The Family Groove "Your Skin Diet"

YOUR SKIN DIET
SUPERFOODS PUT A FRESH FACE ON BEAUTY

The most common New Year’s resolution is to go on a diet. But are you paying as much attention to what
goes on your body as to what goes in it? Your skin absorbs up to 80 percent of what you put on it, so go
for the same natural superfoods you’ve been eating for their healthful, antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.
The following foods are not only great for your body, but also for your skincare regimen.

Blueberries
The antioxidants in blueberries fight free radicals and promote collagen and elastin production. Prevent the deepening of fine lines and wrinkles with the blueberry extract and vitamin E in Arcona Eye Dew ($32, www.arcona.com).

Dark Chocolate
Chocoholics everywhere, rejoice: Dark chocolate offers four times the antioxidants of green tea, and its phytonutrients slow the damage caused by free radicals, delaying the aging process. Exfoliate and moisturize with the sensual Shea Terra Organics Dark Chocolate Cocoa Bean Shea Sugar Scrub ($14, www.sheaterraorganics.com), which blends chocolate liqueur and cocoa bean nibs.

Beets
These colorful root veggies contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease and certain cancers, especially colon cancer. But they also deliver nutrients and moisture to the skin. Plump and tighten lips with Befine Lip Serum with Chamomile & Beets ($19.99, www.befine.com) while keeping them kissably moist and subtly tinted.

Green Tea
It might be all the rage now in the U.S., but the Chinese have hailed the health benefits of green tea—from cancer prevention to lowering cholesterol to weight loss, to name just a few—for thousands of years. Slather on a soothing coat of Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream ($17.50, www.macys.com), infused with real green tea extract, for deep, penetrating moisture

Omega-3
Dubbed “good fats” for their cardiovascular benefits, omega-3 fats are found in fish like tuna mackerel and salmon, but lucky for your skin (and your nose!), they’re also found in nuts such as walnuts. The walnut oil in Skin Appetit Nutri-Moisture Balm Stick ($15, drugstores) makes for a buttery emollient that soothes all your tough spots—from elbows to knees and heels.

Pomegranate
Not just for pometinis, this ancient fruit is a potent antioxidant full of free-radical-fighting potassium, vitamin C and polyphenols. Considering how much lipstick women ingest on a yearly basis, you can feel safe applying Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15 ($16.50, www.murad.com) to maintain the health of your lips.

Soy
Not only great for your body’s insides, soy can improve skin’s clarity and texture by diminishing brown spots, blotchiness and fine lines. When it comes to treating your skin, harsh cleansers are out. Made with moisture-rich soy, Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser ($7.49, www.drugstore.com) is a soap-free cleanser that also works as a makeup remover—without stripping skin of its natural oils.

Dark, Leafy Greens
These vegetables are calorie for calorie some of the most nutrient-dense foods. Not just relegated to sushi menus, seaweed is one of the richest plant sources of both vitamin C and calcium, and it parades a long list of minerals, including magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, as well as iron, zinc, copper and selenium, plus vitamin B12. A blend of sea algae, organic apple juice, vitamin A and enzymes, Zia Natural Skincare Seaweed Lift Serum ($36.95, www.zianatural.com) is a firming complex that softens, hydrates and detoxifies skin while improving elasticity and texture.

Avocado
Avocado is a good source of healthy, monounsaturated fat as well as vitamin E, a big proponent in maintaining healthy, younger-looking skin. The avocado oil in Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Crème ($85, www.peterthomasroth.com) works with sea algae; vitamins A, C, E and B5; echinacea; and grape seed to form a powerful anti-aging peptide complex to help boost collagen and elastin synthesis, reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Yogurt
Women especially reap the benefits of yogurt. It’s packed with calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium and vitamins B2 and B12, and it provides good bacteria to the body. Korres Yogurt Mask ($27, www.sephora.com) contains full-fat yogurt (the one time you don’t have to opt for “lite” or “low fat”) combined with olive and macadamia nut oil and watercress for soothing, long-lasting hydration.

—Marisa Walker

Marisa Walker is a style and beauty writer and editor living in New York City.