Clear skin is just one of the many reasons to eat your five daily servings of fruit -- fruits that are good for your skin are good for your body's overall health. Eating the right foods is more important for a glowing complexion than any expensive face cream. Spend your money at the grocery store and not the cosmetic department -- a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains will keep your skin smooth and supple.
Step 1
Make a smoothie for breakfast using frozen berries. Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are rich sources of antioxidants, which fight free-radical damage and keep your skin looking young and vibrant. Frozen fruit has the same nutrient value as fresh -- the vitamins in fruits may start to lose their potency in as little as three days after harvest -- fruit that is frozen quickly after being picked may have more vitamins than fruit shipped long distances that sits in the produce section of your grocery store for a week.
Step 2
Have an extra serving of tomato sauce on your pasta. Lycopene and carotenoids, which give tomatoes their bright red color, help repair skin damage from ultraviolet light and sunburn, according to CBS News. Other fruits that can fight sun damage include pink grapefruit, guava and watermelon. Many canned tomato sauces are high in sodium, which may contribute to bloating.
Step 3
Add slices of avocado to your sandwich or salad. Avocado is high in unsaturated fat and vitamin E, which will maintain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles. Avocados can be used topically, as a facial mask, to moisturize skin as well.
Step 4
Eat papaya for an afternoon snack. Papaya contains an enzyme, papain, that may help your skin maintain a youthful glow, protecting against premature aging. Papaya is also used in many face washes and skin creams as an exfoliant to remove dry skin and dead cells.
Step 5
Eat fruits high in vitamin C, which will boost collagen production. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemon and limes will keep your skin firm. Add a fresh squeeze of citrus juice to your water, which may help you drink more water and stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the causes of tired looking skin.
Tips and Warnings
- A diet high in unsaturated fat and carbohydrates may contribute to aging skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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