You may not be familiar with carotenoids but they may be just the thing your complexion needs. As the quest for younger looking skin normally involves skincare or beauty treatments, you might not consider what you consume in your daily diet. However, your diet is extremely important and the consumption of carotenoids can be highly beneficial to your skin. So, what are carotenoids and are carotenoids vital to younger looking skin?
What are carotenoids?
Carotenoids are the pigments in plants, fruit and vegetables that form their coloured hue. The majority of carotenoids are found in red, orange or yellow foods, however, some are found in spinach, watermelon and mangos. These chemicals are important in photosynthesis as they aid the absorption of light. Furthermore, they work as antioxidants in the body. As well as boasting many health benefits, they’re great for our complexion.
The benefits of carotenoids
Consuming carotenoids in the form of fruit and vegetables has many benefits, including;
- Carotenoids are beneficial for eye health as some of them are turned into vitamin A in the body.
- Some carotenoids can help to reduce the inflammation related to arthritis.
- Can help to lower the risk of cancer.
- Boost heart health.
- They help to boost a radiant complexion.
Carotenoids for the skin
One of the most powerful carotenoids for the conversion of vitamin A is beta-carotene. This chemical, found in carrots, kale and sweet potato can help to lower sunburn. Sun damage is one of the worst accelerators of ageing skin so consuming this chemical can aid skin cell repair. This helps to promote a youthful-looking complexion.
Lycopene, which is the red pigment that gives tomatoes, peppers and carrots their colour is an antioxidant. This helps to deactivate free radicals – molecules that cause skin ageing. Like beta-carotene, lycopene also converts to vitamin A in the body which boosts the production of collagen to aid healthy, plump skin.
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