8 Foods That Are Great for Your Skin

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions April 29, 2012

LilyBmnt

If you moisturize regularly, stay out of the sun and avoid products with harmful chemicals, you probably think you’re doing all you can to keep your skin healthy. However, if you still find yourself battling dull, dry or oily skin, there’s still one thing left for you to try: changing your diet.

Regardless of how diligent you are about washing and moisturizing, a diet of candy bars and cheeseburgers will wreak havoc on your skin. Foods that are oily or fatty may contribute to acne, while those that are overly-processed lack the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy. If you want clear, healthy skin, give the following foods a try:

Berries

You’ve probably heard a lot about the potential anti-cancer properties of antioxidants, but you may not know that those same antioxidants are great for your skin. Antioxidants minimize the damage caused by free radicals and encourage cell growth, and while they can be found in many foods, it's hard to go wrong with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and cranberries.

Spinach

Spinach has gotten a bad rap over the years; it can be quite tasty when used in the right dishes. More importantly, it's chock-full of vitamin A, which speeds up the turnover of skin cells so that you always look fresh and glowing. Other foods rich in vitamin A include carrots and broccoli.

Fish

If you're a fan of seafood, you’re in luck, because the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help keep your skin moisturized and firm; in other words, they may help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Even if you don't like fish, you can still enjoy these benefits by eating nuts and seeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Yogurt

Acne is the bane of many a teenager's existence, but studies suggest it can be minimized simply by eating more yogurt, which helps the body fight off bacteria that can get inside pores and cause pimples. What's more, it contains probiotics which aid in digestion and ensure that the nutrients you consume - including those responsible for healthy skin - are being absorbed.

Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that is responsible for skin elasticity. The natural loss of collagen over time is associated with the formation of wrinkles, so making sure you have enough vitamin C in your diet can help stave off the visible signs of aging.

Tomatoes

The benefits of the antioxidant lycopene are only just starting to come to light, but studies suggest that it is uniquely effective at neutralizing the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on skin cells - including, perhaps, cancers related to sun exposure. Lycopene can also be found in grapefruits and watermelons.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in antioxidants, but they are also a good source of iron for those who don't eat a lot of red meat. An iron deficiency can lead skin to appear pale - except under the eyes, where it tends to cause dark circles.

Water

Water may not be a food per se, but it’s the most important item on this list. Keeping yourself properly hydrated keeps your skin from drying out and helps flush toxins from your cells.