Our skin cells are among the most actively dividing cells in our body and the cell renewal process that keeps our skin healthy and good looking requires nutrients. These nutrients do not come from the creams we apply on the skin, as cosmetic manufacturers would have us believe but from the food that we consume. Yes, nourishment comes from inside and not from outside. But, that’s not all we need because we still need to protect our skin against sun-damage, avoid the age accelerators, etc., which are discussed in other chapters.
Many people believe that they can get enough nutrients automatically by simply eating more. That’s not true. You can eat a lot and give your body a lot of calories without providing nourishment. This can happen when you consume too much animal fat, sugar, processed food and fast food. Overindulgence in high calorie food can also make you look less attractive and increase the risk of health problems.
There are two important aspects to healthy eating:
- Eating the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight and
- Eating the right type of food to ensure adequate nutrients.
Learn helpful tips for healthier better looking skin from Dr Lim Kah Beng’s book, Steps to Skin Beauty. It is out of print but available for loan from National Library Board.