We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but this old adage is most often associated between fatty foods and obesity.

When we focus so much appearance, it’s easy to go about our days focusing on low-calorie foods instead of nutritionally sound choices.

Not only do healthy foods reduce your risk for chronic illness, but dermatologic studies continue to show that certain nutrients play a vital role in long-term skin health.

Consider the following food sources and incorporate these easy recipes in your day to maintain beautiful skin. With summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, so many of these delicious beauties are well-priced and readily available. Get to the produce shop and pick up some great looking skin!

Berries

There are numerous reasons why these fruits are “berry” good for your skin (sorry, couldn’t help ourselves!).

First, they’re packed with vitamin C to reduce free radicals linked to wrinkles and sun damage. Furthermore, the naturally high water content helps your face maintain moisture to reduce the appearance of the visible signs of aging. Note: Keep reading below for a topical Vitamin C option to help boost your skin even further!

Organic strawberries are rated among the best berries, although blueberries and blackberries are also ranked high on the list.

Try: A fruity parfait with your favorite berries, almonds, Greek yogurt, homemade granola and honey.

Carrots

Carrots are another natural source of antioxidants. Containing vitamin A, carrots provide skin with a healthier complexion by reducing the number of dead skin cells in the epidermis and stimulating cell turnover. When dead skin cells congregate, you’re left with dryness as well as clogged pores. This powerful antioxidant also treats acne and rosacea, and may prevent premature lines.

Try: A half-cup of organic carrots with hummus for a fiber-packed snack.

Green Tea

Green tea contains catechins, which are substances that may reduce your chances for cancer in the long term. This also includes skin cancer.

Short-term benefits are felt immediately through reduced skin inflammation. Green tea accomplishes this by determining levels of Caspase-14, a type of genetic protein responsible for regulating skin cells. While white tea can also help the skin, it doesn’t contain the same level of antioxidants as world-renowned green versions do.

Try: Two to three cups of hot green tea a day.

Spinach

If Popeye were real, he would surely have a great complexion! Spinach is packed with vitamin C, folate and water. Like other antioxidant-rich foods, these leafy greens help product your body against free radicals thanks to a high lutein content. A 2006 study on lutein found that this compound not only increases skin hydration, but also the elasticity needed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Try: For the ultimate skin health meal, try a spinach and berry salad with a homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, honey and garlic. Add some almonds on top for a mix of healthy protein and fat.

Sweet Potatoes

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are packed with skin-healthy vitamin A. However, these autumn favorites are also packed with vitamin C. While vitamin A balances out skin hydration, vitamin C is directly linked to increasing collagen to prevent skin wrinkles. When considering potatoes, these versions are an extra sweet treat for your skin because they help to increase collagen production.

Try: Thinly slice sweet potatoes on a baking pan coated in olive oil. Add a small amount of sea salt to taste if desired, but keep in mind that too much salt can dehydrate the skin!

Tomatoes

When cooked, tomatoes release lycopene. Not only is this ingredient great for eye health, but sun-exposed skin will also benefit. Studies show that tomatoes eaten within hours of sun exposure can help reduce burning. The fewer sunburns you have over the course of a lifetime, the less likely you’ll develop premature skin aging and cancer.

Try: Combine with olive oil, fresh basil and garlic for a ready-to-use pesto on pasta and chicken.

 

Give Your Skin an Extra Boost with this Topical Option from LaVigne:

Combine your healthy eating efforts with LaVigne’s Vitamin C Serum, designed to fight sun damaged skin and discoloration, including fine lines, brown spots and even hormonal acne breakouts. Read more about this product at http://lavigneorganics.com/product/vitamin-c-serum. Scroll down to save 25% on this product now. Read what Dr Oz had to say recently about the benefits of Vitamin C (aka #1 Secret to Youthful Skin) here: http://lavigneorganics.com/dr-oz-highlights-topical-vitamin-c-as-1-secret-for-youthful-skin/

Help yourself to a healthy discount on Vitamin C Serum!

Until Sunday, September 1st, take 25% off your Vitamin C Serum purchase by using Coupon Code VITC25