Spending on anti-aging products is expected to reach $291.9 billion by 2015, according to a Global Industry Analysts Report. Any person who has noticed the beginnings of crow’s feet, age spots, laugh lines and sun damage, longs for the supple, unmarred skin of her youth. Of course, nobody can keep the perfect skin a baby has forever. But there are ways to prevent and reverse some of the changes caused by damage and age that make our skin less attractive.
Start by focusing on the inside. Many people don’t realize how the things we put into our bodies affects not only our health and weight, but also our skin. By incorporating a handful of skin friendly foods into your regular diet, you can enhance and rejuvenate your skin’s appearance. Skipping meals can actually cause skin to age faster and dry out more quickly. And if you do nothing else - drink your water!
Almonds – are rich in Vitamin E and anti-oxidants that fend off free radical damage that leads to dullness and wrinkles and may prevent the weathering of skin.
Red Peppers – ½ cup of these has nearly half the Vitamin C you need in a day. Like other anti-oxidants, the nutrient protects against skin-damaging free radicals. Your body also uses Vitamin C to produce collagen – the protein that gives skin its firmness. Other Vitamin C rich foods include: papayas, strawberries, kiwi and kale.
Carrots – these crunchy veggies can help you glow from the inside out. In a study from Scotland’s St. Andrews University, people improved their skin tone after 6 weeks when they added 1-3 servings of beta-carotene-rich produce to their diets. Just don’t go crazy or you’ll risk looking orange.
Salmon – the Omega 3 compound found in Salmon is also one of the best for your complexion. It combats inflammation that can cause blotchiness, rashes and other skin problems. It may also lower your skin cancer risk. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who took an omega-3 supplement were less susceptible to damage from UV rays. For those who don’t like fish, try adding walnuts or flaxseeds to your diet.
Lean Beef – Being short on zinc can lead to inflammation, rashes and rosacea. Lean red meat is a top source of the mineral which may fight off oxidative damage and improve skin’s renewal process. Research suggests it may also protect against hair loss.
Dark Chocolate – This treat is full of flavonols, antioxidant compounds that can help improve your complexion by improving skin texture and offers a greater resistance to UV damage.
Green Tea – packed with powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols – increases elastic tissue in skin which may fend off wrinkles. It may also reduce the risk of skin cancer.
