A balanced diet is a critical part of a healthy life, but did you know consuming certain foods can actually help reverse the signs of aging skin? 

We often tout using topical antioxidants to help prevent premature aging, but incorporating antioxidant-heavy foods into your diet can also lead to a brighter, more youthful complexion. Additionally, fats, vitamins and minerals found in these foods often have anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve redness and uneven skin tone.

Here are 6 foods that will help your skin look its best:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

It may surprise you to learn that high-fat oil can actually help your skin’s health, but Extra Virgin Olive Oil does just that. High in oleic acid, Olive Oil works as an effective anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe and repair inflamed skin. On top of that, Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, both of which are powerful antioxidants.

These antioxidants help fight damaging free radicals that are found everywhere. Free radicals attack healthy collagen cells, speeding up the skin’s aging process. Luckily, antioxidants work quickly and efficiently to combat free radical damage and restore skin’s youthful glow.

2. Carrots

Carrots are very high in vitamin A, or beta-carotene, which has long been revered as helpful for vision. But vitamin A is also a powerful anti-aging component, otherwise known as Retinol in the beauty industry. Increasing your intake of vitamin A can help slow the visible signs of aging skin.

Furthermore, carrots contain a healthy amount of vitamin C, which helps your skin stay plump and elastic by boosting collagen production.

3. Avocados

Avocados are extremely high in fat, but contain only trace amounts of sugar, making them a prime candidate for this list. The fat comprising avocados is primarily oleic acid, which, as we mentioned earlier, works effectively as an anti-inflammatory. 

The omega-9 fatty acids found in them help lock in moisture, keeping skin cells hydrated. Plus, due to their high carotenoid content, they work to block environmental toxins from entering the skin.

4. Lemons

Citrus in general can be wonderfully helpful to the skin, as it tends to have high concentrations of vitamin C, but lemons are the gold standard. 

Because they are so potently high in vitamin C, lemons help produce collagen, as well as ward off free radicals. Studies have shown that consuming foods with high vitamin C levels can decrease the likeliness of dry skin and help prevent wrinkles.

5. Red Wine

Yes, you read that right—red wine made the list! Studies have shown that red wine is very rich in antioxidant polyphenols. These have long been recognized as helpful for your heart, but recent research indicates that polyphenols can be equally good for your skin. Antioxidant polyphenols have shown to be exceptionally beneficial in combating aging skin.

That said, remember to consume in moderation. Too many glasses per week can end up damaging skin over time.

6. Salmon

Salmon is often recognized for its heart-healthy omega-3s and omega-6s, but in addition to keeping your heart pumping, salmon may have major skin benefits.

The fatty acids found in the fish help improve redness and hyperpigmentation, hydrate dry skin, and improve the skin’s barrier function, making it a great addition to your skin-centric foods!