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Antioxidant Foods Make Great Anti-Aging Creams

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Antioxidant vitamins may not need to be part of your diet to make a difference – new products are placing the nutrients right on the face.

The anti-aging properties of antioxidants have been well-established for better health, and now those same benefits are being extended into the world of beauty.

"The foods that we want to eat in order to have good nutrition, from the inside out, are also some of the things that we want to put on," Keri Glassman, dietitian, said.

Glassman harnessed the benefits of these free-radical fighting foods in her product line called "Skin Appetit," and she's not alone.

"Some of the food that you want to eat, as well as put on, are foods that are high in vitamin C," Glassman said.

Vitamin C evens out skin tone and builds collagen, which boosts the elasticity of skin.

"When your skin doesn't have enough elasticity, it looks dry, it looks wrinkly," Glassman said.

The antioxidant vitamin A is another secret to good skin.

"Vitamin A is really important to help repair the skin, as well as fight off all of those bad free radicals," Glassman said.

Vitamin E rejuvenates skin that's been damaged by the sun's ultraviolet rays, and improves the appearance of scars.

Beta-carotene smoothes the skin and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

"You're going to find beta-carotene mostly in those really orange and red and yellow vegetables and fruits," Glassman said.

Glassman infuses these antioxidant foods in a soothing base of yogurt, for immediate results that you can get at home.

"Let's say [you have] non-fat, plain yogurt, with some oats, and some chopped walnuts, and blueberries," Glassman said. "You can take that mixture, put it in the blender, and literally apply it to your skin."

It's a scientific, yet natural, fix – found right in your kitchen.

Antioxidants work best on well-hydrated skin. Drinking plenty of water improves circulation and keeps skin primed to absorb essential nutrients. Two liters is a good target amount, but you may need more if you exercise or spend time in hot weather.

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