We all know that one of the most important ways to look after ourself, is to eat healthy food. This also applies to keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy!

If you want to have glowing, dewy skin this summer, here are 5 foods to make sure you include in your diet!

AVOCADO

While avo on toast is a cafe brunch staple here in Australia, there are many health benefits to eating these delicious fruits. While eating them, you will notice they are oily, and rich in ‘good’ fats, which is exactly what makes them good for your skin too! To help prevent ageing, you want moisturised and supple skin, which is exactly what eating avocados will help do for you. If you suffer from dry skin, this is one way to help fix this, alongside topical moisturises such as our Multi-Moisturising Intensive Serum.

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and important antioxidants for your skin. We need Vitamin C to support our immune systems. It promotes healthy and glowing skin and helps clear breakouts.

BRAZIL NUTS

Research suggests eating just four Brazil nuts a day, will provide the recommended daily amount of selenium in your diet. Another powerful antioxidant, selenium works by supporting the immune system and can help protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. Of course, this isn’t an excuse to skip the SPF - sunscreen is essential if you want to prevent premature ageing of your skin!

FISH RICH IN OMEGA 3

Fish, such as salmon, sardines and tinned tuna, are one of the best foods for healthy skin. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are not only important for maintaining healthy, moisture-rich skin health, but also for your overall health. We also know that these omega-3 fats can help reduce inflammation which on your skin, looks like redness and acne.

WATER

One of the first places to notice dehydration is your skin. Skin cells are mostly just water, so if you have not had enough to drink, your skin will look and feel dehydrated, too. While it has traditionally been recommended to drink 8 cups a day, don’t forget that your water in herbal teas, fruits and vegetables all contribute towards your recommended daily intake. Your best bet is to fill a large bottle of water, keep it by you and try to drink it consistently throughout the day. This will not only leave you feeling good, but will keep your skin flexible and soft and will ward off that tired, dry look you get when dehydrated. If your skin is still feeling dehydrated, give our Vitalizing Healthy Glow Serum a try.

Mavala is delighted to be partnering with Australia’s leading celebrity manicurist and nail expert Jocelyn Petroni. Renowned for her ‘photo-shoot’ worthy manicures and precision pedicures combining the ultimate nail care with on-trend colour palettes, Jocelyn and her team deliver unparalleled results and service.

Jocelyn has worked on some of the most beautiful and famous faces (and hands) in the world including Miranda Kerr, Megan Gale and Rachael Finch and frequently appears as a beauty expert in publications and media outlets such as Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE and Gritty Pretty.

Both Mavala and Jocelyn Petroni share a mutual philosophy and passion for optimum nail health - treatment and care are at the heart of both brands. Personalisation is essential as every possible nail concern and shade selection is treated with a bespoke solution. One of the signature Jocelyn Petroni manicures is the ‘custom-blend technique’, which draws upon Mavala’s large collection of nude shades to blend together the perfect shade for each unique skin tone. This follows an extensive treatment and colour consultation.

Jocelyn shares her thoughts on nails and working with Mavala…

Nail love and health is important to you… why?

Nail love is about your nails being as healthy as they can be. A healthy nail has a good oil or water balance along with good blood circulation and nourished cuticles. Healthy nails are shiny with pink nail beds indicating good blood flow, strong white free edges and no discolouration. Meticulous manicures and pedicures strengthen and improve the condition of the nails long term, for optimal nail health.

What do you love about Mavala?

Mavala is a great professional nail brand, made for professional nail experts with the salon line focused on healing, strengthening and repairing the nail. The nail care range is extensive so we can personalise our manicures based on the health of someone’s nails to help condition and treat the specific nail concern. Our naked manicures have become really popular as people look to take care of the nail. Not wearing polish is a beautiful, elegant look and Mavala have the products to ensure the nail is in optimum health. Another great thing I love about Mavala is the ergonomically sized bottles with brushes that are easy to paint.

What are your favourite Mavala products and any top tips using them?

I have been a fan of the Mavala Scientifique nail hardener since I was a teenager as it is essential for nail health. It penetrates instantly, leaving no residue or shine on the nail, so is a key part of our naked manicures to help harden and strengthen the nail. I now use the Scientifique K+ nail hardener as the natural formula reinforces the nail and prevents breakages. I also love the commitment to research to deliver the very best in nail health products, such as the Mava-Flex Serum which moisturises the nail. We incorporate these into our manicures and pedicures to ensure we are improving the health of the natural nail plate.

What is important to you when looking for nail care products?

Keratin is the best for strengthening and repairing nails and I always look for ingredients that help strengthen keratin in my nail care products. In polishes you want to avoid formaldehyde, toluene, phthalate and parabens.

Research suggests that Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, those of us in Australia and New Zealand suffer from the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. This is primarily due to our higher levels of UV rays, including up to 15% more UV than Europeans. Dr Hasanien of SCA explains this is because we in Australia are located close to the ozone hole over the Antarctic. Also, during summer, the Earth’s orbit brings Australia closer to the sun and combined with Australia’s clearer atmospheric conditions, means we are in danger of skin cancer without taking further precautions.

If the possibility of skin cancer doesn’t scare you, know that sun damage is the leading cause of premature ageing. With Australian women ageing 20 years faster than other women around the world, we need to make sure we are protecting our skin from the sun, year round and particularly in summer. So what can we do?

We’ve all heard the terms Slip, Slop, Slap since we were kids. While these are key to preventing sun damage to your skin, SunSmart Australia now also recommend two more steps as well.

1. Wear protective clothing

While sometimes on the hottest days, the last thing you feel like doing is putting on more clothes, this is also the most important time to do so. Invest in some high-quality collared shirts or long skirts and dresses and your skin will thank you for it later!

2. Apply sunscreen to your face every day in summer

In summer you need to apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to your face, neck and other exposed areas when heading out. Remember to reapply every few hours while you are in the sun.

3. Wear a hat

The best hats are broad brimmed, and cover your face, neck and décolletage.

4. Seek shade

Where possible, enjoy your time outside but find shade to rest in rather than full sun. Beach and pool days will be far more enjoyable if you are not worried about being burnt all day!

5. Slide on sunglasses

While we know you don’t really need another reason to buy those high end sunglasses you’ve been eyeing off, a high quality pair will protect your eyes from sun damage and prevent additional wrinkles from squinting.

Remember, even if you are just going to be in the car and then indoors most of the day, your skin can still get sun damage from UVA rays through car windows. A lip balm and foundation with added SPF protection is a great idea for the days when you don’t plan to spend much time outside.

What do you do to protect your skin from the sun, particularly in our hot summer months? Let us know below!