You can use all the creams and scrubs in the world but if you don’t eat a healthy diet, your skin will reflect it. The latest research indicates that certain foods can make a dramatic difference in your skin. Here are some of the foods than will make your skin glow:

Blueberries

Blueberries are anti-aging superstars with tons of antioxidants to fight free radical damage, which ages your skin and the rest of you.

Fish

Salmon, tuna, cod, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help moisturize and promote healthy skin (& give you shiny hair). Crabmeat is high in selenium, an antioxidant that can improve skin elasticity.

Tomatoes

New research indicates that the lycopene in tomatoes can help protect the skin from sun damage. Cooked and canned tomato products contain more lycopene than fresh. Other sources are pink and red grapefruit and watermelon.

Pumpkin

Yellow and orange foods (no, not cheese curls), but pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, egg yolks, and yellow or orange peppers are very high in beta-carotene, which helps with dry skin, and helps repair tissue for smooth and soft skin. It also helps protect your skin from sun damage from those dreaded UV rays.

Chicken

Lean protein like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans can improve elasticity and skin tone. Protein helps with repair and maintenance of the skin.

Red peppers

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and is found in foods like red peppers, strawberries, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, broccoli, and kiwi. It promotes collagen production and helps fight free radical damage to the cells, which is what ages the skin. Kiwi fruit contains twice as much vitamin C than an orange, and a red pepper has triple.

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are the best. They may be high in fat but it’s a good fat that helps prevent dry skin and the protein promotes cell repair of the skin. The vitamin E in nuts (almonds are the highest) can also help prevent UV damage from the sun.

Yogurt

Besides protein, which supports skin health, yogurt helps kill the bad bacteria that can cause acne and other skin problems.

Bananas

They’re known as a source of potassium, which protects your heart, but bananas also help to moisturize your skin.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds help support collagen and elastin in the skin.

Brussels Sprouts

These little baby cabbages have lots of vitamin C and they support the manufacture of collagen. They also contain several fatty acids that promote skin health. They’re great roasted in the oven.

Olive Oil

A fat free diet plays havoc on your skin. Some amount of fat is beneficial and one of the healthiest fats is olive oil, which is good for your heart as well as your skin.

Prunes

They may be wrinkled but your skin won’t be if you eat prunes. They contain flavinoids and powerful antioxidants to fight free radical damage to the skin. Besides keeping you regular, prunes will also boost your immune system.

Tea

Green, white, and black teas all contain flavinoids, which can prevent wrinkles. I drink lots of green tea and I believe it’s why I’m always complimented on my skin, and it’s probably why I never get sick.