What you think you know might not actually be what you should know when it comes to knowing the right foods for your skin. Make sense?

Chocolate, junk food and dairy products might be the usual suspects headed for the dietary chopping block, but this information stems from textbooks dating back to the 1930s rather than any modern scientific evidence. The jury is still out, as they say.

So what should you be eating? Research backs up some dietary strategies worth trying including fruits, vegetables and low GI (glycaemic index) foods.

Glycaemic load

The GI ranking describes how quickly carbohydrates are digested into glucose and then absorbed into our blood. Once glucose enters the blood, the insulin hormone moves it into our cells for energy.

High GI means a faster rise in sugar levels, and is caused by food such as chips, cakes and sweets. The lower the GI in food, the slower the rise in glucose levels.

Glycaemic load (GL) also considers the amount being eaten. Diets with high GL trigger a high insulin response, which has been associated with skin breakouts. A 2008 study compared a low GL group (eating lean meat, fruit, whole grains) to high GL group eating processed cereals, potatoes and white bread. You guessed it, those on the low GL diet had improvements in their acne and also their weight.

Fruit and Veggies

You are what you eat! Not only are they good for you, but also their natural tones of orange, red and yellow can give our skin a warm, healthy glow! Think vibrant carrots and oranges, tomatoes and capsicums.

When you eat these foods, the pigments can build up in your skin, also providing a much healthier option than tanning.

So, if you’re after a better complexion, reduce high GL foods and add low GL foods in their place. Plus eat a range of colourful fruits and vegetables for a healthy-looking glow.

Words by: Karina Eastway