Apart from exercise and sunscreen that contribute to younger looking skin, your diet also plays an important role in maintaining youthful looking skin. A diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals supports healthy looking skin. Here are some must have foods that should be added to your grocery shopping list:

Carrots, Squash, Grapefruit, Oranges & Apricots
These foods are rich in an antioxidants called beta-carotenes. The body converts this antioxidant into the well-known Vitamin A which helps protect the skin against UV rays. It also helps in the repairing of old skin tissue.

Oily Fish
Oily fish like salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies and rainbow trout are a great addition to make to your diet. They contain healthy fats known as Omega 3 fatty acids, which also help to protect the skin against UV damage and strengthen skin cell membranes. They also facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients into the skin while fishing toxins out.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a great vegetable. It is packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. Vitamin C helps to maintain healthy collagen production while Vitamin E helps to protect the skin against the harmful UV rays.

Whole Grain Foods
Complex carbohydrates like whole grain pastas, bread and oats are great for your skin. They are low glycemic foods meaning that they do not spike your blood sugar compared to simple (refine) carbohydrates that often cause acne and wrinkles. Also, whole grain foods contain an antioxidant called selenium which helps protect your skin against UV rays and promote elasticity in the skin.

Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits like oranges, pineapples, kiwis and guavas are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen production. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Vitamin C is also naturally found in the skin so including tropical fruits in your daily diet will help to replenish the Vitamin C that is lost from time to time.

Consuming natural foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables on a daily basis will not only contribute to general health, but will also help to maintain younger looking skin.