Taking vitamins and eating foods high in vitamins is the most efficient way to stay healthy inside. The skin is the last area that those vitamins and foods will reach. We sat down with Dr. Goldfaden to get his break down of vitamins and other super foods for both inside health and outside beauty.

1. We know what vitamin C does for your skin, but what are the 1-2 most crucial things it can do for your body (when ingested)?

Vitamin C is arguably the most important vitamin due to all its capabilities internally and externally. While it is hard to choose 1-2 of the most     crucial jobs this vitamin has, it is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and supports the immune system and helps make collagen in the body.

2. Quinoa which contains Riboflavin is incredibly healthy to eat and one of the newest ingredients in anti-aging skincare. What is Riboflavin and   what other foods can it be found in?

Riboflavin is Vitamin B2. Usually B2 is combined with another type of Vitamin B, such as Niacinimide (B3), when formulated in skincare products. Foods and ingredients that are high in Vitamin B2 are almonds, oily fish, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, sesame seed and chia seeds (see below)

Image via Nadine Greef

Eating super foods is important for a healthy balanced diet but using them topically in skincare products can be beneficial to the skin as well. A few to look for:

Kale

Kale is high in vitamins A, C and K. Kale protects/fights against free radical damage reduces inflammation and detoxifies the skin. Vitamin A aids in rebuilding skin and Vitamin K helps to diminish dark under eye circles and puffiness.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are high in Omega 3- an omega fatty acid. Chia seed oil hydrates and can also help acne prone skin. Chia seeds contain vitamins B3, B2 and Zinc, which is high in anti-aging benefits.

Photo via Gourmand in the Kitchen

Yogurt

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is beneficial in exfoliation (removing dead skin cells), fighting/reversing pigmentation and promoting collagen production. Yogurt is a great at-home way to target the above mentioned issues.

The newest ingredient out

White Birds of Paradise. Strelitzia Nicolai or Giant White Bird of Paradise seed extract increases skin luminosity while improving hydration and smoothness. A native South African plant, it belongs to the plant family Sterilitzia. In South Africa it is commonly called the crane flower and is featured on the back of the 50 cent coin. White Birds of Paradise are found in all of our new Plant Profusion collection, as it is one of the main ingredients in our proprietary complex, PURFLORA. White birds of paradise is a multifunctional ingredient that works to restore skin’s youthful appearance by reducing uneven skin pigmentation, dull, lackluster complexion resulting in an increased illuminated glow.