A Derm Explains The One Underrated Fruit That's A+ For Smooth, Supple Skin

The food you eat affects your skin, full stop. Just as high-glycemic culprits1 can lead to oily, congested pores, scarfing down antioxidant-rich, hydrating foods can enhance a smooth, supple complexion.

Perhaps you're familiar with some of the usual players—wild salmon, collagen, and the like—but board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D., introduces us to a few new favorites to toss into the grocery cart. One of which, turns out, is stellar for firm, hydrated skin. 

"Big antioxidants for skin health are vitamin C and E," says Barr. Perhaps that's why you pat on a vitamin C serum on the daily or look for vitamin E in your cleansing oil—both these antioxidants can support collagen production, manage photodamage2, and keep the skin from losing moisture. 

But in case you didn't know: Ingesting these antioxidants can support your body's natural levels as well, which can help disarm free radicals and offer those same benefits from the inside out. It's important to get your fill of vitamin C in particular, as your body can't make its own3 or effectively store it. Perhaps that's why higher vitamin C intake is associated with less wrinkled skin4.

Here's where pomegranates play a role: "There are great studies that show pomegranate is among the highest content of vitamin C," says Bar. The tart fruit also has some impressive antibacterial properties, which speaks to why it's been used medicinally5 for centuries. Neuroscientist and nutritionist Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., even previously told us that pomegranate contains nearly the same amount of antioxidant polyphenols as red wine. Needless to say, those tiny seeds pack quite the punch. 

But don't scoop out the seeds just yet! You should know that it's pomegranate juice in particular that receives most of the skin-healthy hype.

Skin-healthy foods are a great way to elevate your skin care routine from the inside out. As we've mentioned before, topicals are important (that vitamin C serum still stands!), but supporting your body's internal processes is just as key.