Eat these Foods to keep your Skin Looking Young

Eating healthy foods not only makes your body feel better but it will look better, too! According to the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, a study suggests that eating a healthy diet is associated with a more youthful appearance with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, one of the top-rated female plastic surgeons in NYC, understands that outward appearance is important to many people. Aging inevitably takes a toll on the body, especially in the face, which simply is something that you cannot hide underneath your clothes! While many cosmetic and surgical procedures are available to correct or reverse the signs of aging, it’s always a good idea to eat a healthy diet to maintain your overall health and appearance, as well as to fight the signs of aging.

Dr. Preminger would like to share with you these ideas on healthy foods that can help you maintain a more youthful appearance.

Veggies

Leafy green veggies specifically, contain carotenoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives that can help protect the skin against damage caused by UV rays. However, sunscreen should still be worn on a daily basis.

Fish

Fish are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, which helps reduce inflammation that is caused by the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. It also is known that eating fish may be able to lower the prostaglandin E2 levels, which helps slow down the rate at which the skin’s collagen levels breakdown and lead to wrinkles. The best options for fish are salmon, tuna, mackerel, or halibut because they contain the highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids. 

Fresh Fruit

Foods such as berries and tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene, which is an essential antioxidant that helps protect your skin against photo-damage caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Studies confirm that eating fruits containing lycopene can help decrease the rate at which wrinkles develop.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has long since been linked to decreasing the risk of heart disease, and strokes, but what can it do for your skin? It contains polyphenol, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, which all help slow the rate at which collagen breaks down and leads to wrinkles.

Other foods to consider

While the above-mentioned foods are some of the main contenders against fighting the signs of aging, many other foods also are beneficial for your skin include the following:

• Legumes
• Green tea
• Coffee (without all the sugar and dairy)
• Kimchi
• Almonds
• Tumeric
• Acai berry
• Kefir
• Dark chocolate

It is important to note that a balanced diet containing these healthy foods is important, but so is consuming these foods in moderation. While your taste buds may crave chips, sweets, or otherwise unhealthy foods, always practice moderation and focus on making small changes at a time, which is more likely to stick than trying to completely overhaul your diet all at once. 

Also, keep in mind that although many of these foods help protect skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, you still should wear sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 daily. It is the combination of eating a healthy diet and protecting your skin that truly helps fight off damage caused by UV rays.

Regardless of your age or skin condition, it is never too late to get healthy. You can start by making small changes in your diet that you know you can stick to for the long-term. Small steps lead to bigger steps, and you eventually will find that making healthier choices more often than not is easier than you might think.

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, Preminger Plastic Surgery is a boutique practice dedicated to serving all of your aesthetic plastic surgery needs. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger’s goal with all of her patients is to provide you with a truly individualized treatment plan that reflects your personal cosmetic surgery goals. For more information, please call us at 212-706-1900.