Our resident dietician Maryam lays down the simple rules. Read more…
I'm sure you've all heard this before, but you are what you eat. Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. It's pretty simple; the healthier the foods are that you consume, the more vibrant your skin will look, and vice versa.
The wealth of foods available provides many nutritious choices for a healthier lifetime. But are there certain choices you can make to avoid visiting a dermatologist or even a plastic surgeon? It might sound impossible but there are specific foods that can rejuvenate your body. All you have to do, and this is the easy part, is eat them.
Eating foods rich in anti-oxidants, such as vitamins A and E, is one of the keys to having great skin. This is because anti-oxidants slow down cell damage and fight free radicals, which would otherwise cause cells to mutate and die. For example, and without going into boring, scientific details, berries will give you glowing, pinkish cheeks and citrus fruits will keep wrinkles away. Bright colors on fruits and vegetables signify richness in antioxidants, so enjoy them with your meals throughout the day. 
Low fat dairy products, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots are food sources full of vitamin A and beta carotene, which together do wonders for your skin. These antioxidants ease the way for better growth and repair of your skin cells, so that your skin doesn't look pale. Vitamin E, found mostly in almonds and fortified cereals, adds moisture deep into your skin and protects from UV radiation damage and premature aging. Vitamin B keeps your skin smooth and, as an added bonus, helps you burn some extra calories. Good sources are fish, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Your skin needs essential fatty acids, responsible for healthy cell membranes which not only act as barriers to harmful products but also as the passageway for nutrients and wastes to cross in and out of the cell. These membranes also hold water in, and so the stronger that barrier is, the more hydrated your skin. This means smooth, younger looking skin. So where do you get these essential fatty acids from? Salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed are some of the richest sources. 
No one can argue the role hydration plays in keeping skin looking healthy and young. When that hydration comes from pure, clean water, not sodas or juice, skin cells rejoice. In addition to hydration, water helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out. Ensure you are getting at least 8 glasses of water a day. You should also incorporate green tea into your daily routine. Along with many other benefits, it rejuvenates dying skin cells and reduces inflammation. A guaranteed pick on any article about foods for healthy skin, the benefits of this tea just can't be beat.
Eat well and stay hydrated and you will look pretty. So before you reach for all the cleansers, moisturizers, and toners in your bathroom, add these foods to your diet to clear the way for a fairer complexion. Bad skin has ruined many people who would otherwise look stunning. So don't take this personally, but you can probably look a whole lot better than you do right now. Healthy skin is just a simple diet away.
– Maryam AlHamad
