Superfoods That Soothe Skin

By Amy Capetta

Skin condition: Acne
Food Rx: Apricots
Why it heals the skin: "Apricots contain high amounts of vitamin A, as well as high amounts of water-content for added skin hydration," Murad said. He further explained that when it comes to acne-prone skin, there is an overproduction of cells in the outermost layer of the skin (called the stratum corneum), which is composed of biologically "dead" cells. These excess dead cells combine with sebum -- the skin's own natural oil -- to form comedones, the pore plugs that are the defining element of acne. "So the vitamin A normalizes the production and life cycle of skin cells by preventing the overproduction of skin cells in the outermost layer."

Skin condition: Ezcema
Food Rx: Yogurt
Why it heals the skin: This popular breakfast and snack food is rich in probiotics, the "friendly" bacteria that is linked to a reduction in skin sensitivity and inflammation, along with a stronger digestive track and immune system, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, and author of "Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches," told AOL Health. A 2010 clinical trial conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology showed that infants who were at high risk of developing this condition and were treated with probiotics for four months had a reduction in the occurrence of eczema by up to 40 percent up to the age of two. And there's good news for those who need to avoid dairy," added Sass. "The same bacteria are used to make soy and coconut milk yogurt, so you can still reap the benefits."

Skin condition: Psoriasis
Food Rx: Tuna
Why it heals the skin: The omega 3's contained in tuna covert in the body, creating an anti-inflammatory response which has been show to lessen the triggers of psoriasis, stated Dr. Murad. Researchers have explained that the EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) found in fish oil inhibits the growth of inflammatory agents. "Also, the essential fatty acid in this fish helps draw water in to your cells, hydrating your skin from within," added Dr. Murad.

Skin condition: Rough Skin
Food Rx: Sweet Potato
Why it heals the skin: "A medium-sized baked potato not only satisfies a craving for a sweet tooth, but it also contains over 400 percent of the RDA of vitamin A, which is essential for treating and preventing a dry, flaking complexion," Keri Glassman, MS, That's Fit expert and author of "The O2 Diet: The Cutting Edge Antioxidant-Based Program That Will Make You Healthy, Thin, and Beautiful" told AOL Health. Glassman added that vitamin A also encourages skin cell turnover, which explains why it gives skincare products such as Retin-A their healing powers.

Skin condition: Wrinkles
Food Rx: Tomatoes with Olive Oil
Why it heals the skin: "A recent study found that tomato paste and olive oil boosts pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful," said Sass. She explained that scientists think that the key is lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, since it reaches its highest potency when tomatoes have been cooked. "As for the olive oil, it boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream," she added. Also, the omega-3s in olive oil have the ability to form strong cell walls in the skin.

Skin condition: Sun Damage
Food Rx: Cantaloupe
Why it heals the skin: "Cantaloupe extract is rich in the compound superoxide dismutase (SOD), an orally effective protectant against UVB radiation," said Dr. Murad. He added that the antioxidant-rich cantaloupe can also be beneficial in boosting your skins' natural sun protection and preventing already-existing sun damage from getting worse.

Skin Condition: Cellulite
Food Rx: Wild Salmon
Why it heals the skin: This fish provides a substantial dose of omega-3 fatty acids, a.k.a. the good fats, which contains alpha-linolenic acid, an organic compound that helps keep skin smooth and supple by building connective tissues and strong cell membranes. "The stronger the membrane, the better your cells can hold moisture, which means plumper cells to mask a bumpy appearance," said Sass.

Like the saying goes..you are what you eat.