You might be plagued with skin problems and looking for solutions in creams, at dermatologists’ offices, or through alternative medicine. What if there was an easier way? People put in a lot of thought regarding what they eat when they want to follow a diet to lose weight, but the same thing can be done to achieve healthier, younger, and brighter-looking skin.

Just like food can cause you to lose or gain weight, it can affect the appearance of your skin. This is not a completely foreign idea, and while some people will avoid fatty food to avoid zits, they dismiss the idea that not only can certain healthy foods prevent skin blemishes, but they can improve the skin’s overall appearance. Here is a list of a few foods that you can eat to enhance your skin’s appearance and your general well-being.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Zinc
Found in: Seafood, flaxseed oil, and walnuts

It is a well-known fact that eating fish is good for you. Not only do omega-3 fatty acids contribute to keeping the heart’s arteries clean and improve circulation, they also can do wonders for your skin. Zinc and the fatty acids found in seafood, especially in oysters and salmon, can reduce dryness and inflammation. This is crucial in slowing down the aging process of skin, as well as for preventing inflammatory disorders like eczema.

For those plagued with chronic acne, increasing your intake of zinc helps fight acne breakouts. Zinc helps metabolize testosterone, which affects the production of Sebum - an oily substance that is the primary cause of acne. Zinc is also helpful in the production of new cells. This will contribute to having nice glowing skin.

Vitamin C
Found in: Citrus fruit, sprout, hot peppers and bell peppers

This one is no big surprise. A lot of creams and lotions boast their vitamin-rich content. Vitamin C aids in the body’s production of collagen. Collagen helps the skin retain elasticity and smoothness, and its breakdown becomes significantly more rapid when you hit 35 years old. That breakdown affects the skin by making it saggier.

Vitamin C can be found in oranges, grapefruits, Acerola cherries, and tomatoes. Increasing your vitamin C intake not only helps tighten skin and ward off wrinkles, but as an antioxidant it can neutralize the cancer-causing free radicals that damage cells and prematurely age your face.