We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” While it may sound a bit cliche, it really is true. Our skin is our largest organ, and when we’re healthy on the inside, we generally look better on the outside. Proper nutrition plays a huge role in the condition of your skin. Here are a few of our favorite foods to help keep you looking and feeling great.
Water: Hydration is important for your entire body, and your skin is no exception. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day will go a long way to supporting all of your organs, including your skin. When you’re skin is dehydrated, it looks dull and fine lines and wrinkles are more visible.
Green tea: Green tea is known to help fight inflammation, but it can also improve your overall skin tone. Green tea is high in antioxidants, and one of them called EGCG, can help reduce redness. Try sipping at least one cup a day.
Oatmeal: Not only are whole grains, like oatmeal, a good source of fiber, they can help lower your bad cholesterol and improve the overall health of your skin. Steel-cut oats and whole oat groats are the best, because they are less processed and take longer to break down in your body. This helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. An oatmeal paste or an oatmeal bath can also help soothe many skin irritations.
Salmon: It isn’t just a tasty lean protein; salmon is packed with astaxanthin, a carotenoid that can help improve skin elasticity. Improved elasticity can lead to the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Eggs: Eggs are an economical, complete protein that can help repair cells that have been damaged by free radicals. Eggs are also a great source of biotin, an essential vitamin that can help protect against dry skin.
Walnuts: If you’re looking to add more Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, and you aren’t a huge fan of fish, try some walnuts. Omega-3’s can help reduce the signs of aging and encourage strong, shiny hair. Flaxseeds are another great source of these essential fatty acids.
Legumes: Beans are a great, affordable source of protein, which can help repair cells with free radical damage. During the digestive process, beans break down into amino acids, which can help speed up the repair and regeneration of skin cells, as well as rebuilding collagen. Beans are also high in zinc, which is important because low levels of zinc have been associated with increased blemishes. As little as 4 ounces of kidney beans a day may be enough to improve your complexion.
Multivitamins: Food is our best source of digestible nutrients, but taking a comprehensive multi vitamin every day can help you make up for something you have missed.
Having great-looking skin is part of a comprehensive wellness-focused lifestyle. When you’re making healthful choices every day, you are more likely to have great skin. If you’re taking care of your body and still have sagging skin or noticeable wrinkles, contact Dr. Barr. She can help you find the best facial cosmetic procedure to help you look and feel your best.
