8. Tomatoes: The Lycopene Effect
Tomatoes are packed with Vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to protect the skin against damage from the sun and may help prevent wrinkling.
Because lycopene is a fat-soluble nutrient, consuming tomatoes with a healthy fat source (like olive oil or avocado) significantly increases its absorption. Think of tomatoes as a “textural refiner”; by protecting the skin’s deeper layers from UV degradation, they help maintain the smoothness and thickness of the dermis over time.
