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Question: How can certain foods have such a significant impact on your skin? What's the connection?

The skin is your body's largest organ so it makes sense that the nutrients you feed your body can have a positive effect on your skin, just like they do on your heart and other organs. More and more, scientists are learning that certain types of fat, vitamins and minerals can provide anti-aging effects and some may even help prevent sunburn. Studies show that a diet containing high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients is more protective against wrinkles than one that contains plenty of foods that can cause inflammation like meat, butter and sweets. Studies also show that certain foods and beverages can worsen skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Question: What are some of top foods for healthy skin?

These foods are definitely on the top of the list for nourishing your skin.

• Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries. Studies are finding that antioxidants are very important for healthy skin. Antioxidants reduce the damage caused by free radicals, a byproduct of normal metabolism. But antioxidants are also formed in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. Free radicals can damage important structures in the skin, which contributes to aging. Compared to other foods, these berries top the list when it comes to antioxidant content.
• Oranges, kiwi, red pepper. These foods are excellent sources of vitamin C, which also acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage. One study found that people whose diets contained the most foods rich in vitamin C had fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin than those whose diets contained only a small amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen, a protein in the skin that adds strength, flexibility, and resilience. As we get older, collagen degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles.
• Salmon, walnuts, flax oil, canola oil. These foods are rich in essential fatty acids and omega-3 fats. These fats keep skin cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients in. Cell membranes also hold in water, so the stronger your cell membranes are, the better they can hold in moisture and that can help your skin look plumper and younger. These oils are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nuts, Brazil nuts. Nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant nutrient that works specifically to protect skin cell membranes. But nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are good sources of the mineral selenium. Research suggests that this nutrient is important for reducing the risk of skin cancer. High selenium levels are also thought to protect skin that's already been damaged by the sun.
• Tomato paste. In a study published earlier this year, people who consumed five tablespoons of tomato paste daily were found to have 33 per cent more protection against sunburn, compared to the control group that did not consume tomato paste. The benefits are attributed to lycopene, an antioxidant that's plentiful in heat-processed tomato products. Not only does it help fight free radical damage, it also seems to increase the skin's production of pro-collagen, a molecule that gives skin its structure and firmness.
• Green tea. There's plenty of research highlighting green tea's potential to protect the skin from aging. Green tea contains potent antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may even reduce the risk of skin cancer. One study found that when taken orally, or applied to the skin, green tea reduced damage from ultraviolet light and therefore, the risk of skin cancer.

Question: What about supplements? Do special supplements for the skin work?

Some skin supplements are simply supplements of essential fatty acids.

Others, like Perfect Skin, contains a combination of ingredients, many of which have been shown in studies to benefit the skin -- such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, and selenium. This product also contains antioxidants from cocoa. Studies have found that antioxidants in cocoa improve the appearance of skin by increasing hydration, decreasing roughness, and helping the skin fight the effects of UV damage. While these ingredients have been studied each on their own, there's no research to show that taking this supplement every day improves the appearance and health of your skin.