There sure is a lot of buzz about some of the trendy new cosmetic products on the market. It seems like every woman who comes to my wellness center asks me about one of them or the other … lip plumping, eyelash lengthening, the newest surgeries… the list goes on.
But you don’t need these procedures to get that look of “new” and healthy skin. You can get younger-looking skin from the inside out with just a few simple changes to what you eat.
The right nutrients from food can erase years from your appearance.
First, you should know that some foods are bad for your skin. Almost anything deep-fried that has the wrong kinds of fat, and foods that are high-calorie starches will cause problems.
But a mix of other foods – including some you never knew had skin benefits – promote radiant, healthy skin.
1) Take strawberries for example.
They taste great and they’re loaded with protective antioxidants that fight free-radical damage to your skin. But there’s a simple reason why strawberries and skin health go together so well …
It’s vitamin C. Strawberries are even higher in vitamin C than citrus.
That’s important for your skin because vitamin C is critical for the formation of collagen, the main structural protein in your skin and other connective tissues. And your body can’t make collagen without vitamin C.
A cup of strawberries has b-vitamins which are also important for your skin, hair and nails. And did you know that strawberries even have some omega-3 fats? Those are the good fats that reduce inflammation and help protect your telomeres, keeping skin younger-looking and heathy.
Omega-3 fatty acids help defend against damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.
2) Olives are another excellent source of skin-healthy fats.
Olives are an important source of monounsaturated oils (MSOs). And plant-based MSOs also defend your skin from the aging effects of ultraviolet (UV) light.
In 2012, a French research team linked olive oil intake to a lower risk of aging from exposure to the sun.1 Basically, getting plenty of olive oil helps keep your skin looking young.
I especially like using olive oil in my salad dressing, since it also helps your body absorb nutrients from the greens in your salads.
3) Green tea is another great skin food.
In animal studies, Korean researchers found green tea has a powerful anti-aging effect on skin. Animals fed green tea extract maintained smoother, younger-looking skin.2
The green tea extract also stimulated higher activity of antioxidant enzymes that fight the effects of aging on the skin.
Another food that promotes a more youthful appearance – and one I’ve taken a lot of heat for – is organic, grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is high in linoleic acid… and studies show this healthy fat fights aging in the skin.
For example, a 2007 study found that middle-aged women who ate higher levels of linoleic acid also had smoother, younger-looking skin.3
To naturally promote smoother, younger-looking skin, eat plenty of foods rich in these nutrients. And avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates. High-glycemic foods – such as processed carbs and sugars – promote breakouts of blemishes.4
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1. Latreille, J., et al, “Dietary monounsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of skin photoaging,” PLoS One. 2012; 7(9): e44490.
2. Lim, J.Y., “Protective effect of the standardized green tea seed extract on UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice.,” Nutr Res Pract. Aug 2014; 8(4): 398-403.
3. Cosgrove, M.C., et al, “Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women,” ASCN. OCT 2007; 86(4): 1225-1231.
4. Smith, R.N., et al, “A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial,” Am J Clin Nutr. Jul 2007; 86(1): 107-115.