LOOKING good can be an expensive job.

Buying the right shampoo, moisturisers, anti-wrinkle cream, make up.....you get the picture.

Many of these are products we put on our skin and hair to try and rectify any damage or problem areas, from the outside.

What about looking after our skin, hair and nails from the inside?

We may overlook the simplest of beauty tips — eating a healthy balanced diet.

Beautiful skin and hair starts with nourishment from within.

Eating a healthy balance of food will feed your skin with vital nutrients to keep it soft, supple and blemish-free.

Essential micronutrients from a healthy diet are needed to replace old skin cells with new ones. If you are constantly filling your body with processed food and toxins, or simply not giving it the nutrients it needs, then your skin, hair and nails will suffer too.

In simple terms, you are what you eat!

Fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect skin from damage caused by pollution, smoke and sunlight.

These free radicals are what increase ageing of the skin and discolouration (dark spots).

We should be trying to eat five portions of fruit and veg each day. Choose a variety of fruit and veg to get as many nutrients as you can.

Fats are important to give your skin natural moisture to keep it supple. Good fats are important, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which also give us a dose of vitamin E which many people tend to be low in.

Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated. Skin needs moisture to stay flexible.

Alcohol and smoking will both age skin.

Zinc, phyto-estrogens, selenium, omega-3s, vitamin E and C are also important in keeping our skin and hair looking lovely.

So save your money on expensive products and treat your body to some nutritious food.

To get in touch with Claire, follow her on Twitter @CLKpt or email ckopicki@me.com