We might have spent more money than we’d like to admit on skincare and beauty products, fixing everything from common acne problems to slightly more complicated skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Instead of focusing on the outside, perhaps it’s time we look on the inside–the food that we consume. As the saying goes, ‘we are what we eat’, and our food choices affect our health, which indirectly cause an impact on our skin. Besides acai berries, tomatoes, and dark chocolate, here are some foods we suggest that might just do the trick to getting that glowing, healthy skin.

The Low G-I Carbs

If you can’t live without carbs, opt for those with low glycemic carbohydrates. High GI carbs found in sugary drinks, candy, and white bread are acne aggravators. It causes more insulin to circulate in your bloodstream, triggering androgens, growth hormones, and cell-signalling pathways, all leading to low-grade skin inflammation, excessive oil secretion, clogged pores, and acne flares. In addition, high GI carbs also damage collagen and accelerate wrinkles.

On the other hand, low GI carbs – which are much healthier – are a form of slow-releasing carbohydrates that’s absorbed into your blood stream gradually, leaving you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time, thus decreasing the need to snack. Low-GI carbs include beans, porridge, nuts, dairy (skim milk, yoghurt), sweet potato, and brown rice.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Believe it or not, hydration is the best way to keep your skin moisturised and supple. There are two advantages to drinking water–it keeps your skin hydrated, and also help you avoid sugar present in juices and sodas, which can significantly damage your skin. Alternatively, load up on green tea, which is packed with antioxidants, boosting blood flow and oxygen to the skin, and help fight skin inflammation. A few Thermos® Mugs of these a day will give you amazing results.

The Crunchy Goodness 

Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin E which, as many studies have shown, not only help prevent acne development, but also protect your skin from the sun. Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts can improve skin’s elasticity and also help keep skin inflammation under control. Supplement your diet with pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that is great for our immune system and protects us against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots.