You Are What You Eat: Healthy Snacks for Radiant Skin

Posted on March 9, 2015 | by

shutterstock_109517018Looking to banish blemishes? Munch on a leafy green salad with avocado for lunch. Worried about aging and fine lines? Up your intake of antioxidant-rich berries and flax seed. Battling eczema? Probiotics and whole grains can help. Truly healthy skin comes from within, and what you eat is as important to restoring skin health as topically applied products or treatments.

4 Foods for Healthier, Blemish-Free Skin

Foods for healthy skin are generally the same foods one should eat for whole body health. When you eat a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, it can help your skin glow. Conversely, when you consume junk food, you’re depriving your body of the nutrients you need to thrive.
Want to eat for a clearer complexion or fight aging? Here are our top recommendations:

1: Dark, leafy greens. Greens like kale and arugula are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which give your body the antioxidants it needs to produce collagen and boost skin firmness. Leafy greens also contain sulfur, which fights off bacterial infections that cause acne.

2: Avocado. This creamy fruit is rich in fatty acids that support moisture retention as well as vitamins E and C. Pair your avocados with carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to help your body better absorb key antioxidants that reduce UV damage and improve skin tone.

3: Salmon. Salmon, along with nuts and flaxseed, is a great source for omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential to keeping your skin strong and smooth. Salmon also contains selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. Grab a handful of walnuts or almonds for a healthy snack, or try making Dr. Samaha’s salmon with citrus dill sauce recipe for dinner.

4: Probiotics. If you suffer from eczema, the probiotics in yogurt and kefir can help the body produce more white blood cells and antibodies that protect the body from allergens. This strengthens your overall immune system and can also help reduce skin inflammation. You can also try a supplement to keep up your probiotic intake on a daily basis.