Four Foods for Flawless Skin

Beauty Boss | The Upside Blog by Vitacost.com

by | Updated: December 3rd, 2016 | Read time: 2 minutes

Is your skin looking dry, damaged or just plain dull? If so, it might be starving for certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients.

Add these four delicious foods to your diet to help keep your skin hydrated, protected and energized!

Four Foods for Flawless Skin

1. Avocado: Instead of trying to hide your dry hands or flaky face, feed them what they need – nutrients! Avocados are chock full of B-vitamins, vitamin E, monounsaturated fat (the healthy kind) and natural oils that provide nourishment and help maintain your skin’s moisture, tone and texture. Avocados also offer a good source of antioxidants to help defend your skin from harmful free radicals.

Not a fan of guacamole? Try applying avocado oil to the skin to take advantage of its moisturizing properties.

2. Blueberries: While a bowl of fresh, tart blueberries can’t magically erase those years you spent in the sun, the numerous antioxidants in blueberries can help protect your skin from future damage. One specific antioxidant found in blueberries — ellagic acid — may be especially helpful.

The best way to reap the antioxidant benefits of blueberries is to eat them (they make a wonderful topping for yogurt!), but blueberry extract supplements are also available.

3. Flaxseed:  Oh, omega-3s, how I love thee! Why? Omega-3 essential fatty acids (or EFAs for short) are essential for flawless skin because they support hydration, texture and tone – especially important if you tend to experience dull, dry skin. Flaxseed also contains antioxidants – which, if you haven’t figured out by now, are vital to skin’s health and appearance.

Not sure how to consume flaxseed? Sprinkle ground, cold-milled flax on your cereal or salad – or opt for a supplement.

4. Bell peppers: You may already use a topical vitamin C cream to smooth fine lines and energize your complexion – but consuming this nutrient through diet can help, too! Colorful bell peppers (orange, yellow, red) are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can promote collagen production and protect the skin from free radicals.

Vitamin C is water-soluble, so you’ll need to consume it daily to replenish your body’s supply.