Can certain foods really stop wrinkles? Do red grapes reduce effects of eczema? Nikki Edwards reveals all

Keeping skin moisturised is important (Image: Archant)

Is there any way to mitigate the damage? Our nutrition expert, Nikki Edwards, reveals the foods that can help us look and feel better.

The appearance of our skin reveals how healthy we are.

We can tell if a person is tired, poorly, young, old or bursting with vitality, simply from looking at their face.

And we can also tell a lot about their diet.

Red grapes (Image: Archant)

You see, the foods we consume have a direct impact on the condition of our skin.

So, unsurprisingly, if you want to change what is happening on the outside, you need to look at what’s going on inside too.

Can orange food stop wrinkles?

Winter can be harsh on skin (Image: Archant)

Diet can play a huge role in managing skin conditions. For example, with acne, eczema, and psoriasis, the redness and irritation you see is caused by inflammation.

You may have taken Ibuprofen to fight against inflammation, but the body has its own natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Some foods – for example oily fish – can help the body make these compounds and there is also a lot to be said for the healing qualities of orange food.

Strange as it sounds, orange coloured fruit and veg like carrots, sweet potatoes and mangoes get their vibrant colour from a compound called beta carotene – an antioxidant that protects the proteins in our skin that keep it supple.

Adding zinc to your diet is another quick fix. It helps even out oil production and speed up the rate at which wounds and infections heal so it works wonders on acne. Fresh or frozen prawns are a great source of this nutrient.

Onions and garlic are also good for skin. They contain sulphur which strengthens the skin’s fibrous strands, helping skin cells hold their shape, reducing wrinkles and sagging.

16 foods that help heal your skin

Of course some skin conditions need medical intervention. But it is always worth altering your diet and trying a combination of new foods to see if it makes a difference.

Here are my top 16 foods for skin healing.

• Nuts – full of zinc and selenium, these help to actively increase the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in the body and strengthen their fighting power. They also contain vitamin E, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium and iron, all essential to skin health and function.

• Tomatoes – rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep the skin firm and taut by aiding collagen production.

• Watercress – a powerful cleansing agent, nourishing the skin while helping flush out toxins and excess fluids.

• Fennel – a liquorice-flavoured root vegetable which reduces swelling.

• Red Grapes – have been shown to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. As a natural antihistamine, grapes can also help to control the side effects of allergic reactions.

• Beetroot – high in vitamin A, as well as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin E, which is essential for epidermal health and healing.

• Nettles– taken in tea, capsule or soup have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to calm the skin and improve conditions like eczema and acne. They’re also extremely detoxifying.

• Berries – packed with skin clearing antioxidants and fibre.

• Peppermint – known for its healing and calming properties. Not only can it help digestion, relieve stress – a common acne aggravator – treat headaches and clear sinuses, it’s seriously good for the skin, too.

• Brown Rice – it has been suggested that steady blood sugar levels and skin health could be linked, so it makes sense to try swapping out processed white carbohydrates for brown, wholegrain, low glycemic index foods like brown rice.

• Kale – contains a full range of vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K, as well as potent levels of manganese, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, protein, folate and phosphorus. A real skin-clearing tonic.

• Avocado – a great source of vitamin E, which boosts the skin’s vitality and luminosity.

• Broccoli – full of vitamins A, B complex, C, E, and K which help revive damaged tissue.

• Artichoke – frequently used as a herbal remedy in creams and cosmetics because of their high antioxidant potency.

• Green Tea– drinking anti-oxidant polyphenol-rich green tea will improve your skin and boost your beauty.

• Oysters – expect to find everything from vitamin A to zinc and selenium in these bite-sized beauty bombs.

And don’t forget

You need to up the amount of water you drink. There is nothing better to flush out toxins and rehydrate skin cells than eight glasses of water a day. Without a doubt, one of the best, cheapest and most effective ways to improve your complexion.

For more information on Deluxe Nutrition visit their websiteMore advice from Nikki available here