Would you like to have healthy, radiant skin? The best place to start may be your kitchen.
A quality skin care regimen is important, but without meeting the dietary needs of skin, it will never really shine. In order to look your best, be sure your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruits and veggies.
Vitamins A, C, and E are superstar antioxidants. If you eat a variety of colorful foods including strawberries, blueberries, grapefruit, spinach, carrots, and peppers, you’ll be nourishing your skin. Vitamins C and E help fight the effects of sun exposure, and Vitamin C has a role in collagen production. Collagen keeps skin tight and smooth, so it’s vital to boost your body’s supply. Vitamins C and E also help fight free radicals in our cells that negatively affect collagen and elastin, which gives skin its stretch and flexibility.
Thiamine, one of the B vitamins, is important in making sure skin cells function normally. Almonds, pecans, lentils, wheat germ, whole grains, and dark green leafy vegetables will satisfy your skin’s need for thiamine.
While vitamins are vitally important for healthy skin, so are certain minerals. Zinc is an important building block for skin cells, and selenium is a big-time antioxidant that also helps fight free radicals. Meats, shellfish, and low-fat yogurt are high in zinc; get your selenium fix from shrimp and Brazil nuts.
Omega-3 fatty acids help protect the outer layer of your skin from toxins, so eggs, walnuts, flax seeds, and fish such as sardines and wild salmon should be on your menu.
Along with promoting healthy skin from the inside out, some vitamins and minerals have benefits when applied topically as well. Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, has probably generated the biggest buzz because of its ability to smooth fine lines and stimulate the production of new skin cells and collagen.
While committing to good nutrition is important, good lifestyle choices will also help your skin glow. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water will all help your skin look its best. And no smoking!
We love working with patients who are committed to healthy living. We can develop a professional skin care regimen with our favorite SkinMedica™ products to maximize the benefits you’re already seeing from your nutritious diet. Combined with a wholesome lifestyle and our professional advice, you’ll have beautiful, radiant skin in no time!
