better skin through food

Although some skin conditions are best treated by a dermatologist, you can enhance the appearance of your skin by improving the content of your diet. According to the editors at Reader’s Digest, here are the foods that can make your skin do an about-face:

Eggs, Legumes, Avocados, Nuts and Soybeans. These foods contain an essential vitamin called biotin, which is vital for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats; a deficiency can cause dry skin.

Salmon. This fish contains a carotenoid called “astaxanthin,” which is known to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Green Tea. This tea variety can help protect against sun damage to skin. (For a frosty, healthy dessert, try the green tea and ginger granita in this month’s Recipe for Health.)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Found in foods such as walnuts, cod-liver oil and fortified foods, these compounds help skin look and feel young.

Pomegranates. When applied topically (as in facials), the fruit inside can produce more collagen and enhance skin healing.