Eat your way to perfect skin

Flawless and beautiful skin is every woman's dream and although skincare products may seem to be the best choice to get the skin of your dreams, there is an easier and cheaper way to attain airbrushed perfection



The rush of daily life, work-related stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, sun and pollution are the worst enemies of today's humans. When these elements join forces with the incorrect usage of skin care products, our epidermis takes a major hit and the structure of our skin is altered, resulting in premature aging of the skin. Well, we have news for you: An unhealthy diet can also contribute to aging of the skin.You may already know that filling your diet with power foods such as leafy greens, dark chocolate and citrus can help beat chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. According to experts, following a healthy diet regimine rich in skin-friendly foods is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. It is possible to fight wrinkles and early aging with a proper diet and by keeping the moisture of your skin balanced. So, save your money and check out these 10 foods to feed the body with the nutrients and moisture it needs:Green tea

Used in skin care creams and masks around the world, green tea can play an important role in the renewal process of the skin. Recently becoming a widely consumed product, green tea has been the subject of numerous studies that show drinking two cups of green tea per day can prevent sin cancer and help repair sun damage to the skin.Olive oil

When researchers analyzed the daily diets of more than 1,000 women in 2012, they found that a higher consumption of olive oil was associated with 31 percent fewer signs of aging compared to people who ate less than one teaspoon per day. About 75 percent of the fat in olive oil is composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, which may play a role in olive oil's youth-boosting properties. The antioxidant polyphenols in olive oil could also help neutralize free radicals which are damaging to the skin.Tomato paste

People who consume five tablespoons of tomato paste daily, along with a slight tablespoon of olive oil for 12 weeks, had 33 percent more protection from sunburn compared to a control group that ate only olive oil, according to a 2008 U.K. study. The antioxidant lycopene found in concentrated tomato paste is said to improve the skin's natural sun protection factor.Spinach

As a natural source of folic acid, spinach helps keep the skin young by taking an active role in DNA repair, also functioning as a cancer-fighting food. Spinach juice prevents wrinkles by helping maintain the skin's moisture balance. It is recommended to consume spinach two-to-three times per week, in food, salad or juice form.Fish

A rich and natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, fish protects our skin cells from free radicals thanks to its high antioxidant content. Consuming fish helps maintain the elasticity of your skin by protecting elastin and protein levels. It is highly beneficial for the body to consume grilled or baked fish twice a week.Dark chocolate

No matter how much guilt chocolate lovers experience, the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help keep your skin smoother when consumed moderately. If you do not have any health problems, you can regularly consume 20 grams of dark chocolate - with a high percentage of natural cacao - per day. Dark chocolate helps accelerate blood flow under the skin thanks to the antioxidant properties it contains known as flavonoids.Citrus

Our skin begins to lose elasticity as it ages, and the level of collagen production decreases. Fruits rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruits and lemons help tighten the skin by boosting collagen production.

Pineapple

Pineapples contain a widely unknown "miracle ingredient" bromelain. This unique compound fights wrinkles by renewing collagen in the skin. Consuming one or two slices of fresh pineapple per day is beneficial for your skin and helps your body maintain healthy water levels.Carrots

A natural source of Vitamin A, carrot is an excellent cancer-fighting food that also helps maintain optimal acidity levels in the skin. However, it is important to consume it raw, rather than in juice form, to retain the fiber content. Diabetics should consult a doctor before consuming carrots.Tomatoes

Tomato is a superb source of lycopene. What's more, the amount of lycopene increases when it is cooked or sliced. It is important to consume fresh, in-season tomatoes at every meal.Water

Water consumption is one of the essentials for healthy skin. Do not wait to get thirsty before drinking water. Consuming two liters of water per day is extremely good for skin health and for fighting wrinkles.