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A solid skincare routine is often regarded as the best way to fight off wrinkles and signs of aging. While this is true, your diet can also have a major impact on the appearance of your complexion. Just as there are some foods which can dehydrate your skin and make you look older than you actually are, there are also ingredients which can bolster your overall appearance, brightening your complexion and allowing for younger looking skin.
Naturally packed with vitamins and minerals, fruits are some of the best foods to eat regularly for increased digestive health and clearer skin. Not sure which fruit to prioritize? We checked in with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick for a rundown on the best choice for fighting wrinkles, and this is what she had to say.
Citrus
Packed with ample vitamin C to promote collagen production which has been known to preserve the elasticity of your complexion, citrus fruits are some of the best for staving off the development of wrinkles as you age. “Vitamin C is known to help support and boost collagen production which helps to improve the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” notes Garshick. This includes fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein within the body, but as you grow older you begin to produce less and less of it. Therefore, it can be helpful to implement skincare ingredients and certain foods which re-up the collagen within your body. “While it certainly can help to eat citrus fruits to increase collagen production, for overall anti-aging benefits it is important to follow a well-balanced diet,” Garshick explains. “Additionally, it’s important to note that topical skincare products and in-office procedures can be used to help support and improve signs of skin aging.”
However, if you are averse to turning to procedures as you grow older and are hoping for a more natural approach to graceful aging, incorporating ample fruits into your diet can help to hydrate your skin and improve elasticity which will prevent sagging and the development of fine lines. But just as citrus fruits are a great addition to your diet, it’s important to keep a healthy variety in order to see the best results. “It is possible to vary the different types of collagen foods as there are various sources. For example, when it comes to fruit, berries can also be a good source,” Garshick adds.
Citrus fruits, more specifically grapefruit, contain vitamin C, fiber, and potassium which help to fight against free radical damage that may be expediting the aging process of your skin. Not only this, but the antioxidant content of these fruits can also help fade age spots and sun damage, allowing for a smoother and more even complexion that glows from the inside out.
That being said, citrus fruits are not a cure-all to aging, so you can’t expect to see results overnight. “It is important to note there may be limitations based on how much of the collagen is absorbed and then taken up by the skin to have an overall impact on the skin. As such, the changes can be gradual and occur over months,” says Garshick.
Ultimately, a well rounded skincare routine and diet complete with collagen boosting ingredients is going to be your best bet for smoother, younger looking skin, so throw a wedge of lemon into your morning water and snack on an orange to kickstart your anti-aging routine.
