I’ve been obsessed with skin care for many years now. Prone to breakouts, I’ve probably used every skin product imaginable– from all-natural cleansers to the harshest chemical-ridden creams. (And boy does it get expensive.) While I’m not typically vain or materialistic, I will stop at nothing to have beautiful skin. If someone guaranteed me that a new product made out of donkey pee would give me a beautiful, glowing complexion, I would probably go for it.

Beautiful skin, however, also depends on the foods we eat. Though many dermatologists have long believed that there is no connection between diet and acne, some researchers are beginning to dispel that myth. I’m pretty sure that if I ate a Big Mac and guzzled a gallon of soda everyday, I wouldn’t look too great.

Though some skin issues are difficult to control no matter what we do, eating right can help us look our best and prevent premature aging.

FOODS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Wild Salmon

Not only is it delicious, but the Omega-3 fatty acids help the body pad skin tissue and cell membranes, making your skin look younger and more radiant. If you can’t find fresh wild salmon where you live you can also take Omega-3 supplements.

And if you’re vegetarian, you can incorporate flaxseed into your diet. In addition to Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed contains fiber and lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities.

Coconut Oil

As most of us know, not all oils or fats are bad for us. In fact, cutting them out from your diet entirely can be detrimental to your health. Coconut oil is both healthy and versatile. Not only can you use it to moisturize your skin and hair, it can help your body build resistance to both viruses and bacteria when ingested.

If you already have oily skin, however, I recommend you eat it and not slather it on your face. I used it as a moisturizer, and it was a disaster. I use two teaspoons in my morning smoothie along with blueberries, flaxseed, kale, almond milk, and a banana. It’s delicious, and great for your skin!

Avocado

A staple in many Latin dishes, avocado is fantastic for your skin, too! This tasty and nutrient-rich fruit can reduce signs of skin aging, heals dry skin and eczema,and can be an effective natural sunscreen. When applied to the skin, fresh avocado and avocado oil can also soften and soothe the skin.

You can easily whip up a homemade mask by mixing it with honey, olive oil, or egg whites.

Chocolate

When you were a teenager, you might have heard that eating chocolate would give you pimples, but this is false. While the dairy and sugar may not be good for you, the chocolate itself is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish skin.

In addition to a variety of other health benefits, flavonoids found in dark chocolate protect women’s skin from the sun’s UV rays, according to German scientists. Make sure to avoid candy bars full of sugar and trans fats and choose a dark chocolate instead. Your skin will thank you.