Anti-aging experts agree that healthy skin starts on the inside of the body. Although there is a place for anti-aging skin care creams and lotions in a beauty regimen, well-nourished and hydrated skin will require application of less product than skin that has been deprived of nutrition and water. A good place to begin is to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Next, eat foods rich in antioxidants.



Antioxidants will protect against, and possibly even reverse the effects of damage caused by free radicals. Nearly everyone is exposed to the unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals because they are produced by pollution, sunshine, and cigarette smoke. There are many sources of antioxidants, but some of the best are found in buckwheat, olive oil, and tomatoes.

Buckwheat is a high-protein antioxidant known to improve the strength of blood vessel walls because it reduces blood pressure. The fact that it is so high in protein, compared to other grains, makes it ideal for people who are trying to maintain a healthy weight, because the protein contributes to a full feeling.

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, contains polyphenol, an antioxidant compound. In many cases this delicious, beneficial oil can be used in place of - or as a substitute for part of - the butter or cooking oil called for in a recipe. It is wise to keep the olive oil from burning in order to maintain the maximum nutritional value.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C, two important antioxidants. There are many ways to incorporate tomatoes into the diet year round, using them either fresh or canned, depending on availability.

Some more tasty sources of antioxidants are blueberries, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Other beneficial fruits include peaches, cantaloupe, and apricots. Vegetable sources include sweet potatoes, green and red peppers, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and other leafy greens. Nuts, grains, fish and fish-liver oil, chicken, eggs, and beef will provide even more anti-oxidants in the diet.

Some of these foods are fat soluble, while others are water soluble, so it is important to eat a wide variety of them. Eating fruits, vegetables, legumes and oils as close to their natural state as possible makes it unlikely that you will consume a quantity of nutrients that might be toxic. Additionally, eating whole food products rather than taking a bunch of nutritional supplements will help you consume nutrients that are complementary.

There are other ways to modify your diet to reduce the need for antiaging skin care creams and lotions. In addition to consuming certain foods, it may be necessary to eliminate others.

Processed sugar has been shown to speed up the aging process. It is possible to satisfy your sweet tooth by eating fruits, which are high in natural sugar. Packaged foods may contain fructose, sucrose, corn syrup, mannitol or molasses, all of which mean added sugar.

The wide swing in blood sugar levels caused by raisins should make you think twice before consuming too many. Huge changes in the sugar levels can inflame and damage the skin. However, if something as sweet as a raisin is eaten in combination with protein (such as cottage cheese) or a heart-healthy fat (such as nuts), the spike in sugar levels is greatly reduced.

Bacon and other processed meats have been shown to age the skin and cause wrinkles, because of the high levels of saturated fat and preservatives.

Processed meats, frozen meals and restaurant foods may be comprised of ingredients that are harmful to the body, skin in particular ' it is probably best to avoid eating something if you do not know what exactly is in it.

By following these nutritional secrets -- eating more of these antioxidant-rich foods and reducing or eliminating these skin-aging foods ' you'll have a great start toward having beautiful skin...from the inside out.