1. Avocado

Eat It!
Consider avocado the overachiever of beauty superfoods: It's rich in protective antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin plump and smooth, says New York City dietitian Shari Bilt Boockvar, RD. Eating the fruit can also help replenish the protective layer of fatty acids that surrounds skin cells, keeping moisture in and preventing dehydration, according to Jessica Wu, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School and author of Feed Your Face. Get your avocado fix by using it in place of mayo on a sandwich, or whip half an avocado and add it to your smoothie or salad dressing recipes.

Apply It!
"An avocado face mask may help slow skin's aging process," says nutritionist Lisa Drayer, RD, who points to a 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research that found that applying avocado oil to skin can stimulate collagen and elastin production. Make an anti-aging moisturizing mask by pureeing a ripe avocado and mixing it with 1/4 cup sour cream, which has lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

Published November 2011, Prevention

Updated November 2011