For better or worse, our skin is often the first place to reflect our eating habits.Ā šThe great news is that often the best potion for our skin is as simple as a handful of strawberries or a few squares of dark chocolate.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the best foods to keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and radiant!Ā āØ
Your Vitamin Packed Fruit ā Strawberries


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Strawberries have more anti-aging vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit. And research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who eat foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those who donāt.Ā ššš¼
Vitamin C fights free radicals, which damage cells and break down collagen, leading to fine lines. For smoother, better-hydrated skin, add in a few strawberries into your morning routine with yoghurt or blend them in your smoothies.
Your Leafy Green For Less Sun Damage ā Kale


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According to dermatologistĀ Dr. David Bank, kale is loaded with Vitamins A, C and K, lutein, iron, and antioxidants. āThe vitamin K in kale helps to reduce the dark circles under your eyes and ātightensā your skin, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles.ā It also helps to reduce the swelling and scars that may form after medical procedures. āLutein, a carotenoid, also promotes collagen production, which is essential for your skinās strength and āfullā appearance,ā Dr. Bank says.Ā šØš¼āāļøš
Both vitamin A and antioxidants repair skin tissue while also preventing free-radical damage. āKale beauty products are also known to be beneficial for detoxification. These products help to keep your skin hydrated while cleaning out your pores and providing your skin with a healthier look.ā
Your Protein For Hydrated Skin ā Salmon


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Salmon is rich in antioxidants that calm inflammation, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. āThe free fatty acids serve as building blocks for healthy skin cells.ā How, exactly? āSince our bodies donāt have the ability to produce the fatty acids, [eating them] helps reinforce your skinās barrier, and keeps moisture in and irritants out,ā adds Dr. Leslie Baumann, certified board dermatologist and Founder of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute.
She recommends eating wild salmon over farm-raised for an optimal dose of omega-3s. Interested in keeping your skin hydrated all night long? Check out How Silk Keeps Your Skin Radiant & Smooth.Ā š
Your Antioxidant Rich Treat ā Dark chocolate


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The sweet treat is rich in cocoa flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties, which help hydrate skin and improve circulation. Women who consumed a high flavanol cocoa powder drink daily for 12 weeks experienced less skin roughness and scaliness compared to a control group.Ā š«ā¤ļø
Dark chocolate can also help you to decompress and lower stress-relieving hormones that wreak havoc on our skin. (And if youāre looking for more tips on how to unwind for a better nightās rest, read up on how Cannabis Can Give You a Better Nightās Sleep.)
Your Cooking Oil for Radiant Skin ā Olive Oil


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The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil donāt just benefit you on the insideāthey soften your skin, too. āAncient Romans massaged olive oil into their skin,ā Dr. Perricone says. āWhen used topically, olive oil results in smoother, more radiant skin.ā šš¼āāļøĀ Plus, consuming olive oil, a staple in the healthy Mediterranean diet, provides antioxidants to disarm free radicals and reduce inflammation. In addition to working olive oil into your daily diet, apply as a lip gloss and skin soother, as needed.
Cover photo by Simone van der Koelen on Unsplash.