5 Secret foods for healthier skin

We are all paying through the nose for skin care products to treat skin conditions such as acne, wrinkles and dryness. I must have at least 5 different applications just for my skin and I don't regard myself as high maintenance!!

I've somehow never connected my skin condition to the food that I don't eat and that could be helping - here are 5 foods that can dramatically improve your skin condition:

• Green Tea - rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation & protect cell membranes. Proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer.
• Salmon - along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin. Increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon will help keep the skin supple and youthful.
• Blueberries - the antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries neutralise DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage.
• Carrots - contain high levels of antioxidants (including Vit. A), which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin.
• Water - Drinking plenty of water - at least your individual minimum intake - will help keep your skin young and healthy-looking. Water intake must be from pure, clean water, which rejuvenates skin cells. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in.

Avoid certain foods that are known to trigger bad skin reactions - sugar, white flour, saturated fats & fried foods - they can trap oil and bacteria beneath the skin, causing acne and other skin ailments.

Raw food juicing is the surest way to healthy skin, and I recommend juicing vegetables (spinach, kale, lettuce, garlic, celery and cucumber) with a little base of carrots and apples.
You can spot people who drink raw juices on a daily basis - they have glowing skin! Compare that to those who eat mostly processed, refined or cooked foods and you have skin that ages rapidly.

Now I just need to add the Green Tea to every meal!!