Skin care is important from the outside, but even more important from the inside. Certain foods and lifestyle activities can help promote clear skin, as well as counteract the negative effects aging has on the body. Here are my 8 skin tips for clear, healthy skin.

Drink water

Eight to 10 glasses of water each day to help organs and cells function efficiently. Spring water is better than the kind from the tap with all its chlorine and heavy metals if you are looking for optimal results.

Don't Fear Fat

Fats and oils can provide anti-inflammatory protection and youth-preserving antioxidants. Fatty fish provides hefty helpings of anti-aging omega-3 fatty acids; salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna are among your best bets. Nuts, specifically walnuts, are another great way to incorporate healthy fat and skin protecting vitamin E.

Steer Clear of Sugar

High-glycemic carbohydrates are bad for your skin.This category of food includes sodas, sweets and desserts. These foods can cause blood sugar and insulin levels to spike due to their high sugar content, which can cause acne. Get your carbohydrates from low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, which promote more stable blood sugars and insulin levels, plus they're packed with youth-preserving antioxidants.

Eat Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, they are loaded vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These antioxidants rid your body of skin damaging free radicals that can cause acne.

Fill Up on Berries

Berries are an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is especially good for your skin. Vitamin C helps repair damaged body tissues and has been linked to skin cancer prevention.

Say YES to Dark Chocolate

Some of the most visible signs of the aging process can be seen in our skin. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation ages the skin more quickly. But eating dark chocolate (in moderation) has been shown to help protect the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet exposure.

Drink Red Wine

You may know that red wine can be good for the heart, but red wine is also chock full of antioxidants and nutrients that help to protect the lining of blood vessels. One of the most well recognized, anti-aging components found in red wine is an antioxidant called resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol may help prevent blood clots and decrease inflammation. This antioxidant is also found in the skin of red grapes, in case you don’t care for wine. And, if you do imbibe in wine – do so in moderation, of course!

Regular Exercise

Anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital while keeping acne at bay. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps to carry away waste products like free radicals. It’s like cleansing your skin from the inside out!

Be sure you are drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly as these are a key part to living healthy and maintaining clear skin. But do not underestimate the importance of a healthy diet! Shopping and eating 'healthy' can be a challenge, but a meal plan from Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating can help ensure you are getting enough healthy foods while avoid those that are high in sugar and unhealthy fat. Try Seattle Sutton's Health Eating, today!