Is Your Diet Damaging Your Skin?

You already know about the use of sunscreen and moisturizers to protect your skin against the more harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. Additionally, you probably don’t think twice about wearing sunglasses when outside on a bright day, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat to help further shield your face. These are all well-known tips to reduce sun exposure that our staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery recommends to all patients following any facial cosmetic surgery in order to reduce the appearance of scars.

But did you know that your diet could also affect the appearance of your skin? Eating the wrong foods can leave your skin looking dull, aged, and lifeless. On the other hand, a diet that nourishes your skin will give you a glowing, timeless complexion. Here are some quick tips on the types of foods to add into your diet to put your best face forward for summer.

Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, and Other Fatty Fish

Tuna, salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish are loaded to the gills with omega 3 fats that can keep your skin looking great. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is one type of omega 3, can help slow the aging process. Collagen is a protein the body produces to fill out the skin over the skeletal framework. As your body ages, it loses collagen, which will leave your face looking gaunt and hollowed. EPA may help the body retain collagen, leaving your face looking softer, fuller, and younger. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is another type of omega 3 in fatty fish that can reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. It helps to reduce cellular inflammation, which has been found to help cause the formation and growth of tumors. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish a week. As an added bonus, omega 3 fats are good for a healthy heart as well.

Tomatoes and Other Lycopene-rich Foods

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes their distinctive bright red color. It can also be found in pink grapefruit, carrots, watermelon, guava, and red peppers.

There has been some interesting research showing that in addition to keeping the skin smooth, lycopene can also help reduce the effects of sunburn. One study looked at the amount of reddening to the skin following UV light exposure. Subjects who ate 2-½ tablespoons of tomato paste per day for 10 to 12 days in addition to their regular diet had 50 percent less skin reddening than those subjects not eating any extra tomato product. Interestingly, a third group of subjects who took lycopene supplements did not have the same amount of sun protection.

Citrus Fruit

There’s nothing quite like tangy citrus fruit, such as oranges or grapefruits, to cool you down on a hot summer day. However, those same fruits can also greatly benefit your skin. Oranges and grapefruits contain a large amount of water, and can help rehydrate your body. This means that your skin will have a healthy glow from being properly hydrated. Other foods that can keep your skin hydrated include jicama and cucumbers.

Plenty of regular exercise and a low-fat diet will also help you feel great. However, you can boost your skin’s appearance by including these skin-nourishing foods into your existing diet.