The Anti-Aging Diet: Foods for Youthful Skin

As your largest organ — and the one that’s repeatedly exposed to damaging radiation and pollution — your skin deserves all the love and attention it can get. Eating a healthy diet is one way you can help your skin stay healthy as you age

Michele Meinhart, FNP, and the team at Starkey Medical Esthetics help women and men in Salem, Virginia, keep their skin healthy and youthful with facials and other skincare regimens tailored for their needs. In this post, learn how an anti-aging diet can help you keep your skin looking its best.

Water, plain water

It may not have the mystery or panache of a James Bond martini, but plain water is your skin’s best friend. That’s because your skin is primarily composed of water, and drinking water throughout the day helps your skin replenish and maintain its supply of healthy moisture. If you really can’t stomach water on its own, try squeezing in a little lemon or lime juice — your skin will appreciate the extra dose of vitamin C.

Fruits and veggies high in antioxidants

Unstable molecules called free radicals are a common cause of dull skin tone, age spots, fine lines, and saggy skin. Antioxidants fight free radicals and help prevent the damage they can cause. Colorful fruits and vegetables are chock full of free radicals, especially those that contain deep pigments (like blackberries, carrots, and red bell peppers) and vitamin C (like citrus fruits and tomatoes).

Nuts, seeds, and grains

Many nuts, seeds, and grains are rich sources of vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant essential to healthy, youthful skin. In fact, vitamin E is often recommended to treat skin wounds and burns or to help reduce the look of scars and stretch marks. 

Green tea

OK, we said water is your skin’s best friend, but green tea is a strong contender, too. Green tea is rich in chemicals called catechins that can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce inflammation, too.

Healthy oils

Olive oil and fatty fish are full of healthy oils that help maintain your skin’s natural, disease-fighting barrier while warding off inflammation. Plus, they replenish your skin’s natural oils to help your skin stay smooth and supple. 

Avoid unhealthy fats and sugars

Knowing what foods to fill up on is important, but when it comes to healthy skin, it’s also important to know what to avoid. In this case, fried foods, processed foods, and sugary foods and drinks should all be eliminated or at least significantly limited. All these foods contribute to skin problems and problems with your overall health.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can actually cause your skin (and your body) to lose moisture. An occasional drink is probably OK — even better if you stick with red wine, another source of antioxidants.

Keep your skin healthy and youthful

Maintaining a skin-healthy diet is one way to help your skin stay youthful-looking and having a custom skincare routine is another. To learn how we can help you maintain healthier skin and a more youthful complexion, call 540-389-0909, or book an appointment online at Starkey Medical Esthetics today.