Snacks for vibrant skin

Looking for some nutritious springtime snack ideas that will also help promote healthy, radiant skin? These eight spring snacks that are loaded with skin-nourishing antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium are paramount for supporting skin health and for slowing down premature skin ageing.

- LISA GUY

Hummus, carrot, celery and cucumber sticks

Supercharge your skin’s health by snacking on hummus with carrot, celery and cucumber sticks. Hummus is rich in protein, which delivers important amino acids essential for skin growth and repair. It also contains healing zinc, beneficial fats and the antioxidant vitamin E, which can help give your skin a youthful, radiant glow.

Carrots are considered a super skin food as they contain high levels of beta-carotene. This important nutrient, which gives carrots their bright orange colour, aids in skin repair and regeneration and increases skin cell turnover. Celery and cucumber (including the skin) contain the trace mineral silica, which is vital for healthy skin. Silica can slow down skin ageing by boosting collagen production and the skin’s hydration. If your diet is lacking silica your skin will heal slowly and have reduced elasticity.

Zinc is beneficial for acne sufferers as it helps control the production of oil in the skin along with helping balance hormones responsible for breakouts.

Guacamole with dehydrated veggie crackers

Avocados are the perfect skin-nourishing food. They are loaded with beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that enhance skin health from the inside out. Avocados are rich in the monounsaturated fat oleic acid, which has a moisturising effect on the skin. It helps the skin retain moisture to keep it soft, supple and well hydrated.