Healthy skin is sexy skin, and naturally, we can’t help but crave that flawless movie star glow. However, unless you’re making a red carpet debut, chances of finding an affordable makeup artist are slim. So what can you do to achieve that healthy glow without slathering on the skin creams or spending a fortune on makeup products? Start with your diet. It’s natural, easy, and won’t empty your wallet.

You Are What You Eat

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s your body’s first line of defense against toxins and other contaminants. An improper diet can lead to buildup of toxins inside your body. Your skin helps to shed these toxins through sweat; consequently, those same toxins will end up on your face, causing those unsightly breakouts. So help your body help itself by eliminating toxins in your diet and supplementing it with these colorful healthy foods.

Acerola Cherries

There is nothing quite so appealing as a plump juicy cherry, and luckily for us, cherries are packed with Vitamin C and iron. Acerola cherries in particular can provide 100% of your daily allowance for Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which work wonders for your skin. Not only does it fight skin damage and wrinkles, but it is a key factor in the production of collagen, a structural protein in your skin which keeps it healthy and young.

Iron is especially important for women and adolescent girls, as they lose an average of 15 to 20 mg of iron each month during menstruation. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and headaches, so give your body a boost by snacking on a few cherries instead of a few Cheetos.

Carrots

Raw or cooked, carrots add a delightful bit of color to your plate, and that bright orange color is precisely what your body needs to gain that healthy glow. A good source for both Vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots keep your skin young and smooth.

Have dry skin? You might have a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A helps keep your skin cells healthy and moist, which in turn helps your skin resistant disease. Without this essential vitamin, the mucus in your cells will weaken, drying out your skin. However, too much Vitamin A can make you sick and can also cause birth defects. Vitamin A supplements have to be taken with extreme caution. BUT! Luckily for you, the beta-carotene in carrots will only convert into Vitamin A as needed, so let Mother Nature give a little glow to your skin.

Pineapple

During those long days at work, it’s easy to picture yourself sitting on a remote island, sipping pineapple drinks and soaking up some sun. However, you don’t have to buy your own island in order to enjoy the full health benefits of eating pineapples.

Studies have shown that pineapples contain bromelain, an anti-imflammatory enzyme that helps in the digestion of protein. The better your digestive system works, the better your skin will be. By eating pineapples you will not only satisfy the craving for something sweet, you’ll be losing weight and ridding your body of free radicals (molecules that start damaging chain reactions in your body).

And like cherries, Pineapples are a great source of vitamin c and anti-oxidants. So do your skin a favor and make yourself a fruit smoothie.

Avacados

Sick of slathering on the avocado face masks? Skip the hassle of making the goo and just eat the avocado instead. Avacados are full of Niacin (Vitamin B3) which is another important anti-inflammatory enzyme. It will soothe irritated and blotchy skin, and help your skin to truly shine.

Additionally, Avacados are an excellent source of Vitamin E- one of the most popular vitamins for natural skin care. Vitamin E aids your immune system which in turn helps to destroy damaged skin cells. It also protects against UV radiation as well as eases imflamation-which is perfect for those days when you forget the sunscreen.

So feel free to go green. Your skin will thank you.

Blueberries

Dark berries such as blueberries help keep your skin supple and smooth. Though small in size, these little fruits pack a punch, even in a punch. Blueberries are filled with vitamin c, e, and k. Eating just one cup of blueberries on a regular basis can reduce the appearance of acne, helping you to have the skin you’ve always wanted.

Although Vitamin K is largely used to control blood clotting, recent studies have shown that it has an additional ability to fight old age diseases such as Alzheimer’s, so you’ll not only look younger but live longer.

Color Your Life

So instead of working on the surface alone, go deeper by helping your skin from the inside out. Add a little color to you diet, and enjoy the positive results. By increasing your intact of these five colorful foods, you can help achieve that healthy beautiful skin naturally and affordably.