Along with sun protection, smoking, and the inevitable aging process, diet is another aspect of your lifestyle that can affect your skin. The following is a list of foods that have nutrients that nourish and encourage healthy skin growth.
- Fatty Fish
These fish, which include salmon, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acid helps keep skin strong, flexible, and moisturized. It also reduces inflammation and can even make your skin less susceptible to the harmful UV rays from the sun (but don’t forget your sunscreen every day!).
- Sweet Potatoes
This orange snack includes a nutrient called beta carotene which the body can use to create vitamin A which is an essential vitamin our bodies need. Beta carotene is also a carotenoid; carotenoids can act like a natural sunblock preventing cells from sun exposure. While eating sweet potatoes isn’t an excuse to skip the sunscreen, it can help prevent cell death, sunburn, and dryer skin. And if sweet potatoes don’t interest you, then you can still get your beta carotene intake from oranges, carrots and spinach.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers
These peppers, like sweet potatoes, are a source of beta carotene, but that isn’t their only skin strength. They are also the number one source of vitamin C which is a very important vitamin. The body uses vitamin C for creating the protein collagen. Collagen is one of the most prevalent proteins in the body and is essential for skin development. There are studies that suggest that collagen improves skin elasticity and can help improve wrinkles and signs of aging.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a superfood when it comes to the skin. It has so many vitamins that promote healthy skin including vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. Zinc is a vitamin that regulates inflammation, improves overall skin health, and also assists in the production of new skin cells. Broccoli florets also contain lutein which is a carotenoid similar to beta carotene in that it prevents damage that could dry and wrinkle the skin.
Remember, diet is just one factor in maintaining healthy skin. It’s important to hydrate, wear sunscreen and skin protection, avoid smoking and get regular daily exercise. That said if your healthy lifestyle is not giving you the results you want, schedule a consultation with Dr. John Kim to talk about procedures that could help you reach your goals!