“The beauty of the skin is that you can affect it from both inside and out,” says dermatologist Doris Day, MD, author of Forget the Facelift: Turn Back the Clock with a Revolutionary Program for Ageless Skin.

These are her professional advice:

Your DIET Matters

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and A can curb the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

These molecules can harm skin cells and cause signs of aging. One of the best ways to get more antioxidants is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.“I recommend going for as much variety and color as possible in your diet,” Day says. “Try snacking on berries, grapefruit, kale, spinach, and different kinds of peppers.” She also suggests adding a little tomato paste, which contains an antioxidant called lycopene, to stir-fried vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa.

Another good idea is to stock foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts.

“Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the top outer layer of our skin strong and intact so that external toxins and pollutants are kept out,” says expert dermatologists.

Are Supplements NECESSARY?

The ideal way to get the nutrients you need for a radiant complexion is eating a healthy, balanced diet.

However, some experts suggest taking an over-the-counter daily multivitamin with minerals to boost your nutrient intake if you’re not eating a balanced diet. It’s also a good idea if you spend a lot of time outdoors or are exposed to high levels of air pollution and secondhand smoke. Of course, back here in Nigeria we all are extremely exposed to air pollution- from every minute generator fumes to refinery flaring. Remember the soot situation in garden city?

Pay Attention to Your Skin’s Overall Health

As important as it is to eat a healthy diet, your skin also needs you to not smoke, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and drink enough water.

No matter what you eat, be sure to  wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. The label should say “broad-spectrum,” meaning that it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Apply a coin-sized dollop of sunscreen to cover your face, says another experienced hand. If you’re going to be outside, limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always wear protective clothing and a fulanani hat, seek the shade, wear sunscreen, and reapply at least every 2 hours, apply more quantity especially if swimming or sweating.

Be PATIENT

To get results, give it time. “It may take three months to a year to really see an improvement in your skin,” Day says. “Go with what’s tried and true and give it a solid chance to work.”  You may want to start on green based products made from the finest natural ingredients such as the Oriflame brand.

Of course, there are many more according to your budget but wouldn’t you say setting aside a shunk of your investment of the skin housing your entire You and Organs deserve the best?