Beauty Foods to Help Improve Your Combination and Oily Skin

Complexion woes are never just skin deep. Topical products alone won’t fix the problem. What you eat plays a major role in establishing harmony from the inside, out. Here are a few naturopathic tips that will not only get your skin back on track, they will have you feeling energised and radiant!

• Eliminate refined sugar: Refined sugar (white sugar, corn syrup, cookies and muffins to name a few) causes insulin levels to spike. This raises testosterone, which then converts to DHT, increasing sebum production. Keep blood sugar levels stable by sticking to a low-glycaemic diet. Alcohol, dairy and fried foods have a similar (negative) effect—so best to avoid.

• Stock up on fibre: A happy gut begets a clear complexion. Fibre is crucial for healthy digestive function, thus it’s critical for combating acne. Get your fix by making low GI fruits such as apples and pears, wholegrains such as buckwheat and oats along with flaxseed part of your daily diet. I recommend taking at least 3 tablespoons daily, it is rich in lignans which bind and remove excess hormones.
  
  
• Balance hormones: Regulating hormones is an important factor in controlling sebum. Good news: It is as simple as stocking up on fibre, eating a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (think chia seeds, walnuts, avocado, hemp seeds) and reducing sugar and dairy intake which can exacerbate inflammation.
  
  
• Care for your liver: The liver is a detoxifying powerhouse that supports skin health. To make sure this vital organ is running at peak performance, consider our No. 1 Green Goddess Detox Tea or Beauty Detox Shot. These herbal concoctions enhance liver function and up the ante on your body’s detoxification processes.

One of my favourite recipes for improving combination skin from the inside out is this delectable Chickpea Kale Salad.