'It lessens wrinkles!' Doctor shares 'most important vitamin' for age-defying skin - and 12 foods to get it from

Doctor and nutritionist Dr Indhira Ghyssaert said that vitamin C is "the most important vitamin" for youthful skin. This is because it plays a vital role in collagen production.

Collagen is essential to the skin and makes up around 80 per cent of it. It helps keep the skin firm, plump and supple, and plays a part in the skin's natural renewal process.

As we age, our collagen levels decrease. Indeed, as early as our 20s, our collagen levels decrease by around one per cent each year.

Consequently, a collagen-boosting diet is essential for mature women if they want to maintain a younger-looking glow.

The expert said: "Collagen preserves a youthful appearance and increases the skin’s elasticity, which lessens wrinkles."

For a diet rich in vitamin C, the expert advised women to add citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes to the diet, as well as berries, kiwi and pineapple.

Also, think red bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomatoes and potatoes.

Dr Keyana Emamian, a general practitioner, and an aesthetic, skin and hair specialist at Este Medical Group, also weighed in on the most important vitamins for age-defying skin.

She told GB News: "Our diets play a huge role in achieving our skin goals and it’s very important to eat a healthy and balanced diet, as well as drinking plenty of water."

For a vitamin-rich diet, the expert advised stocking up on meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

For collagen-boosting vitamin C, Dr Keyana recommended eating plenty of carrots, citrus fruits, broccoli and potatoes.

She added: "Meanwhile, leafy greens such as spinach and kale are full of skin-nourishing Vitamin K and anti-inflammatories."

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The expert also stressed the importance of getting your B vitamins, including vitamin B9, for skin hydration, collagen production and cell renewal.

For these skin-boosting benefits, women should eat more meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.

She added: "Vitamin D also provides hydration and protects against sun damage, with rich sources including oily fish, egg yolks and liver.

"Vitamin E plays a key role in protecting skin cells from damage and strengthening skin barrier function. This can be found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables."