Your skin needs nourishment to thrive and glow. While facial treatments such as microdermabrasion can offer rejuvenation, certain foods offer additional support for creating a healthy and bright complexion. Here are several that provide vital nutrients to maintain vibrant skin.

What Foods Promote Healthy Skin?

1. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta carotene, an antioxidant that combats free radicals in the body. Eating half of a baked sweet potato daily may infuse beta carotene into the skin and offer protection against dryness, premature wrinkles, and sunburn.

The vegetable’s orange color can also act as a natural suntan treatment by adding a deep, rich pigment to your complexion. 

2. Dark Chocolate

Another way to maintain healthy and glowing skin is indulging in a bit of dark chocolate. The variety that contains a minimum of 70% cocoa has been shown to boost stronger blood flow to the skin. This extra strength source may keep your skin hydrated and less prone to a flaky or rough appearance. Dark chocolate also provides ultraviolet ray protection.

3. Walnuts

A combination of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin E makes walnuts among the top food items for creating hydrated and stronger skin. The nut is also a vital source of natural copper for increasing collagen levels and elasticity. Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are not typically produced by the body, may also decrease inflammation in the skin. 

4. Broccoli

From offering anti-wrinkle protection to maintaining collagen levels, broccoli provides a host of benefits to your skin. The vegetable contains vitamins A and C as well as zinc, which are among the leading minerals that help maintain healthy skin.

After your microdermabrasion appointment, enjoy a plate of deliciously steamed broccoli with the florets. They are filled with sulforaphane, a skin cancer-fighting compound that also provides ultraviolet ray protection. 

These are just a few of the many foods that can help revitalize dull and unhealthy skin. The office of Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC in Hartford, CT, specializes in treating skin from the inside out. As a professional and experienced dermatologist, she provides customized care based on her clients’ unique facial needs. From microdermabrasion and Botox® to spider vein laser surgery and collagen treatments, you can count on a host of treatment solutions to bring out your skin’s natural and healthy glow. To learn more about how what you eat affects your skin, call (860) 246-3533. Visit the website for the complete lineup of dermatology services.