Sure, fancy skincare, supplements, and treatments can help, but the secret to flawless skin, healthy hair, and strong nails lies in your diet, too. What you eat every day can make a big difference, which could explain why you might break out after eating a greasy meal, or why your nails become brittle when you don't consume enough of a certain nutrient. Plus, when you eat well, you feel better, too, so a healthy diet is a win-win on all sides.
To figure out which foods can help and which to avoid, we asked two dermatologists—Julie Karen, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, and Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice—to weigh in with their recommendations. Both noted that different foods have different effects on people, so consulting your doctor can help. And Badreshia-Bansal adds, "Keep a log or food diary—watch for patterns of foods that flare up your skin and avoid them."