Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Want to help fight cellulite and wrinkles?  Well, we have the scoop on foods that help your skin sexy... 

Now that the weather’s changing and we’re getting out of summer-mode, it’s time to prepare our skin for the autumn season.  And turns out, certain foods play center-stage when it comes to maintaining a youthful physique.  According to Valley experts, your body is vulnerable to the effects of what you eat, so what you put in your belly actually takes a toll on the way you look.  That’s why we’re sharing the foods that fight common skin conditions.

First up, wrinkles.  Unfortunately our splendid sun takes a toll on our skin, causing fine lines and visible flaws.  However, a recent study says olive oil and tomato paste helps keep skin firm.  The two items are proven to boost collagen—that’s what gives the skin proper structure.  The antioxidant in tomatoes are the main-player, serving a better effect when well cooked.  Olive oil helps the body absorb the tomato antioxidant.  Consider this combo a perfect pair for ridding wrinkles.

Next, cellulite, a depressing sign of aging.  According to many doctors, fatty fish (like salmon or sardines) help cure cellulite; however, they do not make it magically disappear.  Fish provide healthy fat cells called omega-3s, which in turn helps your cells hold moisture.  Basically, they help plump your skin, masking the bumpiness of cellulite.

And if you’ve suffered from sunburn, dark chocolate is here to help.  Research shows high-flavonoid cocoa drinks combat bad burns.  Of course this doesn’t mean you can ditch sunscreen, but it is a tasty tip to help fight it.  Dark chocolate also reduces blood pressure, so feel free to indulge…a little.

Moving on.

You’ll definitely want to consider yogurt if you have itchy eczema.  This yummy dairy product aids the body with better digestion, allowing for a reduction in skin sensitivity and inflammation.  Yogurt is rich in probiotics, a friendly bacteria to the body. 

And if your scalp needs some TLC, consider green tea to treat dandruff; however, don’t drink it.  Green tea naturally exfoliates a flaky scalp, and it also reduces the overgrowth of hair cells that cause itching.  All you have to do is brew some green tea in hot water, let it cool, then massage it into your scalp followed by a rinse.  Those with colored hair might want to reconsider…

Finally, to flaunt that fabulous look, fill your tummy with berries.  My personal favorite fruit is high in antioxidants, giving your skin a healthy glow.

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