6 Foods That Give You Glowing Skin

We’re constantly bombarded with advertisements for products claiming to give us healthy, glowing skin. The skin care market is a multi-billion dollar industry. But, what those advertisements won’t tell you is that the foods you eat impact your skin more than all of the cleansers or creams you can slather all over your skin. Before you go spending ridiculous amounts of money on questionable anti-aging products that claim to be the holy grail, try adding these foods to your diet for healthier, younger-looking skin.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is one of the best ways to get your vitamins. A single grapefruit contains more than 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. When consumed in the form of foods, vitamin C helps reverse skin damage caused by environmental pollutants and sun exposure. It stimulates the production of collagen, promoting new skin growth and wrinkle reduction.

Salmon

In addition to being a potent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, salmon and other oily fish such as sardines and anchovies contain high amounts of a compound called dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). DMAE protects skin by strengthening cell membranes and guarding against the deterioration that causes premature aging. The nutrient also decreases the production of arachidonic acid, which causes sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. It also works alongside B vitamins to help increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which makes your muscles contract under the skin, which helps keep your face looking toned.

Dark Chocolate

Oh yeah! You can still eat your chocolate, just make sure it’s the dark variety. The antioxidants in dark chocolate, called flavanols, promote smoother and provide stronger resistance to UV rays, helping to decrease damage from sun exposure. Dark chocolate is also a good source of probiotics, which help to balance your digestive tract and reduce inflammation. Tip: add fruit to dark chocolate to help release its benefits. And make sure to look for a cacao content of 70 percent or more to get the most benefits.

Eggs

Egg yolks are rich in vitamins essential for healthy cell function as well as containing biotin, a B vitamin known as the “beauty vitamin.” While it’s more commonly associated with healthy hair and fingernails, it’s been proven to help protect skin from rashes, dryness and acne. Eggs also contain choline and lutein, two vital nutrients that are essential to skin health. Choline builds up fatty portions of the cell membranes that produce healthy, smooth skin. Lutein is an antioxidant which prevents skin damage and promotes skin elasticity.

Avocado

This delicious fruit is loaded with antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein that hydrate skin and help to shield it from aging caused by sun exposure. Additionally, these fats help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins that also help to protect your skin from free radicals that lead to fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Avocados are also high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that maintains moisture in the epidermal layer of your skin, helping it stay soft and hydrated.

Water

Okay, so it’s not technically a food, but it’s the most important thing you can ingest to promote healthy, glowing skin. Skin is the largest organ in the body; when you’re dehydrated, your skin shows it in the form of dryness, flaking and wrinkles. Dehydration can also cause dark circles and sunken eyes. Studies have shown that drinking water increases blood flow to the skin, increasing circulation and giving you a healthy glow. Tip: if you don’t like the taste of water, slice up some cucumbers, lemons or whatever fruit you prefer and toss them in a pitcher to create “spa water.” The refreshing concoction has the added benefit of infusing your water with vitamins.

When you incorporate these foods into your diet, you’ll eat well and have a healthy complexion. In no time your friends will be asking for your beauty secrets.