There are many simple things anyone can do to improve the health and vitality of their skin. Of course sometimes it is beyond our control due to genetics or other factors, however in general our own habits dictate our general health and wellbeing, especially in relation to our skin.

While research on the exact foods leading to a healthy skin is limited (so there’s no holy grail as yet), a lot has been studied on what is needed. From these studies, it is simple to identify certain types of foods that promote healthy skin and body in general. Usually, what you eat is manifested on the skin which means improving skin health corresponds to overall healthy diet. A poor diet and lifestyle will lead to deteriorating skin conditions and aging.

Some of the foods recommended to promote healthy skin include the following;

• Strawberries and blueberries – According to a reports released in clinical nutrition journals, strawberries have a higher content of anti-aging vitamin C per serving than fruits such as grapes or oranges. This leads to fewer wrinkles and age-related skin conditions like dryness. Vitamin C is known for eliminating free radicals that often damage cells and cause fine lines and dehydration of the skin.
• Carrots, apricots, yellow/orange fruits and vegetables – These foods mainly consist of fruits and vegetables known for their high vitamin and nutrient content. These foods provide hydration ad also eliminate free radicals from the body. They also stabilize body metabolism thus encouraging distribution of nutrients across all parts and an overall natural growth.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes are some of the most available vegetable-fruits in the grocery store. Organic tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and acid which increases skin hydration and healing of wounds and scars. Tomatoes prevent skin dryness, formation of wrinkles and fine lines as well as skin spots.
• Olive oil – Besides the internal soothing olive oil gives to the body from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it also makes the skin smoother and healthier. In addition to applying olive oil products, incorporate some of it into your daily diet. It helps in fighting free radicals from the body and regenerating skin properties.
• Green tea – Different researches have already linked green tea with reducing the risks of skin cancer. Taking a cup of green tea more often can help rebuild younger skin and eliminate free radicals that damage skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory antioxidants which sooth wounds and damages made on skin layers.
• Salmon, mackerel and fatty fish – Not all fats are harmful to our body and some are essentially needed for the enhancement of skin and elimination of harmful substances from the body. Consuming a limited amount of fatty fish will deliver minerals and nutrients that promote hydration, regeneration and natural healing of the skin.
• Pumpkin – The orange hue in pumpkin is from a group known as carotenoids which are known to fight aging and neutralize free radicals. They are also rich in vitamins A, C and E which boost healthy skin development.
• Other foods known to promote healthier skin are pomegranates which are rich in antioxidants. Most of these foods contain antioxidants and skin healing vitamins like vitamin C and K.

There are many other foods for promoting healthy skins including beans, peas, lentils, nuts, spinach and green leafy vegetables. It is important to acknowledge that even with these foods, habits like smoking, alcohol and substance abuse may lead to deteriorating skin conditions. Achieving a healthy skin therefore requires a combined effort of consuming healthy diets and living conscious lifestyles.