Optimized overall health and wellness is the key to preserving youth. So while you should always be careful to stick to your daytime and nighttime skincare routines, you should also be treating your skin from the inside out. The first step toward doing this is knowing the right foods to incorporate into your diet for the most youthful results.

Here is our list of the top 4 foods to eat to help preserve your glowing, youthful skin.

Papaya

There are plenty of fruits that contain minerals and other essential nutrients that work miracles on the skin. Papaya, in particular, is one of them. It contains Vitamins A, B,C, K, and E, which brighten the skin and make it glow. This super fruit is also rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium to ensure your body is operating at a high level that allows the skin to improve as well.

Try papaya cubed up with a squeeze of lime or paired with passion fruit for the perfect breakfast or midday snack. The tropical combination is very refreshing and delicious.

Red Bell Pepper

Another skin-brightening food is bell pepper, especially red bell peppers. These are the ripest form of bell peppers, so the time they’ve taken to ripen has allowed for their most beneficial nutrients to develop. The high levels of Vitamin C in a red bell pepper are one of the best parts of enjoying this fruit — helping the skin heal past damage to reveal a glowing complexion.

Blueberries

Another ingredient to look for in skin-optimizing fruits is antioxidants. Blueberries are one of the fruits with the highest levels of antioxidants, which work miracles on the skin; they help moisturize the skin to fight against fine lines and wrinkles. They also reduce inflammation, whether you have minor irritations or rosacea. Another anti-aging property is that it helps you maintain collagen to improve the skin’s elasticity.

Greens

Any green vegetables are powerful, healthful foods to have in your diet regularly. Two of the best to start eating are spinach and broccoli. Spinach is rich in iron to strengthen the skin from the inside out, and broccoli is anti-inflammatory to ensure your skin is balanced and free of irritation. Both are rich in fiber, making them easier to digest and the nutrients optimal for absorption.

In combination with a proper anti-aging skincare routine, adding these foods into your regular diet will have stunning, glowing results on the skin. It’s essential to incorporate very nutrient-dense foods in every meal where it’s possible. Therefore, when in doubt, add fresh fruits and vegetables to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.