BEAUTY WITH NICOLE-- EAT YOUR WAY TO BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Beauty editor Nicole Emmerling is here today with a snack recipe to keep our skin looking young, beautiful, and wrinkle free. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. According to dermatologist David Colbert, “Skin is a matrix of proteins, water, and fats that need a non-processed food supply for replenishment.” So the next time you have the munchies, grab something that will not only crave your hunger but also help you maintain your skin’s health.

When you were growing up, were you told to stay away from chocolate because it causes acne? Lots of us were, but it turns out that’s an old wives tale. Dark chocolate with 72% or higher cacao content is full of antioxidants that are good for your skin. 

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps prevent UV damage. A handful of almonds will supply you with a one-two punch of both vitamin E and the fat your skin needs to stay healthy.

 Then there’s the blueberry, full of both antioxidants and vitamin C, which protects collagen.

So mix up a batch of your own very special, skin protecting snack mix -- equal parts almonds, blueberries (dry or fresh) and dark chocolate chips. Your skin will thank you.

Sounds like a great recipe. Thanks, Nicole! Maybe Cloris can whip us up some chocolate-almond-blueberry muffins. -- AP