What Does Eating Your Skincare Mean?
In the pursuit of solving our acne concerns, most of us are well-acquainted with the abundance of creams, serums, and masks that promise radiant and youthful complexions. However, what if the secret to glowing skin lies not just in what you apply externally, but also in what you consume?
'Eat and Drink Your Skincare' is a trend that is ruling social media. It means consuming foods and drinks rich in skin-healthy nutrients, and several studies show that consuming foods and drinks can improve your skin health, hydrating your skin from the inside out. Here's how you can incorporate this holistic approach into your skincare routine through our curated Beda recipes and tips.
Table of content
The Gut-Skin Connection: Treat your Skin from the Inside Out for Glowy Skin
Your skin is one of several organs which has a complex connection with your gut. This connection is also known as the gut-skin axis and early studies have linked gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut microbiome) to skin microbiome imbalances with conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea.
We all are aware that our skin can be a great reflection of our overall health, and what we eat plays a significant role in its appearance. Nutrient-rich foods can provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your skin needs to repair, rejuvenate, and protect itself from daily environmental stressors.
Did You Know?
If we experience any issues with our gut, like inflammation, leaky gut or digestion problems, our skin is usually the first place we notice problems. It is said that the gut is where 70% of our immune system lies. Our gut is where so many crucial biochemical activities take place, such as the production of nutrients, metabolization of hormones, detoxification of enzymes and even the neutralisation of pathogens. With that being said, it is understandable why it is so important to make sure that you frequently get your digestive health checked, for your skin health and overall health.
Top Foods to Look Out For - Key Nutrients for Glowing Skin
Antioxidants
Sources: Berries, dark chocolate, pecans, red cabbage, beets, black beans, and local favourites like mangosteen and goji berries.
Benefits: Antioxidants combat free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, you can help your skin stay youthful and radiant.
Vitamin C
Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tropical fruits like guava and papaya.
Benefits: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and firmness. It also helps in healing and reducing inflammation.
Just like your gut health, your cycle tells you a lot about your body and impacts your skin greatly, and we have a well loved recipe with cycle-syncing in mind.
Take a look at a Beda favourite - a beetroot drink that helps eliminate toxins from your body, which is crucial for improving acne from the inside out. Mixed with other nutritious fruits and veggies such as lemon and ginger, this drink is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Vitamin E
Sources: Nuts, seeds, spinach, avocado, olives, mangoes and local delicacies like pandan leaves.
Benefits: Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative damage and can help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Benefits: Omega-3s help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and supple. They also reduce inflammation, which can help with conditions like acne and eczema.
Our Wild Rice Recipe includes leafy greens like spinach combined with a mixture of nuts and grains. Packed with nutrients like vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, it's a superfood for the skin and digestive system.
Zinc
Sources: Shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, soybeans/tofu, eggs and whole grains
Benefits: Zinc plays a role in regulating oil production and can help manage acne. It also supports skin healing and renewal.
Tofu and eggs are an easy way to incorporate zinc into your daily consumption. Among our collection of recipes, we have delicious and nutritious recipes shared by our community of Beda Girls. Here is an easy TCM inspired Yam & Tofu recipe that is not only high in zinc, but is also well known in TCM to improve Qi deficiency, nourish Yin and boosts digestive health.
Remember good gut health ⇒ Happy skin.
Probiotics
Sources: Yogurt, tempeh, miso soup, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Local favourites include tau fu fa (soybean pudding) or even kombucha is a good drink alternative.
Benefits: Probiotics balance the gut microbiome, which can improve skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Learning about your microbiome can be an interesting process that can help you learn so much about your body. Let’s talk about gut tests.
Other Pro Tips for Incorporating Skin-Boosting Foods
Eat the Rainbow:
Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your daily meals to ensure you're getting a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods like watermelon, tomatoes and apples are essential for maintaining skin hydration and flushing out toxins.
This is particularly important in our hot and humid climate. In our collection of Beda Recipes we have easy skin-loving smoothies to help you beat both the heat and acne concerns.
Limit Processed Foods:
A high-glycemic diet (rich in junk food, sugary drinks, and simple carbohydrates) may worsen acne in some individuals by causing spikes in blood sugar and hormone levels. This can lead to an increase in sebum production and provide an environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.
Consider Supplements:
If you struggle to get enough of these nutrients from food alone, consider talking to a healthcare provider about supplements.
It’s important to remember that just like how all of our skin is different, our gut microbiome is also unique. So use these tips to help guide you and remember to consult your healthcare professional.
BEDA Philosophy
Our philosophy for formulating multi-tasking skincare pulls inspiration from gaining multiple beneficial ingredients from a single product. Our community built formula aims to chemically exfoliate sensitive acne prone skin while still being soothing and gentle. Just like all the benefits from eating a single meal made up of a variety of quality, nutritious ingredients such as antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, our infamous MATE feeds the skin and satiates acne concerns.
Feed your skin the good stuff, internally and externally. Check out our pinned IG posts for all the details.
You Are What You Eat
While topical skincare products are important, they are only part of the equation. By focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, you can nourish your skin from the inside out, leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
A large part of our Beda philosophy is understanding that healing the skin is synonymous with healing your overall health. It’s all connected, and it's a lifestyle but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Living a soft life, prioritising a gentle approach in every aspect is the key to thriving.
With love,
Alia
P.S Thank You For All The Love At Our NBB Pop Up!
We Love You! (but you already knew that)
Our Never Been Better Boxers pop up brought out so many of you Beda girls. It’s so special how through years and years of building this community online, we get to hang offline and get to know each other more.
Our boxers are running out quick! We are so happy that you love them as much as we do. You guys all loved our exclusive “Softies Only” cap too,(will be bringing them online soon)!
These events and pop ups not only make us feel closer with you girls, but it's amazing to witness you all getting to know one another. So many people started exchanging numbers and planning their own hangs! Seeing new friendships start from Beda is something that makes our community so unique.
But you weren't the only ones leaving with goodies. Thank you to everyone who came with gifts! From cupcakes, TCM candy, silk pillowcases and face masks, you all are so thoughtful (this is peak Beda girlhood and I am so here for it.)
There will be many more events in the future for us to reconnect or meet for the first time. Stay soft and hydrated!
With love,
Rachel