Tell me your skin type and I'll tell you what you should eat

There are some sayings that you'll have heard again and again but which never lose their meaning. One of these is the saying “we are what we eat”, which is both straight to the point and true. We could even go a bit further along the same lines and invent another saying: “each skin type requires a special menu”. In an earlier post, we looked at different skin types and you will have recognised yours. Now it is time to find out what you should eat so that your skin is in tune with the food that you swallow.

Food for dry skin types:

• Tea: preferably green tea. If you prefer, marigold or red berry teas are also recommended. It is important to drink caffeine-free teas, as caffeine dries your skin.

• Olives: an essential ingredient for your salads. These provide "good" fats and a good dose of vitamin E which directly helps to prevent dry skin.

• Healthy fats: olive oil, walnuts or even avocado. Any food that contains these ingredients helps to moisturise your skin, don't go without them!

• Coconut oil: either eat it or spread it straight onto your skin. It contains many hydrating properties to moisturise and nurture your skin.

Food for oily skin types:

• Water: your skin needs lots of water. Try to drink 2 litres a day, as it is good for your body but even better for your skin, eliminating impurities and making it cool and fresh.

• Fibre: cereals, wholemeal bread and oats (never with sugar). These foods are perfect for helping the body to eliminate toxins, and preventing the excess production of fat.

• Food rich in Omega 3: avocado, salmon and tuna. These all have anti-inflammatory properties, helping the skin to look better in the event of possible outbreaks.

• Cucumbers: thanks to their high water content (95%), they keep your skin moist and help to reduce the production of oil thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Food for a combination skin type:

• Sunflower seeds, pistachios and walnuts: the vegetable fats they contain are of huge benefit to your skin, giving it elasticity and moisturising the dry and oily parts.

• Melon: keeps your skin moisturised, helping to ensure that the sebaceous glands do not produce excess oil.

• Red fruits: protect your skin from free radicals, thanks to their antioxidant properties. They help to prevent blackheads in the “T” zone.

• Carrots: an excellent source of vitamin A, helping to improve your skin texture at times when it feels oily.

Food for a normal skin type:

• Red meat: the protein contained in red meat is vital for the maintenance of collagen. Your skin can keep its natural elasticity with fewer wrinkles.

• Bitter chocolate: as this contains cocoa flavenols, its antioxidant properties improve circulation and help to moisturise the skin. Do not eat more than 30 grams per day.

• Kiwis: their vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen. Ideal for keeping skin firm, and softening age spots and wrinkles.

• Oysters: Low in calories and an excellent source of zinc. They help the skin cells regenerate, preventing dead cells.

Food for a sensitive skin type:

• Fish: the vitamin E provides your skin with a shield to protect against sudden changes in temperature. It also provides fatty acids to rejuvenate skin.

• Chicken: rich in zinc, this serves to activate the sebaceous glands. And this helps to protect and repair your skin after rashes and inflammation.

• Green tea: this acts as an antioxidant, helping to eliminate skin allergies or irritations, thanks to its high polyphenol content.

• Oranges: these enhance the production of collagen, which serves to strengthen your skin's capillaries, making it less sensitive.

Remember that whatever your skin type, you should always avoid processed food and limit your intake of alcohol and coffee. Your skin will thank you for it!

DermatologistExpert in skin care