd-Evans.

For more expert advice on bridal skincare, check out the July/August issue of IMAGE Magazine, out now. 

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