Most doctors and scientists now agree; chocolate and greasy food don't give you acne. But in combination with surface treatments, healthy eating will help your skin to stay clear, healthy and glowing.

A balanced diet containing fresh vitamin-rich foods plus plenty of water, some exercise and enough sleep can really make a difference, contributing to a clear complexion.

DRINK MORE WATER

It's hard to drink too much water in a dehydrating climate like ours. Water carries nutrients throughout the body while flushing out toxins, so try to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses a day.

EAT MORE FATTY ACIDS

It sounds pretty unpleasant but we're talking about the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that hydrate skin, helping it stay firm and smooth. Our bodies can't produce these essential fats so they have to come from food such as salmon, flaxseed oil, olive oil, seeds, and nuts.

AIM FOR ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidant vitamins and supplements may counteract some skin damage by helping to reduce a few of the effects of sun exposure and environmental pollution. Pick some up from your pharmacy or vitamin supplier.

TAKE ON VITAMINS BY EATING FRESH FOODS

Vitamin A: Helps keep cells intact and thriving. It may also reduce the production of sebum, which can clog pores and cause pimples. It's found in yellow and orange squash, sweet potatoes, rockmelon, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, carrots, spinach, kale, liver and fish liver oil.

Vitamin C: May help the body produce and maintain healthy collagen; the glue that holds cells together. It's found in citrus fruits, cherries, red and green capsicum, broccoli and bean sprouts.

Zinc: Works with Vitamin C to make collagen, which is essential for healthy-looking skin. It also supports the tissue-rebuilding actions of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin cells. Zinc is found in pecans, pumpkin seeds, whole-wheat flour, rye flour, oat flour, oysters and red meat.

Vitamin E: Helps the body retain moisture and may prevent sun damage. Vitamin E protects cells, preventing tissue degeneration and premature aging. It is often used topically to prevent scarring and to heal extremely dry skin patches. Sources include many nuts and seeds.

Selenium: May reduce the risk of skin cancer due to sun overexposure. It's found in garlic, onions, wheat germ and Brazil nuts.

B complex vitamins: Essential for healthy skin in too many ways to list here. B complex vitamins help to heal dry or itchy skin, rashes, and even those cracks at the corners of your mouth. B-vitamin deficiency can result in all sorts of skin problems and even hair loss. They are found in whole-grain cereals, nuts, milk, eggs, meats, fish, fruits and leafy green vegetables.

Treating your skin to good stuff inside and out is the secret to a clear, healthy-looking complexion. Find out which Clearasil products will satisfy your skincare goals by checking out our Skincare Guide.