There are many myths surrounding the relationship between diet and the appearance of the skin, with one of the most popular being that chocolate causes acne. While, fortunately, this isn’t true (acne is mostly caused by hormones, some medications, and cosmetic products, according to the NHS), what we do know is that diet can be very influential in the overall look, feel, and health of our skin. Studies have found that overweight people, for example, tend to have drier skin that’s more prone to uncomfortable flaking and cracking than others.

Good Food

So what sort of foods should we be eating to maintain healthy looking skin? Foods that are high in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes and carrots, and foods that are high in vitamin C, like oranges and red peppers, are believed to be good for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Similarly, vitamin E boasts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which could help to reverse damage to the skin – particularly sun damage, and some of the natural signs of ageing. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, seeds, and leafy greens like kale and spinach.

Hydration

While diet can play a major role in the maintenance of healthy, fresh skin, it’s important to remember that the skin needs to be hydrated on both the inside and the outside. In fact, for specific skin conditions, such as dry skin, there is a definite lack of evidence supporting the benefits of dietary changes exclusively. These changes, including increased water intake, tend to be more effective when they’re combined with a good, regular skin care routine which works to ensure your skin is getting the moisture it needs to thrive.

Experts often recommend gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells, which can give a dull, tired appearance, before applying moisturiser. However, for those who suffer with very dry or very sensitive skin, the chemicals and fragrances in some moisturisers can be irritating. That’s why emollient creams like AproDerm, which are fragrance free and colour free, are excellent choices for both men and women wanting to improve the health and appearance of their skin.