Water may be the obvious answer for keeping your skin cool and hydrated, but according to experts, your diet can do more damage to your skin, especially during the summer months.
Rita Linker, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of RVL Skincare, tackled the topic earlier this summer to help anyone who wants to glow from within.
MORE: Expert Summer Hydration Tips
How can diet affect the skin?
While everyone's body needs and diet are different, Linkner tells Good Morning America that some ingredients are more harmful to your skin than others.
"Foods associated with acne include high-glycemic foods," she says, including "fried foods."
"Regarding the link between milk and acne," continues Linkner, "drinking large amounts of skim milk is most often associated with acne."
He explained, more than two glasses of milk a day would be considered as high consumption.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a possible link between adult acne and fat, sugary foods, sugary drinks, and dairy.
There are different types of acne, including hormonal and blackheads, and not everyone responds to the same diet and treatments in the same way. Experts suggest talking to your doctor about which acne treatment might be best for you.
Foods and Drinks You Can Add to Your Summer Diet for Glowing Skin
Instead, according to Linkner, there are many foods that more people need to eat during the summer to keep their skin fresh and clear.
"Continue to consume foods high in antioxidants to help counteract the harmful effects of the sun," he advised. "Berries are my favorite."
"Burberry is also an excellent anti-inflammatory which has also been shown to have strong anti-cancer effects," adds Linkner.
Get glowing skin through the guts
Nutritionist Maya Feller and dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bow previously shared more specific products on "GMA" to keep skin healthy and healthy.
"Unfortunately, packaged foods tend to be very bland and anti-inflammatory," Feller said at the time.
Meanwhile, Bow explains, "The quickest way to reduce inflammation and lighten skin is through the gut."
"Just by making a few simple changes to your diet," she says, "you can literally improve the condition of your skin."
The couple suggests "eating the rainbow" for an antioxidant-rich diet.
"Antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause acne and even premature skin aging," says Bowie.
Feller recommends eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which he describes as "very rich in antioxidants."
"Some of my personal favorites — broccoli, asparagus, berries — are low in sugar, high in antioxidants, just delicious," she says.
Feller and Bowie suggest adding healthy fats like avocado, salmon and extra virgin olive oil.
"Nuts and seeds are good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids," explains Feller. "They're good for you, heart-healthy fats, and good for your skin."
Bowe calls them "beauty enhancing fats because they really help... retain moisture in the skin and reduce inflammation."
Otherwise, she advises avoiding too much sugar, as it "can increase skin inflammation and lead to chapping and loss of elasticity."
"Sugar is hidden in things like pasta sauce, salad dressing," says Feller. "The general recommendation is no more than six teaspoons of added sugar for women and nine teaspoons for men."
Foods to avoid or add to your diet this summer for healthy skin originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com.