Hey there! Do you want to know a secret to keeping your skin looking young and smooth? It’s all about eating the right foods! Yes, you heard it right – some foods can help make your skin look younger – really!

Why What You Eat Makes a Difference

According to renowned esthetician Renée Rouleau, the primary cause of wrinkles is simply the passage of time. As our skin ages, it loses its youthful plumpness and our collagen and elastin levels decrease. In addition to this natural aging process, exposure to free radicals from the sun, pollutants, smoking, and alcohol can also contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Another important factor is our diet. Believe it or not, what we eat can significantly impact the appearance and texture of our skin, including its youthfulness. Therefore, along with protecting our skin from the environment and watching how much alcohol we drink, being mindful of our dietary choices can help prevent and even treat existing wrinkles. Yes, you heard it right – you can potentially achieve younger-looking skin through your food choices.

What Nutrients Make a Difference in Wrinkles?

• Omega 3’s: You may have come across numerous articles praising the incredible benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for your overall health and skin. According to most dermatologists, consuming foods that are high in omega-3s can help control your body’s reaction to irritation and promote hydration in skin cells, resulting in plumper skin and reduced wrinkles. To enjoy these advantages, incorporate foods like salmon, flaxseed, tofu, shrimp, halibut, and soybean into your diet.
• Selenium: If you want to maintain the elasticity of your skin, consume selenium-rich foods into your diet. This mineral can effectively enhance the smoothness and firmness of your complexion. Some examples of selenium-rich foods include Brazil nuts, turkey, low-fat cottage cheese, and oysters.
• Vitamin C & E: Collagen production relies on vitamin C, which enhances the skin’s ability to rejuvenate itself. Vitamin C rich foods such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, peppers, strawberries, oranges, and papaya is a great way to get the most of this nutrient. Vitamin E is another essential nutrient that combats wrinkles by shielding skin cells from harmful UV light and other environmental factors that cause cell damage. Incorporate olive oil, 100% whole wheat, kale, almonds, and kiwi into your meals to reap the benefits of these skin-protecting properties.
• Protein: Collagen fibers consist of amino acids which are the building blocks of protein foods. Try incorporating a high-protein diet to provide support for these fibers. Include protein-rich foods in your meals such as fish, legumes, tofu, lean meats, poultry, and eggs.

Some of the Most Beneficial Foods You Can Eat

• Broccoli: Broccoli takes the lead when it comes to vitamin C levels. Just a quarter head of broccoli provides 100 grams of vitamin C, exceeding the recommended intake of 90 milligrams. This vegetable is rich in the essential vitamin that supports collagen production. As we get older, our skin starts to lose its firmness. Collagen, a protein present in various parts of the body, including the skin and bones, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity. It helps the skin bounce back and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell renewal.
• Sweet Potatoes: Backed by scientific research, sweet potatoes have been proven to provide a more attractive tan than the sun. A recent study conducted by the University of Nottingham revealed that students who incorporated carotenoid-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, into their diet experienced enhanced pigmentation compared to those who did not. Packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes act as a natural barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays while giving your skin a beautiful tan.
• Dark Chocolate: Indulging in dark chocolate not only satisfies your taste buds, but also provides a powerful dose of cocoa flavanol, a potent antioxidant that helps retain moisture and improve the texture of your skin. The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate help protect the skin by enhancing blood circulation and locking in moisture.
• Salmon: To reduce dryness and promote a youthful complexion, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet is key. Salmon, in particular, contains essential omega-3s that effectively combat skin irritants and improve moisture levels. Research suggests that individuals who consume omega-3-rich foods tend to have a more youthful-looking skin compared to those who do not.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt, a skin superhero, promotes a healthy complexion, brightens the skin, and enhances its overall tone. It reduces skin inflammations such as acne and eczema, and it contains proteins that maintain your collagen.
• Black Sesame Seeds: These seeds are loaded with vital nutrients like essential fats, oleic acid, amino acids, potassium, and fiber. They contain such a wealth of skin-enhancing nutrients that they should be included in every meal.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Packed with essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin E, sulfur, and omega-3 fats, these seeds have remarkable healing, nourishing, restoring, and hydrating properties for the skin. Additionally, they can effectively repair any blemish marks caused by breakouts.
• Avocados: Everyone loves Avocados! Turns out they have some major benefits for your skin in addition to their wonderful taste. The Avocado is packed with a special kind of fat that is incredibly small and can easily penetrate through membranes. This unique fat acts as a shield, safeguarding the mitochondria and DNA from harm caused by free radicals. As a result, they help promote healthier and more radiant skin.
• Heirloom Tomatoes: These contain a natural SPF called lycopene which helps prevent UVA and UVB damage.

Hope you learned something and maybe even have a new favorite (or two),  to add to your diet. So, say goodbye to those fine lines and hello to a more youthful you!