While there are tons of beauty products out there promising a clear complexion with anti-aging results, sometimes, the key to glowing, blemish-free skin is sitting in your pantry or fridge. If you've been fighting discoloration, acne or dry flakes, try changing up your diet. Try these radiance-boosting snacks:
SWITCH TO WALNUTS
If your skin has been looking pretty rough these days, put down the peanuts and nosh on some walnuts instead. Not only do these nuts contain collagen-boosting copper, but they're also equipped with Omega-3, a fatty acid that can improve the elasticity of your skin, keeping it firm and supple.
MUNCH ON CHOCOLATE
The right kind of chocolate can do wonders for your complexion - especially dark chocolate. The delectable treat is full of flavonols, which are a type of antioxidant that can prevent your body's cells from atmospheric damage - including UV rays - and unwanted bacteria. For the best results, dermatologists recommend eating chocolate that is 70 percent cacao or more. So don't be afraid to grab that bar of dark chocolate or drink a few ounces of strong cocoa by adding some to your morning coffee each day. Digesting chocolate is not the only way to receive its skin-clearing benefits. When applied topically, the caffeine in chocolate temporarily reduces puffiness in the skin, Dermatologist Jessica Wu told Fitness Magazine. Consider pairing your chocolate intake with a radiance-boosting mask such as the CEW Beauty Award Winner - ELEMIS Peptide⁴ Thousand Flower Mask
MAKE SWEET POTATOES YOUR SIDE DISH
If you love scooping spoonfuls of sweet potatoes onto your plate at Thanksgiving dinner, you'll love this. The delicious holiday staple is a powerful anti-aging agent because of its high content of Vitamin C. The mineral triggers collagen production, which in turn prevents fine lines and sagging skin. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate 4 mg of Vitamin C (or the equivalent to half of a sweet potato), each day greatly reduced their facial wrinkles over a period of three years. Now you have an excuse to eat these sweet dinner favorites year-round.
TRY A FEW TOMATOES
Next time you're headed to the beach, pack a few tomatoes along with your sunscreen. The lycopene found in the juicy red fruit blocks UV rays from damaging cells, protecting your skin from discoloration, sunspots and other harmful effects. Tomatoes offer these benefits fresh and uncooked, but for best results, try heating them up. If fruits and veggies are not your thing, feed your skin with
superfood facial oil. For more nutrition tips,
click here.
