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Believe it or not, the food you eat can actually have just as much of an impact on your skin as the products you apply to it. While foods that are heavy in sugar content can cause breakouts and other skin issues, you can also turn to food to help treat skin struggles, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. If you’re unsure which foods are best to help minimize signs of aging, a dermatologist weighs in on exactly what you should be nourishing your body with to boost your complexion and fight sagging skin.
Chia Seeds
Aside from being a superfood for your nutrition, NYC Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King notes that chia seeds and other Omega 3 rich nuts contain wonderful skin benefits as well. She explains, “Omega 3 fatty acids help contribute to the skin barrier function. Eating these healthy fats helps to support the skin barrier.” Sagging skin comes from a weak skin barrier, so for anti-aging it will be helpful to build it back up with the foods you eat.
Blueberries
Not only are they delicious, but blueberries provide wonderful protection for your skin against sun damage. King explains, “Antioxidants help to combat damage from free radicals from UV rays and pollution. These free radicals can contribute to premature aging of the skin.” Throw a handful onto your oatmeal or yogurt and you’re good to go!
Collagen Drinks
Collagen is one of the most important proteins that your body naturally produces for youthful skin. However, as you age, collagen production slows, so a supplement may be a good idea to include in your routine to boost production. King notes, “The jury is still out on whether collagen will preferentially concentrate in the skin when we consume it. If it does, then that helps our skin by directly increasing collagen. If it doesn’t, then potentially it is helping by providing amino acid building blocks for our body to produce collagen.”
Tomatoes
Another food which is not only a great addition to your salad or sandwich, but also supports your skin, is tomatoes. King explains, “Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and increasing dietary levels of lycopene helps to ensure the presence of this potent antioxidant in the skin where it can protect from sun damage and make the skin smoother.”
If youthful, clear skin is important to you, then your diet should be at the forefront of your mind when treating signs of aging. A healthy diet is vital for the proper function of all aspects of your body, so being tactful with the foods you consume will keep your body running smoothly and minimize signs of aging with minimal effort!
