Want vibrant-looking skin? Then fill your plate with vibrant foods. Introducing these colorful foods into your skin care diet could help you fight the signs of aging from the inside out to promote lively, beautiful, healthy skin.
RED
- Tomatoes. This robust red fruit brings a number of skin care assets to the table—the kitchen table, that is. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, the flavonoid antioxidant that gives them their bright red color and helps to fight off age-inducing free radicals. They also carry a high water content for moisture and hydration, along with skin-brightening vitamin C. Their selenium content is suggested to protect against skin cancer and age spots.
- Red peppers. Sweet and crunchy, these versatile vegetables are also rich in antioxidants, which help to mop up free radicals. Red peppers, too, boast a high percentage of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C—a wrinkle-fighting collagen booster.
- Kidney beans. High in zinc, kidney beans are thought to promote healthy skin by reducing the appearance of acne. This is, in part, due to their contribution to the proper function of the oil-secreting sebaceous glands. Kidney beans are also high in protein, which helps to stabilize blood sugar, giving skin a healthier appearance.
- Strawberries. Also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries are considered one of the top skin care superfoods. They contain manganese, which transforms toxins in the cells into oxygen, helping to protect against skin damage. The antioxidants contained in strawberries also prevent sagging and protect skin’s elasticity.
ORANGE
- Pumpkin. Pumpkins contain beta-carotene as well as alpha-carotene, the latter of which is believed to abate the process of aging. The seeds also pack a powerful nutritional punch as they are full of fiber and antioxidants, making for a skin-healthy snack.
- Carrots. We all know that carrots are good for our eyes, but they are also good for our skin, because of their high vitamin A/beta-carotene content. This antioxidant preserves skin health and protects against collagen loss. Beta-carotene also protects against sun damage and helps repair tissues that have already been damaged by environmental and other factors.
YELLOW
- Lemons. Lemons are versatile storehouses for skin-brightening vitamin C. Vitamin C gives skin a healthy glow and serves as a stress-reducer, guarding against cortisol, which our bodies produce when we experience a fight or flight response. Cortisol breaks down collagen, which leads to wrinkles.
- Yellow peppers. Like their red cousins, yellow peppers also combat the oxidative damage that can degrade skin’s elasticity, giving way to fine lines and wrinkles. They are also rich in vitamins C and A, both of which promote healthy skin.
GREEN
- Spinach. As with its other green leafy counterparts, spinach packs a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are helpful to skin care. Spinach contains skin-enhancing vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium and iron for a strong bone structure and healthy blood.
- Olives. Olives are chock-full of heart-healthy and skin-healthy oils. Olive oil itself provides a number of skin-enhancing advantages. Olive oil derivatives, such as squalane, are used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical skin products due to their moisturizing and healing properties. Olive oil also helps to boost the immune system, guarding against breakouts and skin irritations.
- Avocado. Full of vitamin E and essential oils, this creamy exotic fruit fights the effects of wrinkle-promoting oxidation, while boosting healthy skin cell growth and regeneration.
- Green tea. High in antioxidant content, green tea offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Phytochemicals present in green tea—particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)—stunt the growth of irregular cells and can help to regenerate healthy cells for glowing, youthful skin.
BLUE
- Blueberries. Another skin care superfood, blueberries have an exceedingly high concentration of antioxidants to protect against cell damage. They also demonstrate anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help smooth rough patches and calm redness and irritations.
PURPLE
- Plums. These sweet treats are high in vitamins A, C, K (which has been linked to reducing the appearance of dark under-eye circles), E, and several B vitamins. Like other healthy-skin foods, their high antioxidant content wards off free radicals, and high levels of iron and copper promote circulatory health, which contributes to a rosy, glowing complexion.
PINK
- Salmon. Salmon is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammatory compounds and provide smoother, fresher skin. In addition, the essential amino acids in salmon create a complete protein, helping to build tissue and contribute to cellular regrowth.
