By Madeleine Woon
When science talks, I tend to listen. So far this approach has worked out well for me. It’s rid my shoulders of unsightly dandruff downpours and kept my under-eye region free of dark bags. Outside of bettering my life, science has done some pretty great stuff for humankind at large. Perhaps the best example of this is the role it played in creating KILLA, a nifty patch that has gone on to murder thousands upon thousands of under-the-skin, cystic zits in broad daylight.
Given its impeccable record, when science declared that certain foods lead to a glowing visage, I cleared plenty of room for the following beautifying edibles in my fridge and pantry. If you are also in pursuit of a 10/10 face, then me and science suggest you do the same…
Fatty fish
Contrary to what the low-fat diets of the past would have you believe, fat is your friend! Here is what fatty fish can offer you and your epidermis: Lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important in maintaining skin health; a reduction in acne-causing inflammation; high-quality protein, which helps to repair skin; and zinc, which assists in the production of new skin cells.
You can (somewhat) reciprocate the friendship by only buying sustainable, locally-sourced fish.
Avocado
The fatty fun doesn’t end there, pals! The humble avocado is a true superfood. While it might inhibit millennials from becoming homeowners when smashed and served on sourdough, it’s one of the best-known edible skin perfecters. Why? It contains a cocktail of protein, good fats, oils, vitamin E, vitamin C and omega-3.
Green tea
If one more person tells me to switch out my afternoon coffee for green tea, I solemnly swear I will grab my tacky Mother Teresa mug—purchased on a whim while on holidays in Albania—and heed this incredibly sage advice. Of all the antioxidants known to humans, the components of green tea are said to be the most potent. Green tea contains large quantities of polyphenols, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Most of the polyphenols found in green tea are called catechins, which serve an anti-inflammatory purpose, and one of the major catechins has been shown to be the most effective agent against skin inflammation. Cya never, red skin!
Berries
Fire up your NutriBullet and throw a fistful of berries at it, because our fruity little friends are a one-way ticket to glow town. Berries like açaí, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries contain a hefty amount of collagen—which, when consumed healthily and consistently, can lead to a reversal of signs of ageing.
Dark chocolate
Hello, fellow sweetie treatie monsters, and welcome to the best news you will hear today: Dark chocolate is not only delicious and good for heart health, it also reportedly contains ingredients that increase blood flow to the skin and reduces sun-burn, resulting in your face being the biggest glow up of 2020.
That's dark chocolate. What about cheese pizza, though?!
