You are What You Eat

Creams are helpful on the outside, but don't count out what goes inside your body when you're looking to keep your skin clear and fresh. Here are some foods to pile on your plate .

Strawberries, red peppers, kiwi

These fruits and veggies are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to prevent damage to the skin and possibly help prevent aging. Vitamin C also helps form collagen, which supports the skin's structure and keeps it smooth.

Other vitamin C-rich foods: Potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruit, broccoli.

Carrots, apricots, spinach

The antioxidant beta-carotene is in these fresh foods. Beta- carotene converts in the body to vitamin A, which we need to create new and healthy skin cells. It also protects your skin from bacteria and viruses and keeps it hydrated.

Other beta-carotene-rich foods: Collard greens, romaine lettuce, sweet potatoes.

Sunflower seeds, almonds, olive oil

Rounding out the antioxidants are the vitamin E-rich foods. This vitamin protects cell membranes from free-radical damage, especially brought on by UV rays. Of course, sunscreen helps, but a serving of nuts and seeds every so often can help strengthen your cells from the inside.

Other vitamin E-rich foods: Mangoes, peanuts, chicken breast.

Water

Not drinking enough water can dehydrate and give off that pruney look (no one wants that). Instead, keep skin radiant by sipping water throughout the day. No need to chug gallons - you also get water from other sources, such as fresh fruits and veggies.

Flaxseed, salmon, tuna

All rich in omega-3 fats, these foods help prevent inflammation. Their heart-healthy oils also keep skin nice and shiny. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that elderly folks who consumed higher amounts of fish and veggies throughout their life had fewer wrinkles. It could be the combo of the omega-3s in fish plus antioxidant-rich veggies, though researchers can't say for sure right now.

Other omega-3 foods: Sardines, walnuts, tofu.

Courtesy Toby Amidor of Healthy Eats on foodnetwork.com

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