At Potozkin MD Skincare Center, we are committed to helping our patients achieve beautiful, healthy skin that makes them feel confident. We use treatments such as lasers, injectables, and other dermatological and cosmetic means to help them get the results they want, but for our patients to have the best results possible, they must do things outside the treatment room to keep their skin looking great.
One of the best ways to maintain healthy, radiant skin is through good nutrition. March is National Nutrition Month, so it is the perfect time to talk about some of the foods that I’ve found to be the best in terms of supporting skin health and beauty. A bad diet can show up in the skin as acne, dullness, and wrinkles, while a good diet can help make the skin firmer, smoother, and brighter. Here are six foods to add to your diet for beautiful skin!
Salmon – It’s the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, and other fatty fish like mackerel, that make it so good for you. These fatty acids keep the skin moist and supple. It can also help stop skin damage from the sun, which is a primary cause of prematurely aging skin.
Avocados – The main fat in avocados, monounsaturated fat (also found in olive oil and almonds), is known to reduce inflammation, which can show up in the skin as rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Plus, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps prevent aging by absorbing UV rays and fighting free radicals that can damage collagen, which keeps the skin strong and elastic.
Broccoli – The vitamin C in broccoli makes it great for skin. Like vitamin E, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals, and it’s also essential for the production of collagen. Other great sources of vitamin C include berries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers.
Yogurt – Yogurt and other fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help improve skin because of the probiotics found in them. The good bacteria in the probiotics can help with rosacea, eczema, and acne, and also aids digestion and absorption of other foods so you get more out of the nutrients you’re consuming.
Protein – Protein is necessary to create and repair new tissue in the body and keep cells going. Skin cells are replaced every 24 days on average, meaning that it needs a constant supply of protein to regenerate. Protein is found in high amounts in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs, as well as peas, beans, and nuts.
Herbs and Spices – Many herbs and spices have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep the skin healthy. These include turmeric, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and sage.
Eating for Your Skin
National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to look your diet to see if the foods you’re eating are doing your skin any favors. Make it your goal to add the foods listed above to your menu this month – and don’t forget to drink plenty of water, which is also vital for smooth, hydrated skin. If you’re having problems with your skin or are looking to freshen up your look, visit our website or give us a call!