5 Foods that Give You Better Skin

By Shannon Farrell, Daily Makeover

Tried tons of serums and masks, but still can't seem to rid your complexion of blemishes or dry skin? The trick may not be what you are putting on your skin, but in your body. There is a correlation between what you eat and how your skin looks. We spoke with Kimberly Snyder, a celebrity nutritionist (she's worked with Drew Barrymore and Kerry Washington) and the author of the just released book, The Beauty Detox Foods, about what foods we should be incorporating in our diets for a brighter, healthier looking complexion.

Related Article: Quick Fixes For Instantly Prettier Skin

Pears
Pears are packed full of nutrients that promote a healthy glow - copper, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins C, E, B and K. "Although pears have a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity, which neutralizes aging free radicals quite efficiently, most of pears' antioxidants are contained in the skin," says Snyder. So if you plan on adding pears to your anti-aging regimen, she recommends going organic so that you can eat the skins without the pesticides.

Cabbage
"It is not commonly known that cabbages actually contain about 11 percent more vitamin C than oranges by weight, and vitamin C is the super anti-aging nutrient that helps heal damaged tissues and minimize deep lines," Snyder says. Another plus - the vegetable is packed with vitamin A, which is helpful in smoothing fine lines.

Turmeric
Turmeric increases circulation, helps keep red blood cells from clumping and promotes their formation. But how does this help our complexion? By "increasing circulation via better blood flow, turmeric helps make the skin more glowing, supple and healthy looking. Cleansed blood also helps prevent acne and skin disorders," Snyder explains.

Lemons
Did you know that the answer to a blemish-free complexion is adding foods that support the liver? And lemons do just that! "Lemon aids with digestion by increasing the secretion of bile from the liver, while also acting as a strengthening agent for the liver's enzymes," says Snyder. "Any support to the liver, which is our primary detoxifying organ, is going to help clear up acne in the long run." Think of it as a simple cleanse for clearer skin.

Watercress
This spicy green (part of the mustard family), helps create glowing skin by cleansing and oxygenating tissues. "When your body has an increased oxygen supply, you have better blood flow and more glowing skin," Snyder says. Watercress' combo of vitamins A, C and E also helps in reducing and treating acne and eczema.

More From Daily Makeover:
Do Beauty Vitamins Really Work?
This Magic Marker Erases Makeup Mistakes
Try On New Makeup In Our Virtual Makeover Studio