As they say, true beauty comes from the inside. Eat the right foods and those skin-soothing ingredients will distribute themselves where it’s needed. Here’s what to include on your grocery-shopping list:
Fatty fish: The omega 3’s keep the skin cell’s membrane healthy—the better to seal in moisture. So sear up some salmon, toss sardines into your salad, and make yourself a tuna sandwich.
Water: You’ve heard this before! But it doesn’t have to come from a bottle. The water incorporated into other foods (such as watermelon, cucumbers) and beverages (such as tea and juice) count as part of your daily supply.
Avocado. Smash it up on your toast and slice it into your salad. Avocado is chock full of skin-moisturizing vitamin E and monounsaturated fats.
Yogurt. The good bacteria (probiotics) in yogurt doesn’t just improve digestive health, they help with reducing inflammation, too—which can help temper itchy rashes and other skin problems.
Pumpkin seeds. They’re among the best vegetarian sources for zinc, an essential component in the many compounds involved in the regulation of the sebaceous glands. Toast them up and sprinkle them on everything from yogurts and oatmeal to salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Almonds. This protein-rich nut is also chock full of Vitamin E. Like seeds, they’re tastier toasted. Chop them up and sprinkle them onto yogurt, cereal, toasts, salads, and stir-fries.