Q&A With Our Aesthetic Experts: “Can My Diet Affect the Appearance of my Skin?”

The short answer is YES. To elaborate, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will improve your skin. Overall, choose foods that are minimally processed with limited amounts of added sugars and sodium!

Below are 11 key ingredients you should look for when filling your grocery cart!

1. Catechins- May reverse the effects of sun damage by neutralizing the changes that appear in sun-exposed skin. Foods include: Dark chocolate, green tea, cherries

2. Flavanols- May reduce roughness in the skin and protect against sun damage. Foods include: dark chocolate, blueberries, black & kidney beans

4. Lycopene- helps eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays.

5. Niacin (Vit B3) An anti-inflammatory, soothes irritated skin and red, blotchy skin.-. Foods include: barley, peas, tuna

6. Omega 3 Fatty Acids-Attracts water to skin cells to plump up the skin and reduce wrinkles. Foods include: Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed

7. Riboflavin (Vit B2)-Improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. Foods include: mackerel, trout, almonds, sesame seeds

8. Selenium-Helps preserve elastin, a protein that keeps your skin smooth and tight. Foods include: Brazil nuts, canned tuna, turkey, low-fat cottage cheese

9. Vit A-Fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin and reduces the development of skin cancer cells. Foods include: sweet potato, mango, spinach

10. Vit C-Essential for collagen production. Foods include: dark leafy greens, broccoli, peppers

11. Vit E-protects skin from UV light and environmental factors. Its rich oils help protect against skin damage and premature aging. Foods include: olive oil, 100% whole wheat, kale, almonds.

12. Zinc-Contains anti-inflammatory properties. Foods include: walnuts, chickpeas, nonfat and low fat plan yogurt and milk