What to Eat for Perfect Skin

People are always asking me "How do you keep your face so flawless?" Well, let me tell you! The truth is, genetics plays a pretty good role in it, and my parents never had super unruly skin. However, there are things you can do to dramatically improve your complexion within a week. An intense morning and night regimen of expensive creams, cleansers, toners and other products can produce results, but honestly who can afford $120 La Mer Creme?

I honestly believe we are what we eat. Our body reacts and forms directly in relation to what we're putting into our mouths. I personally don't believe junk causes acne (I eat a good dose of grease and candy and not a single pimple). What is most important is moderation, water and staying out of the sun. The sun is already the primary cause of aging. Second to stress.

So, here I give you the lowdown of my research on what to eat or avoid when trying to get perfect, healthy skin. I'm tackling acne, wrinkles, redness (rosacea), dry-skin, puffiness and even brown spots!

Foods to eat: Bright red and orange fruits and vegetables. Apparently, our bodies can convert the beta-carotene from these foods to oil-reducing Vitamin A. Also try leafy greens rich in Vitamin B6 which reduces swelling, reducing the size of pimples.

What NOT to eat: Salty foods, or anything that stimulates oil glands such as shrimp.

Foods to eat: Eat foods rich with Vitamin C and antioxidants such as berries. They promote active collagen to firm skin and reverse aging. Also try orange seafoods like salmon or lobster which contain an antioxidant called astaxanthin; even stronger than Vitamins C and E!

What NOT to eat: Cut back on the sugar! Sugar in the body hardens collagen which can lead to sagging. Also avoid taking too much iron, which can also lead to sagging muscles.

Foods to eat: Redness, or a more chronic symptom of inflammation, rosacea is caused by blood vessel inflaming foods. You can reduce redness by eating "calm" foods such as cucumbers and fish. Turmeric seasoning is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

What NOT to eat: Spicy and Hot foods. Also avoid excess caffeine and alcohol which make blood vessels swell. Also avoid niacin-rich foods which can increase redness.

Foods to eat: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! With H2O of course! Try eating some nutritious fats such as olive and canola oils and nuts! They'll keep your cell walls thicker to absorb water. Also try cabbage which has sulfur and can prevent irritation and dry skin.

What NOT to eat: Drinks that dehydrate you. Say "NO" to coffee, certain teas, alcohol and energy drinks. Try to avoid hydrogenated oils and trans-fats like the plague.

Foods to eat: Try some cayenne peppers, which can help drainage around the eyes. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, can also aid fluid circulation. Natural diuretics such as asparagus can reduce facial bloating as well!

What NOT to eat: Salt is your enemy. Avoid soy sauce and pre-packaged, pre-made foods. Yeast can cause puffiness so avoid baked goods.

Foods to eat: The sun is the number one culprit for brown spots and freckles. Try powerful anti-oxidants such as broccoli and dark chocolate. It'll help fight the sun damage. Also try green tea which can protect the skin against sunburns and even skin cancer!

What NOT to eat: Avoid all processed foods. Also steer clear of the beer - the hops in beer is known to cause dark spots on your skin.

*Super Great Skin Tip*: Avoid smoking!

*Best Skin Tip of All*: Avoid the sun by ANY means. If you can't, wear SPF55 protective sunscreen. Go SPF80 for the face. And... reapply every 2 hours. It's a major hassle but your skin will thank you in 20 years! or 40!

Big thanks to:

Dermatologists: Nicholas Perricone, Howard Murad, Neil Sadick

Dietitian: Esther Blom

Nutritionist: Philippe Goglia