THE GOOD SKIN DIET

Five foods to include in any dermis-boosting diet

SALMON

It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in the skin and serving a key role in immune function. ‘They’ve also been shown to make the skin more resilient to sunburn,’ says dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. Swap for nuts, seeds and flaxseed oil if you’re plant-based.

TOMATOES

As well as delivering on vitamin C, they’re rich in carotenoid antioxidants – mainly lycopene. ‘This group of compounds protect against free radicals and help with skin maintenance,’ says Dr Mahto. Since fat increases your absorption of carotenoids, pair with olive oil for maximum gain. Did someone say margherita?

GREEN TEA

The polyphenols found in green tea have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on skin, according to Dr Mahto. They’ve also been found to help protect your skin from sun damage. Just don’t swap your SPF for Fortnum’s finest.

RED PEPPERS

Carotenoid content aside, red peppers pack more vitamin C than oranges. ‘Vitamin C has an important antioxidant role in the skin,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘It’s also required for the production of collagen, the main protein that gives your skin its structure.’ One study linked higher vitamin C intake with fewer wrinkles and less dry skin*.

BRAZIL NUTS

‘Selenium is an important antioxidant, as is vitamin E, both of which can be found in Brazil nuts,’ says Dr Mahto. The mineral has also been found to protect skin cell membranes against sun damage, inflammation and pigmentation.