HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – In the search for a better complexion, many of us spend tons of money loading up our medicine cabinets, But, we may be better off loading up our pantries.
Hollywood, Florida Dermatologist Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser is used to fielding a common question from patients: How could what they eat benefit their skin?
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"Whether it's acne or eczema or a wrinkle or sun damage. they want to know what they could be doing is to prevent these problems or treat these problems," she said.
Clark-Loeser says the answer is plenty! The top ten list of super skin foods starts off with almonds, because they are rich in vitamin E which can ward off the harmful rays of the sun.
"By eating a small amount of almonds you're giving your skin enough vitamin E to protect your skin against cellular damage," she said.
Vitamin A gives carrots a powerful punch in promoting cellular turnover.
"We're all familiar in dermatology with Retinoids, Retin-A, Retinol. Well this is your food version of Retin-A," she said.
Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acid which can ease skin irritation and redness Green tea contains catechins, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, But be sure to drink it hot.
"So cold green tea is not going to offer you the same benefit as hot green tea," said Clark-Loeser.
The omega-6 fatty acids in safflower oil help hydrate the skin.
The folate in spinach can prevent and even reverse DNA damage.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which is linked to collagen remodeling.
And lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, fights free radical damage that leads to skin aging.
"Tomatoes are better cooked than raw, so as you stew and cook a tomato, you're helping release and deliver that lycopene," she said.
And that healthy lunch favorite, tuna in a can, is full of another antioxidant, selenium. It's a nutrient that helps preserve elastin, keeping your skin smoother.
Last but not least on our top 10 list is dark chocolate. It's full of flavonols which are antioxidants that can improve skin texture and guard against sun damage.