“You are what you eat.” You’ve heard this phrase before, and it’s definitely true when it comes to eating for a healthier body. But did you know that eating the right foods can also do wonders for your complexion? Check out the following super foods that will have you on your way to healthier looking skin in no time.

Oatmeal
The next time you’re looking for a breakfast treat, skip the toast and jelly in favor of whole grain oatmeal. That’s because it isn’t packed with carbs that trigger your body to make insulin and hormones called androgens, which can secrete oil in your pores and prompt acne. For a sweet treat, add fresh fruit on top.

Dark Chocolate
Cue the hallelujah chorus: dark chocolate is great for hydrating your skin and improving circulation. That’s because it’s rich in antioxidants. Just don’t overdo it – one ounce of dark chocolate per day is just right.

Olive Oil
More than sunflower or peanut oil, olive oil is primarily made up of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are directly related to improving the look of your skin.

Green Tea
Like dark chocolate, green tea is rich in antioxidants. And drinking green tea can add elasticity and smoothness to your skin, as well as play a role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

Water
Not surprisingly, good old H2O is essential to keeping your skin hydrated, leaving it looking plumper and less wrinkled. What’s more, drinking water over soda and the like is a good way to keep your blood sugar levels low, which consequently helps protect against developing sagging and wrinkly skin.

Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale and Brussel sprouts are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are nutrients that absorb and minimize free radicals that are caused by UV rays, including those that permeate sunscreen and affect your skin.

To learn more about eating better for healthier skin in Philadelphia, Scranton or Maryland, please contact John J.W. Lee, MD, FACS, to schedule a consultation with our experienced cosmetic surgeon.