You can buy every hyaluronic acid serum on the market and they will help boost your skin’s hydration — but healthy skin starts with what you eat and what you eat in moderation. As we age our skin loses hydration, which is why you may be more familiar with rough patches and drier spots along your face. You may also notice that your skin is even more off-balance on mornings after nights that you indulged in certain foods and beverages. Dermatologists agree: This is the super dehydrating food you have to stop eating over 40 — and a few tips on foods you absolutely should incorporate into your diet for smoother, more hydrated skin and good health.
Avoid Sugary Foods
They’re fun to eat and taste so good — but there are a few reasons why sugary foods should be eaten in moderation, especially if you are concerned about your skin.
“Sugary products and treats can cause dehydration or worsen it,” says Ksenia Sobchak, a dermatologist at loxabeauty.com. “Eating sugary treats can increase urination due to how the sugar interacts with water in the cells. It promotes more water transfer from the cells, which is released through urine, leaving your body dehydrated. As a result, your skin dries, making noticeable fine lines or wrinkles with an uneven complexion.”
Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, agrees that sugar and sugary drinks are dehydrating, but adds three more culprits: high processed foods, foods with a lot of nitrates, and high caffeine foods. In other words, keep pastries, bacon, and coffee to a minimum or, when you are eating or drinking these foods, make sure you’re also consuming a lot of water.
Hydrating Foods That Are Great For Your Skin
Now for the fun part: which foods should you be turning to for the best skin of your life? According to Qazi, there are a slew of delicious options.
“As you age, the amount of collagen produced in the body declines,” Qazi says. “To prevent signs of aging from appearing on the skin sooner, it is vital to eat food that can hydrate the skin. Increasing the amount of collagen based food you are eating can provide benefits to the skin to keep a youthful and vibrant appearance. Some foods to keep in mind include:
- Oranges
- “Oranges are an essential food for getting the right amount of vitamin c for the skin,” Qazi says. “Its high percentage of vitamin C can help fight the decrease in collagen production as aging occurs. The large amount of water contained in oranges can also help prevent a rough skin texture by supplementing the skin cells with more hydration.”
- Plant Based Foods
- “Plant based foods contain rich antioxidants, vitamin C, and amino acids that can increase hyaluronic acid in the body to help with collagen production,” Qazi says. “Incorporating more plant-based foods into your daily meal plan can help keep a youthful elasticity of the skin to prevent fine lines from appearing.”
- Fish
- “Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect the skin barrier,” Qazi says. “One of the leading causes of aging is excessive inflammation on the skin. Adding fish to your diet can give the skin necessary omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce the appearance of inflammation and keep the skin looking its best.”
- Avocados
- “Avoiding unhealthy fats is necessary to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated; however, consuming monounsaturated fats like avocados can help hydrate the skin by providing essential vitamin C to the body,” Qazi says. “Trying to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles involves providing the skin with enough collagen to have the proper elasticity. Avocados contain vitamin b6 to help with elasticity and the vibrance of your skin.”
A diet high in hydrating foods, along with a sensible skincare plan that includes products with effective ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, is your best bet when it comes to achieving soft, glowing skin.
