As a child, what you try to put in your mouth invariably ends up on your skin. Well, as we grow up what we eat becomes more and more important to our long-term health. That includes our skin health – what we eat will be reflected in how our skin looks. For Dermatologists such as Dr. Jessica Wu, what a person eats is “as important as the products they apply to their skin.” So, what should we be eating then?

Stage 1: Removing the Bad Stuff

Several types of products are known to cause bad skin outbreaks including acne. The two main food-based culprits are sugar and dairy products. Dairy may be controversial to some because there are many experts who recommend yogurt for improving skin care by improving digestion with probiotics, but others disagree. Sugar is less controversial. We do need sugars; especially for brain function, but they need to be good sugars, such as those from fruits. Spiking insulin levels in the blood can cause acne reactions.

Stage 2: Build a Sustainable, Healthy Diet

By sustainable we are not talking about ecological, though that would be great too. No, many diets are fads, so what you need is something which is varied and balanced. It feels good, but it is also healthy for you at the same time. There are, therefore, a range of superfoods which are good for your insides, but also good for your skin. Here’s a few:

Fruits: The best of the best, fruits are full of vitamins and minerals, but also natural sugars. Go for strawberries most of all because their Vitamin C levels are even higher than oranges.

Meats: Go for fatty fish over any other kind of meat. Tuna, salmon, and mackerel are the best options as they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. They are fantastic also for repairing sun-damaged skin and wrinkles.

Vegetables: Plenty of options here. The best ones to go for include spinach, avocados, bell peppers, and tomatoes. However, surprisingly, one of the best of the best is the humble sweet potato. They are vitamin factories and are full of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, biotin, iron, and potassium. Quite a haul.

Don’t Forget What You Drink: Green tea is a proven powerhouse in promoting healthier, glowing skin. This is because it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like polyphenols. This antioxidant has also been shown to reduce damage from UV radiation.