By Kristin Yancy
It’s a fact, more sunshine equals more skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin, Flygyals! A good SPF, a water bottle, and daily moisturizing are musts for all of that upcoming fun in the sun, but you can also help that healthy glow with your diet—check out these frontrunners in the love-the-skin-your-in category:
Almonds
Almonds, available year round, are freshest in the summer months, and are actually seeds of the fruit of the almond tree. In general, almonds contain the most health benefits when compared with other nuts, and, packed with Vitamin E, can help protect skin cells from harmful UV rays. Not a fan of nuts? Try mixing some bits of dark chocolate (another winner on this list!) for a sweet and salty trail mix, or trading in your regular peanut butter for almond butter.
Carrots
Carrots are full of Vitamin A, which helps prevent the buildup of cells in the skin’s outer layer, the same buildup that can clog pores (acne, hi.). Vitamin A may also help to reduce the development of skin cancer cells. And they’ve got such a great crunch! Snack on half a cup of these a day to reap major benefits for your bod.
Sweet Potatoes
Another perfect vegetable, sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin C, which helps produce collagen in the skin. Put simply? More collagen means smooth skin and less wrinkles. The best part is how easy these are to eat! Throw one in the microwave and grab a fork and you’ll be eating in minutes.
Dark Chocolate
Just a few ounces of dark chocolate a day (yes, a day!) can aid a smooth, healthy complexion. The flavanoids in dark chocolate act as antioxidants that fight against sun damage and roughness in the skin. Just think, not so long ago people used to think eating chocolate would lead to breakouts- thank goodness they were wrong!
Green Tea
As if green tea doesn’t already do enough bodily good, this steaming cup is full of antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and inflammation in the skin. Green tea may also help reverse sun damage and correct uneven skin tones marred by the “SPF 4” days. Drink up!
Flaxseeds
These omega-3 rock stars can help smooth wrinkles and support an even skin tone, as well as combat irritation and aid hydration. That’s a lot of positive health benefits! Sprinkle them in oatmeal or mix them in stir-fry, or try a pressed flaxseed oil supplement with your daily vitamin. Not in the mood for stir-fry tonight? Four ounces of salmon will bring similar health benefits to your dinner table.
Fly Gyal Dance 