Whether it’s acne or dull skin, there’s probably a product in the market that promises to cure it completely. Unfortunately, most skincare products offer little to no results and can burn a huge hole through our wallet in the long-term.

You’ve probably heard this before, but the fountain of youth and beautiful skin begins from the inside out. Youthful, radiant and smooth skin all rely on proper nutrition and optimum hydration. In fact, just upping your water intake can do wonders to your skin.

Apart from water, studies also show that certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes in food can perform anything from boosting skin-turnover to protecting the skin from the damaging rays of the sun. The following are some of our top foods that are not only packed with age-defying nutrients, but are also cost-effective and convenient to find.

1. Bell peppers

Consuming plenty of bell peppers and any other brightly colored vegetable can have a massive impact on your skin. Just half a cup of chopped red pepper offers more than 100 percent of your recommended dietary intake of vitamin C. According to one research conducted with 4,025 women in the UK, women who consumed more vitamin C showed less dryness and wrinkling in their skin.

2. Extra virgin olive oil

Known as one of the healthiest fats on earth, olive oil has a large number of health benefits to offer. It lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease and may even help in fighting cancer.

But that’s not all. Olive oil can also help your skin appear more youthful and radiant. Studies show that olive oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may protect the skin from UV ray damage from the sun.

It’s also rich in monounsaturated fat which helps boosts skin firmness and elasticity, reducing chances of wrinkles and dryness.

3. Green tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help protect the body and skin against free radicals. Free radicals are harmful chemicals formed during stress and metabolism. Antioxidants prevent them from causing any damage by changing their overall structure.

Green tea is particularly high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which can help protect collagen in your skin, thereby reversing several signs of aging.

4. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are an incredible source of ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that can help protect your skin from sun damage and sun-related damage. According to one study, women who consumed flaxseeds or flaxseed oil showed smoother and more hydrated skin.

5. Avocados

Avocados contain a unique compound called polyhydraxylated fatty alcohol, which can combat inflammation and protect your skin from sun damage. Avocados are also rich in the antioxidants, zeazanthin and lutein, as well as monounsaturated fats, which offer additional support for the skin and DNA.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a particularly high lycopene content, which makes them different from other fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is a carotenoid that reduces risk of several chronic diseases and studies show that it may protect your skin from sun damage as well.

Pro tip: Cooking tomatoes with olive oil can significantly elevate lycopene absorption in the body.

7. Spices

Spices are not only flavorful, they’re packed with plant chemicals that benefit your skin and overall health.

Surprisingly, even though we use them so sparingly, studies show that they may help make your skin appear more youthful and supple.

Regular intake of cinnamon has been shown to boost collagen production, thereby increasing skin elasticity and firmness. Some studies also show that it may also reduce damage to the skin caused by spiking blood sugar levels.

Capsaicin found in chili peppers may play a role in reducing effects of aging on the skin.

Ginger is another superfood that contains an anti-inflmmatory compound called gingerol, which can help reduce age spots caused by sun exposure.

8. Dark chocolate

Believe it or not but the antioxidant profile of dark chocolate beats those of blueberries, acai berries and cranberries.

Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, a type of antioxidant that protects the skin from sun exposure damage.

Note that the quality of chocolate you purchase can make a massive difference to your skin. Milk chocolate is too rich in sugar, which can disrupt the collagen production in the skin.

Therefore, go for the highest cocoa content possible, as their flavanol content will be much higher as well.

Your best bet would be to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.

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