People know that the foods they eat can affect their waistline, but many might not know how their diet affects their complexion and how their skin ages.

A recent study in The Journal of Nutrition reports that including antioxidants—certain types of nutrients found in a variety of foods—in the diet is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Experts say that, when consumed, these antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals in the environment and may help prevent certain types of cell damage from the inside out.

Robin Miller, host of Food Network's "Quick Fix Meals," says choosing the right foods could be the recipe for great skin. "As a chef and nutritionist, I'm a believer in antioxidants, which help us maintain a healthy body and healthy skin," she said. Miller offers this list to keep in mind when hitting the grocery store:

•Pomegranate. The fruit's antioxidants are known to help repair sun damage and prevent signs of aging.

•Green tea. The tea's antioxidants are known to help provide UV protection.

•Olive oil. Olive leaf extract is a natural antioxidant that nourishes, protects and softens the skin.

•Citrus. Citric acid, an antioxidant and natural skin astringent, helps rejuvenate aged skin.

But antioxidants aren't just found in foods but are also found in beneficial skin care products. Boardcertified dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie said, "I recommend my patients use a topical antioxidant as part of their daily skin care regimen. To help create healthy skin from the inside out and outside in, eat foods rich in antioxidants and use antioxidant skin care."

Miller is helping to spread the word about the correlation between nutrition and greatlooking skin.

"A good rule of thumb is that the healthier the foods you consume and the healthier your lifestyle, the healthier your skin will look," said Miller.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.