Good food, inside and out
Hydrate!
Now, there are many urban legends that say water is good for your skin and while there’s no scientific proof of its benefits to the skin (but as most of the skin’s moisture comes from inside your body) drinking at least eight glasses a day is going to flush out those toxins, leaving you feeling and quite possibly looking great! We are lucky enough to have our own local water company here on the Island, Wight Crystal. They draw the cool clear liquid from a source at Knighton spring, keeping us hydrated all year round.
Wight Crystal
Sweet like chocolate
Who would think that chocolate may actually be good for you? But, a little bit of dark chocolate is actually high in antioxidants which are beneficial to both your heart and your skin… woo hoo double benefits here! Unlike its creamier cousin – milk chocolate – this deep, delicious variety will not aggravate skin and tummies sensitive to dairy. Pop along to local shops such as Chocolate Apothecary in Ryde and Chocolate Island in Godshill to sample a few locally produced delights.
Chocolate Island | Chocolate Apothecary
A fishy tale
Living on an Island we are lucky enough to have a steady stream of seafood. If you want to keep your skin looking radiant and moisturised, eating two portions of oily fish a week is highly recommended. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mackerel is the ideal fish to eat and we have it in abundance during the spring months especially, as it’s right in season. Shellfish, such as lobster and mussels are also great for your skin too. Rich in zinc, these tasty morsels are brilliant for helping with skin renewal and also help control the sebaceous glands – meaning if you’re prone to oily skin, these guys can help.
With local fishermen such as Captain Stan in Bembridge and Haven Fishery in Ventnor, restaurants across the Island are kept fully stocked, so you’ll be looking your best self just as summer arrives.
Captain Stan’s Bembridge Fish Store | Haven Fishery
The elixir of youth
Well not quite, but wouldn’t it be great if we could eat something that helps us maintain our smooth skin? Top tip, foods high in the antioxidant mineral, selenium, actually help to protect your skin from external factors such as sun damage and preserves elastin in the skin, keeping us looking smoother for longer. The best sources of food are things like Brazil nuts, brown rice, chicken or more locally sourced beef! Pop along to local butchers such as Farmer Jacks at Arreton Barns or Woodford & Sons in Bembridge. If there was ever an excuse to have a steak dinner, this is it!
Farmer Jacks | Woodford & Sons
Another reason to eat your five a day
Protecting skin from damage by free radicals and therefore ageing is something most of us want. What are free radicals we hear you ask? In simple terms it’s external factors having an effect on our skin, in turn causing damage to our skin’s DNA. This is what speeds the skin’s aging process. By eating foods rich in lycopene we can help prevent skin being damaged from factors such as acne and UV rays (still slip, slap slop though!) Tomatoes are an excellent source of this and, with the Island famous Tomato Stall located in the heart of Arreton, you can stock up. During the winter months make your own soups and sauces from tinned tomatoes as they contain more of this antioxidant than fresh ones.
The Tomato Stall
