6 Healthy Whole Foods to Combat Skin Redness

There are countless reasons for redness to arise. Whether it’s from heat, irritation, nerves, or various conditions, this angry flush can be hard to tame. But don’t despair– lots of different remedies are available to keep redness at bay and prevent your skin from flaring up.

In order to avoid making redness symptoms worse, it is best to avoid things like alcohol, spicy dishes, or heavily processed foods as they can exacerbate inflammation. Also, remember to always be gentle when touching your skin and protect it from the sun with sunscreen or fabric. These habits can help to maintain progress without putting further strain on your skin.

1. Fennel

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As a soothing alkaline ingredient, fennel is great at reducing the inflammation which leads to redness and rosacea in the first place. It is cooling to the body and contains bioflavonoids which strengthen blood vessels so that capillaries don’t break as much.

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Another great thing about fennel is that it brings flavor to dishes without worsening redness like other spices can. Try this Berry and Fennel Salad With Coconut Yogurt for a unique breakfast option. Or, amp up pizza night with this Chia and Fennel Green Pizza With Kale Pesto and Hummus. Keep things deliciously simple by fixing a Fennel Bowl With Creamy White Beans and Dry Roasted Vegetables for a protein and nutrient boost.

2. Flax

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Power to the flax! Flaxseeds are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are key for taking down inflammation. This means they’re a great option at promoting healing of the skin and keeping redness away.

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Although you can just sprinkle ground flaxseeds on your meals, it’s also easy to integrate them. Make some Garlic and Herb Flax Crackers for a nutritious snack alternative to pair with dips or enjoy alone. For a versatile high-protein base, try your hand at these easy Paleo Flax Patties to include in endless veggies bowls, sandwiches, and salads.

3. Papaya

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You can also use the benefits of papaya to reduce redness. One of the reasons why is because papaya is a rich source of vitamin C. If you are deficient in vitamin C, this can lead to weak capillaries, thus resulting in redness. The papain in papaya is also known for taking down redness, both topically and internally.

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Use it in creative ways by making this Hawaiian Papaya ‘Rawnola’ Bowl for a nourishing and beautiful breakfast. If you want a lighter option for lunch or dinner, try some Bulgur with Papaya and Pomegranate.

4. Licorice Extract

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Another less common solution which has been hailed for its redness reduction is licorice. This root is so helpful because it contains glycyrrhizinate, which is quite anti-inflammatory as well as moisturizing.

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Enjoy a healthy yet gratifying dessert with these Raw Raspberry Licorice Mini Cakes. You can also concentrate the licorice benefits by brewing a tea out of it.

5. Blackberries

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Although they feature brightly pigmented hues, blackberries will help rid your skin of that irritated color on your own skin. They help constrict blood vessels which is key to reducing flushing and the appearance of redness. Blackberries are also full of anthocyanins, which make capillaries stronger and less likely to break.

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These Turmeric Blackberry Crumble Bars are the perfect sweet treat with an added anti-inflammatory bonus from the included spices. Or, cool off when the weather gets hotter with some refreshing Blackberry Kombucha Ice Pops.

6. Probiotics

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We all know they’re good for your gut, but its perks go far beyond just that. Probiotics have been recognized for easing rosacea symptoms, which makes them useful for overall redness issues as well. These help to get rid of the bacteria that angers skin and strengthen the skin’s barrier against further inflammation.

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For the a variety of probiotic benefits, go for some sauerkraut, non-dairy yogurt, or kimchi. Instead of store-bought, make this Coconut Probiotic Yogurt for a morning probiotic boost. Or, try out a Simple Sauerkraut recipe to keep on hand for adding atop endless dishes.

If you suffer from redness, it can be incredibly frustrating to manage. These options should make the challenge a bit easier, as well as help you look and feel more confident.

Lead Image Source: Flickr