You have probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. As it turns out, this one is true. A healthy diet is important not only for your overall health, but for your skin health as well. You can help control the way your skin looks and feels just by what you choose to put in your mouth. Eating for your skin goes beyond avoiding chocolate and sodas to avoid teen acne. Your diet influences your skin through all stages of life. Dermatologist Joely Kaufman-Janette, MD, assistant professor and director of the Aging and Geriatric Skin Center reminds us that, “Part of choosing a diet for good looking skin is just eating to keep yourself healthy because your health is reflected through your skin.”
Here are a few foods that you may consider adding to your diet if you want your skin to have a healthy glow and more youthful elasticity.
- #1 Blueberries – Because of its antioxidant-rich properties, this fruit will fight the signs of aging for you, even in your skin.
- #2 Fish – Your skin needs healthy fat sources and fish is a great way to get essential omega-3 fatty acids. It will give your skin oil without clogging your pores. Eliminate the saturated fat from your diet but keep some healthy fat so that your skin doesn’t appear dull and dry.
- #3 Whole Grains – Did you know that poor digestion is reflected in your skin? Eating more whole grains instead of refined carbs will aid in digestion, keep insulin levels stable and thus produce healthier skin.
- #4 Water – There is no doubt that the most important beverage for your skin is water. Your skin actually contains molecules that bind water. You’ll lose that youthful plumpness in your skin if you are not drinking enough H2O.
There are plenty of other foods that contribute to your skin health, but a basic goal of a well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetables and healthy fats will benefit your skin appearance most. Olansky Dermatology Associates believes in the powerful role that nutrition plays in your skin health. Decide what you can eat today that can change the way your skin ages tomorrow.
