Your skin is the biggest barrier between your body and the outside world. It works hard to protect against the sun and environmental pollutants that can cause it damage.
The ironic thing about skin is that when people are young, their biggest concern about their skin may be how to get a tan. But as we get older, our top skin priority becomes preventing wrinkles – and the No. 1 way to do this, of course, is NOT to tan.
Since I am the kind of person who doesn’t tan but only turns bright red, I figured out at a young age that sun worshipping just wasn’t in my genetic code.
So, when does it become crucial to start taking care of your skin? It’s probably earlier than you think.
Since prevention plays a big role in skin aging, the sooner you start the better. By the time you see changes you don’t like in your skin, a lot of damage has already been done.
Antioxidants for skin, however, can reduce and reverse the oxidation in skin cells caused by UV damage and stress to the skin over time.
So, what foods should you choose to boost your chances of having healthy skin?
Read on for a list of skin-friendly foods that are richest in antioxidants.
- BERRIES- are packed with nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. Often referred to as a superfood, blueberries contain the highest number of antioxidants. Adding this antioxidant-rich food into your diet can combat early signs of ageing, make the skin tone even and reduce darkness around the eyes.
- TOMATOES- Rich in a carotenoid called lycopene, tomatoes are one of the best antioxidant-rich foods for the skin. Tomatoes have not one, but four antioxidant-rich carotenoids that promote skin cell regeneration as well as protect skin from UV rays. What’s more, tomatoes also contain vitamins C and E, both of which are essential for healthy and younger-looking skin.
- WATERMELON- with high water content, watermelon is also rich in lycopene that fights free radicals and promotes collagen production in the body. It also protects the skin from sun damage and sunburn. Rich in vitamins A, C, B and potassium, watermelon can give your skin a youthful glow and reduce sunspots.
- GOJI BERRIES- Goji berries are often marketed as a superfood because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- CHIA SEEDS- Containing antioxidant-packed polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and protein, chia seeds have been shown to reduce skin aging. In addition, they contain omega-3s, which also benefit our body’s largest organ.
These are only a few out of many fruits and vegetables reach in antioxidants which are so important to promote healthy skin.
Remember that now is the best time of the year when we can enjoy fresh fruits and vegs.
Your Skin Expert,
A.