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Blueberries
Blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food, and this puts them top of the list. The antioxidants in blueberries neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to skin cells. As well as antioxidants, blueberries also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, riboflavin and fiber.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Like blueberries, the antioxidants in tomatoes help repair skin cells. Regular consumption of tomatoes has also been proven to protect against skin damage from the sun. Too much exposure to the sun is, of course, one of the fastest ways to age your skin.
Carrots
The main nutrient provided by carrots is Vitamin A. This is an essential nutrient for healthy skin. If your diet does not provide enough Vitamin A, you could develop patches of dry skin. Carrots also provide Vitamins K, C and B6 as well as fiber, biotin, potassium and thiamine.
Salmon
The key skin improving agents derived from Salmon are fatty acids such as Omega-3. These fatty acids are necessary for keeping the skin cell membranes healthy. They do this by keeping harmful substances out whilst allowing nutrients to enter. Salmon is also a good source of protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin B12. If you are vegetarian, you can get these fatty acids from walnuts and ground flaxseeds.
Almonds
Almonds are another weapon in the battle with free radicals. Almonds provide good amounts of Vitamin E which is effective at dealing with free radicals. They also provide flavonoids, which protect skin cells from damage, as well as protein and fiber.
Green Tea
All teas provide antioxidants, but green tea is believed to be more powerful overall. There is also evidence that drinking green tea reduces the effects of exposure to the sun. In addition to the antioxidants, tea contains polyphenols which are effective at eliminating free radicals and rejuvenating dying skin cells. Of all teas, green tea has been found to have the highest levels of polyphenols.
Olive Oil
The main components of Olive Oil that are beneficial for your skin are monounsaturated fats. These help to keep your skin soft and supple and help your skin maintain its natural oils. The best Olive Oil to use is Extra Virgin Olive Oil as this has the most antioxidants as well as oleic acid, which is believed to help lower cholesterol. Olive oil should be used raw, for example by sprinkling onto salads and vegetables, as the nutrient values are lost when the oil is heated.
Water
Finally, although not strictly a food, water is an essential part of a healthy skin care regime. Water must be taken pure i.e. not as part of a drink such as tea or coffee. Water helps to keep your skin cells hydrated and this in turn helps the skin cells maintain their health by absorbing nutrients and removing waste.
If you want to have beautiful skin, you must pay attention to what you are feeding your body. Creams and lotions are just a temporary fix. You won't get instant results, but by making changes in your diet to include good quantities of the foods listed, your skin will gradually improve and you will feel a lot better too.
