Alexis Wolfer’s new book ‘The Recipe for Radiance” has home recipes for various skin problems.
What we eat affects our skin a great deal, says Alexis Wolfer, founder and editor-in-chief of TheBeautyBean.com. She shares with us her best tips for keeping your skin healthy and gives us the deets on her new book, “The Recipe for Radiance,” out in April.
You are what you eat
“A lot of people don’t realize that your skin is your body’s largest organ,” says Wolfer. “In the same way that everything you put in your body affects your internal organs, it’s also affecting the function of your skin. One of the ways your body gets rid of things it can’t process is through your skin. So if you’re not eating a clean and healthy diet, what’s coming out of your pores isn’t going to be clean and healthy either.”
Super food
Wolfer says that vitamin A, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids are some of the most important things to keep your skin healthy from the inside out. “Walnuts and any sort of a fatty fish are all high in omega 3 fatty acids, which is really important for your skin’s collagen production. It helps keep skin looking youthful,” she says.
“Berries are high on antioxidants and really wonderful for reducing inflammation and fighting radical damage. When you go outside or even if you stay inside, there’s environmental pollution – ingredients in your skincare products and everything’s that is in the air is constantly affecting your skin. Loading up on antioxidants will help provide an internal defense mechanism against that,” Wolfer advises.
And then there’s the big surprise. Don’t be afraid of fat. “A lot of people think that fat is going to make them fat, but it’s such an important part of your skin’s health,” she says. One way to incorporate more healthy fat into your diet is by putting avocado or olive oil on top of a sweet potato.
DIY masks
While eating too much dairy can cause pimples, Wolfer loves using full-fat organic Greek yogurt as a moisturizer, which is hydrating for all skin types. If winter has left your skin extra dry, she suggests adding a little honey to the yogurt before applying it to your skin. “If you have acne, mix in some mashed banana or mashed sweet potato … What I love about DIY masks is that you don’t need to worry about he proportions. Just whip it up, mix it together and leave in on for 15-20 minutes, remove and you’re good to go. You’ll notice a huge difference in your skin immediately whether you deal with acne or aging skin,” Wolfer says.
Alexis’ best tips for solving any skin crisis
Big pores: Apply apple cider vinegar topically on your skin with a cotton swap. That will help to control the bacteria on your skin. If you suffer from oily skin too don’t be afraid of using products with oil in them. The more oil you remove from your skin, the more your body will produce.
Acne: Eat a lot of food with vitamin A. It will help your skin to heal faster.
Redness: You should be careful not to over-treat your skin in the winter, especially if you’re going through redness or irritation. Keep your skin care routine really simple.
Aging: Omega 3 fatty acids. They will help keep your circulation working at an optimal level, keeping your skin healthy and reducing inflammation.
