Like Caprese or chips and salsa? Lucky you. Celebrity chef and certified nutritionist Serena Poon believes tomatoes are great for skin because they're abundant in vitamin C and lycopene, a potent carotenoid that protects against UV damage and cancer.
You undoubtedly knew salmon was healthy, but did you realize it's skin-friendly? Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which moisturize, decrease inflammation, and protect against UV damage, according to Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela D.O., FAAD.
“Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also reduce redness and irritation that can dull your skin.” Fatty fish not your thing? He advises taking a high-EPA/DHA fish oil supplement everyday.
They are the source of youth. Blueberries, rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C, protect skin from free radicals and inflammation, according to Portela. They taste great alone or in yogurt.
Orange foods like sweet potatoes can turn back time. Poon believes sweet potatoes are abundant in carotenoids, which protect against UV damage and promote skin suppleness, moisture, and texture. “They also prevent wrinkles and age spots.”
Poon says probiotic foods like kimchi and sauerkraut maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which balances the skin microbiota and improves skin health.
Besides consuming probiotic-rich foods, people may promote gut health by avoiding inflammatory foods, eating a fiber-rich diet (plenty of vegetables, fruits, and legumes), and taking a high-quality probiotic and prebiotic supplement.
Oranges, lemons, kale, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which protect the skin from free radicals that cause oxidative stress and wrinkles and sun spots, explains Poon. Eat more of these fruits and vegetables to improve skin suppleness.
A tablespoon of flaxseed daily prevents fine wrinkles. Poon believes alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil boosts skin hydration and suppleness. It has several anti-inflammatory properties. "This is important because systemic inflammation causes many skin conditions," she says. A teaspoon in your smoothie or cereal provides your daily dosage.