Great Skin Foods: Keep your skin young, supple and feeling great!

When we think of skincare, the very first thing that usually comes to mind is something that we put on our skin – moisturizer, cream, sun block. But the fact of the matter is that the best of skin care starts from within. What you put into your body on a daily basis has a great impact on the appearance, texture and youthfulness of our body's biggest organ. So just which foods are best?

1. Water. Okay, so this is a bit of a cheat. Though water is not a food per se, it is certainly the BEST thing you can do for your skin. Keeping yourself hydrated on the inside allows for a dewy glow on the outside.
2. Berries. Anti-oxidants, anyone? You name it – blueberries, blackberries, strawberries – any berry that is rich in antioxidants (which is pretty much all of them) will help keep your skin youthful looking and replenished. Try adding fresh or frozen berries to cereals, eat them as snacks, or even throw them on a decadent bowl of ice cream as an extra treat. NOTE: Other great antioxidant-rich foods include plums and cantaloupe.
3. Tomatoes. For the same reason berries are great for your skin (antioxidants) tomatoes are too. Grape, cherry or on the vine, tomatoes are where it's at for better looking skin.
4. Sweet Potatoes. These are a great “veggie option” to the vast array of fruits that are great for your skin. Sweet potatoes also contain antioxidants, which allows for the absorption of those “free radicals” that cause skin damage and premature aging.
5. Broccoli. These “little green trees” are packed with vitamin A, which helps with the turn over of cells (thus you are always truly putting your most fresh face forward). NOTE: Other fantastic sources of Vitamin A are carrots, spinach, and yogurt.
6. Fish. The omega-3 fatty acids that fish have allow for your skin to be a bit more plump (in a good way, I assure you) and also help stave off any sort of inflammation. Try eating the most “fatty” of the fishes, which include salmon tuna, shellfish and sardines. NOTE: Looking for a fish alternative for those omega-3s? Add some flax seeds or walnuts to your daily diet.
7. Oranges. Vitamin C can do much more than keeping a cold at bay. If you're looking for a true wrinkle-fighter, peel an orange and relax. NOTE: Not fond of oranges? Try grapefruit or Brussel sprouts as an alternative.

8. Eggs. If you're a vegetarian, eggs are undoubtedly a great source of iron in your diet. The iron in eggs will keep the color in your cheeks and those dark under eye circles away. Lean red meats are also a fantastic source of iron for those who are not vegetarian or vegan.
9. Whole wheat. Got selenium? Selenium is the key to youth and beauty, which is why whole wheat products are a pertinent part of any proper skin regime. Almost any type of food comes in a whole wheat form these days: from breads to wraps, to pastas – whatever it is you seek, there's a whole wheat version of it!
10. Green Tea. Fine, I'm cheating again here with green tea being a drink as opposed to an actual “food” but it is an excellent way to finish any meal AND to complete any skin regime. Pick green tea over coffee for its anti-aging, acne fighting properties.

photo by Marek Bernat