Nutrients for Healthy Skin
Achieving beautiful skin can be as easy as getting the right vitamins and nutrients. Check out our top picks and simple ways to add them to your diet.
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Split nails, strawlike hair, and dry, lackluster skin? Could be a vitamin deficiency. The big beauty player appears to be antioxidants, which are free radical scavengers. "High-energy molecules called free radicals, which are ever present in the atmosphere, cause major damage to our skin cells and the DNA within the cells," explains David Bank, a dermatologist in Mt. Kisco, New York. "Antioxidants act like shock absorbers, taking the hit themselves and protecting your skin." The following slides reveal which foods you should eat to get your dose of antioxidants and other skin-boosting nutrients.
Found In: Green vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, black currants, blackberries, cherries, grapes
Benefit: Powerful antioxidant; protects skin from sun damage
Found In: Wheat germ and sunflower oils, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, avocado, pear, spinach
Benefit: Another potent antioxidant to protect skin from sun damage and provide smooth skin texture
Found In: Salmon, tuna, walnuts, olive oil, flaxseed oil, coldwater fish, nuts
Benefits: Combats skin inflammation
Found In: Garbanzo and kidney beans, oysters, sardines, beef, liver, lamb, pork
Benefits: Supports cell repair and renewal; good for acneic skin
Found In: Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, tuna, sole, rice, wheat
Benefits: Protects skin from sun damage
Found In: Egg yolks, peanuts, peanut butter, hazelnuts, and sesame seeds
Benefits: Promotes strong hair and nails
Found In: Fish oils, nuts, fish, meat
Benefits: Antioxidant
Found In: leafy green vegetables, orange or yellow vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, cantaloupe, squash)
Benefit: Promotes skin cell renewal; prevents acne and plugged hair follicles
Found in: Whole grains, nuts, meat, potatoes, bananas, prunes
Benefit: Important to overall skin health
