If you are what you eat, then eating whole, natural, nutrient-packed foods could be your answer to a clearer, more radiant complexion. Sure, all those serums, toners, mists and moisturisers scattered on your bathroom vanity play their part, but if you’re not nourishing your body with skin-friendly foods, there’s only so much those products can do.
The key is to introduce fresh produce rich in antioxidants, which neutralise harmful free radicals that can cause wrinkles and pesky age spots.
Keen to achieve that lit-from-within look this summer? Skip the salon and eat your way to fabulous skin with these top antioxidant superfoods.
Blueberries
Nothing screams summer like a bowl full of fresh blueberries for breakfast. But whether you’re whizzing them up in a smoothie or scattering a handful over some crunchy granola, rejoice. Blueberries don’t just make your tastebuds sing, they make your skin spring!
Bursting with vitamins A, C and E (goodbye dark spots and hyperpigmentation), these bite sized miracle workers contain antioxidants like anthocyanin, which bring about bouncy, youthful skin. Load up!
Avocados
Whoever said millennials were throwing their money away on avocado toast, seriously underestimated the value of a glowing complexion. All those powerful nutrients, monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds are doing wonders for your skin (not to mention your overall health and wellbeing)– is there any worthier investment!?
This creamy fruit (avocados are actually a type of berry) is rich in carotenoids that work as antioxidants in your body, as well as hydrating vitamin E, so they’re especially beneficial to dry skin sufferers.
Citrus fruits
You probably have a vitamin C serum (or three) on your bathroom vanity – A for effort.
But do your skin a solid and add a squeeze of lemon to your sparkling water or slice up an orange for a mid-afternoon snack. Why?
Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that keeps skin smooth and elastic. Studies show these tangy treats promote collagen production, prevent pigmentation and even safeguard against sun damage (don’t forgo the SPF though!)
Walnuts
A humble player in the nut family, walnuts actually rank way above their celebrated cousins when it comes to antioxidants. Boasting high concentrations of B and E vitamins – both of which are potent antioxidants – more walnuts = fewer wrinkles and fine lines. Sounds good to us!
They’re also an excellent source of essential Omega-4 fatty acids, helping to regulate your skin’s oil production, improve hydration and fight breakouts. Tick, tick, tick.
Cherries
Cherries are chock full of skin-friendly antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C, meaning they’ll help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. (Those undesirables we mentioned at the top of this article that cause signs of premature ageing) . ‘
There’s a stack of other essential nutrients in cherries too, including vitamins A and K, potassium and calcium. They’re also high in polyphenols – a naturally occurring plant product believed to minimise skin cell damage.
Pomegranates
There’s no better way to dress up a salad than with a smattering of candy-coloured pomegranate seeds. But these edible jewels don’t just look pretty, they’ll help you radiate from the inside out, too.
Rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and tannins, pomegranate seeds work hard to reverse free radical damage and keep your skin healthy and glowy. A true superfood!
After more healthy skin tips? Read our Q&A with Saor Skin.
Hero image by Floucia. Other images by The Forked Spoon, The Mother Cooker, Spell & The Gypsy Collective.