Bad skin? It could be what you’re eating! Foods for smoother, more radiant skin

Written by Leah Weston

Breakouts, redness, oil, or dryness—we all suffer from the occasional bout of skin problems. Genetics, hormone changes, climate, and stress are all factors that contribute to the appearance of your skin. But before you run out to buy the latest cream or moisturizer, consider adding some of these foods to your diet to promote naturally smoother, more radiant skin.

clear skin

You’ve probably seen the commercials giving high praise for yogurt as a wonder food that aids digestion and provides women with much-needed calcium. Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt also have proven benefits for your skin. Nutrition experts believe that the Vitamin A contained in foods like yogurt is essential to good skin health. Treat yourself and your skin—grab a spoon and indulge in this healthy snack!

One of the buzzwords in nutrition circles is “antioxidants,” which are chemicals that provide numerous health benefits. To achieve a radiant glow, reach for regular servings of antioxidant-rich fruits. Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and plums can help your body whisk away free radicals, suspected culprits of skin cell damage. Pick up some fresh berries for a fresh look! Try adding some of them to a cup of yogurt for twice the benefit to your skin.

clear skin

Like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids have gained widespread attention for their impact on your health. Fatty fish like salmon, and nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, and flax seeds are just a few great sources of these rich nutrients. Skin feeling like the desert? Eating a moderate serving of foods containing omega-3s can help lock in more moisture. Stop looking dry and drab by integrating these healthy fats into your daily routine!

clear skin

We live in a world that functions on coffee and diet soda, but this can wreak havoc on your skin if you don’t drink enough water. Keeping your body sufficiently hydrated is important for every function of the human body, including your skin. Water helps flush out nasty toxins that accumulate in your cells, especially when you sweat during an intense cardio session. Drinking more water is an easy way to make your skin appear younger, plumper, and healthier.

The next time you’re craving something caffeinated, try reaching for a cup of green tea. Iced or piping hot, green tea is full of healthy polyphenols that can battle bad skin and may even help prevent skin cancer. If you have sensitive skin or bouts of redness, green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can benefit your appearance. Some studies have even shown that green tea can even reduce some of the damage from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Together with regular application of a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, these foods will help you sail into summer with smoother, younger skin!