When it comes to achieving a perfectly healthy skin, are topical lotions, creams and serums enough to achieve flawless skin? Unfortunately, not all the beauty products in the world is enough to give you flawlessly beautiful skin. What you need is to eat healthy. It is the only way to maintain a supple, clear and younger-looking skin.

I remember a friend who does not eat pork because of religion. When we first met, I was surprised to learn that she was six years my senior. Her skin is simply amazing, clear and younger looking. I could always go on a green diet, except that I have to cook for four and the kids do not want food with 75% greens in them. Making them eat veggies is a completely different story. For now, it should be all about the right foods to eat for a healthy skin.

For Wrinkle-Free Skin

Admittedly, processed foods keep preparation time to a limit, same goes with frying food. However, processed, fried and sugar can damage collagen, which is needed to keep our skin taut and wrinkle free.

Minimize Oily Skin

Contrary to popular beliefs, the oil produced in the skin is not a product of what we eat. However, eating foods rich in refined sugar and loaded with trans-fat can cause cell damage. Bad diet can then trigger overproduction of oils from the sebaceous glands. Too much oil in the skin can harbor bacterial growth, which can later cause pimples to grow.

Acne-Free, Clear Skin

If you have skin prone to pimples, the best way to keep it clear and blemish free is to load up on green, leafy vegetables like kale and arugula. They contain sulfur helps control bacterial growth. In addition, these dark, green, leafy veggies are also rich in vitamins A and C, which help keep skin firm and wrinkle free.

Prevent Eczema Flare-ups

Eczema is a lifelong condition with no cure. It can, however, be managed with the right diet and skin hygiene. Some foods can trigger eczema flare-ups, although stress can also be a contributing factor. Foods rich in histamine can trigger eczema and even psoriasis. The list includes soy, cheese, pickled foods, processed meats, yeast, chocolates, fermented drinks and vinegar containing foods. Instead, increase your intake of foods that are low in histamine such as banana, potato, buckwheat, mung bean sprouts, green onions, chicken or beef broth and rice milk.

Dry, Itchy Skin

For dry, itchy, flaky skin, eat avocados often. Avocados are rich in fatty acids, which helps moisturize dry skin. On top of that, avocados also contain biotin, also known as vitamin B7, a water-soluble vitamin. It regulates hormones, therefore, having indirect effect to the skin. Aside from having anti-inflammatory properties, biotin also strengthens nails and hair, clears the skin, and helps regulate weight loss. Those who have psoriasis and eczema can greatly benefit from avocado to relieve itchiness and flakiness (especially for dry eczema).

Keeping skin healthy should be a holistic approach. It should be a combination of proper diet, good skin care habits, exercise, proper hydration and adequate sleep. As long as you keep these five points in mind, maintaining clear and younger-looking skin is not impossible.

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