Hi, Dr. Kellyann Petrucci here. I'm a weight-loss and natural anti-aging expert. I’m also a board-certified naturopathic physician, a certified nutrition consultant, and the author of the New York Times bestselling book Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet and the soon to be released The 10-Day Belly Slimdown. I’m a regular contributor on the Dr Oz show, and the host of the PBS specials 21 Days to a Slimmer Younger You, and the 10 Day Belly Slimdown.

I have the pleasure of calling Bobbi Brown my friend, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to share my nutrition expertise with you. Bobbi really understands the connection between nutrition and beauty, and that the foods you eat (and don’t eat) play such an important role in the health and vibrancy of your skin.

Think of it this way. Your skin cells are like bouncy balls. Poor nutrition makes these bouncy balls go flat. The right nutrition makes them plump and vibrant. This means younger healthier looking skin.

So, for youthful, radiant skin, try adding the following foods and nutrients to your diet. You’ll love what they do for you!

Collagen

Collagen is what gives your skin its elasticity. It’s like the glue that holds your body “upright.” It’s also what helps to keep it firm and wrinkle free. However, as we age, our bodies naturally begin to produce less collagen.

This is why I’m such a huge fan of bone broth and collagen protein powders. Both efficiently and effectively promote the synthesis of new collagen by providing the necessary building blocks.

Fermented Vegetables

A sick gut almost always leads to inflammation–inside and out. Think red, blotchy skin. Or even painful skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

This means the health of your skin is heavily dependent upon the health of your gut. There’s just no way around it. And a healthy gut relies on an abundance of good bacteria. We have to literally flood the body with foods that help provide the fertile ground for this good bacteria to flourish.

The best sources of these microscopic miracle workers are fermented veggies. Two of my favorites are raw sauerkraut and kimchi, which are found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Another one of my favorites is coconut kefir for an alternative to eating your good bacteria,

Coffee

Coffee is not only one of the worlds favorite beverages, I’m so happy to report it’s also excellent for your skin. First, it’s jam packed with antioxidants, which slow down the aging process and protect your precious collagen. Second, caffeine offers protection against photo aging as well as UV radiation.

It’s no surprise that regular caffeine consumption (no more than 4 cups a day) has been shown to improve pigmentation as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. How easy is that? You get to enjoy a great cup of Joe AND get better skin!

Healthy Fats

Every cell in your body, including your skin cells, is surrounded by a membrane made of fat and cholesterol. This is one of the many reasons why healthy fats are so important. We must eat them to keep our cell walls plump as well as functioning properly.

Some of my favorite sources of healthy fats are wild salmon, avocado, olive oil, coconut, and walnuts. Get them in your diet and it will be like “Spanx” for your face!

Colorful Veggies

We know veggies are good for you, but they are seriously good for beautiful skin! Vegetables provide an abundance of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory compounds that boost skin health. They’re also a great source of fiber, which keeps things moving and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Think color, color, color. A colorful assortment is best to maximize your benefits. Consider leafy greens and broccoli, crunchy red peppers and radishes, and starchy sweet potatoes and winter squash. The more the better!

The Bottom Line

Beautiful skin truly starts from within. So start adding the above foods and nutrients to your daily diet, and I’m confident you’ll notice improvements.

However, there are also foods you should avoid. Foods that can wreak havoc on your gut as well as your skin. So stay tuned! I’ll be sharing those in my next article.

Until then, keep thinking big and living bold!