It’s been said that beauty emanates from the inside so it’s not surprising that the foods we eat affect our health and the appearance of our skin. The signs of aging skin are influenced by internal factors related to maturity and external factors including ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure, smoking, pollution, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition. These items stimulate the formation of damaging free radicals that can harm skin cells and cause signs of aging. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and A can curb the damage caused by free radicals.
The best defense is a health-oriented lifestyle with caloric restriction, exercise, low-stress conditions, and a nutritionally balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich foods. Eating a wide variety of multicolored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, kale, spinach, different kinds of peppers, and cooked tomatoes is good for your whole body, including your skin. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts are also beneficial. What about supplements? To date, the evidence isn’t available to support the ingestion of supplements to maintain a youthful appearance.
Bottom Line: Eat healthy foods to stay fit and look your best.
