Hydrating your skin properly is the key to a naturally radiant and more youthful look over 40, especially when drinking enough water, using the right moisturizing products, and of course, eating a well-balanced diet. While many of us have a general idea of what foods help us feel and look our best, it’s still great to add specific choices to your day that are known to promote firmer skin. We checked in with skincare expert and quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Zuriarrain, who shared 4 foods often linked to supple skin and explained how they can give you a healthy glow.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is known to be rich in collagen (the vital protein attributed to supple skin), and often hailed to help boost the body's own collagen production, increasing the elasticity of the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. "This is a great source of protein that helps the body produce the collagen that it requires for skin health," Zuriarrain says. "The gelatin in the bones directly correlates with collagen production, it is made by a slow process of simmering the animal bones in water and vinegar for 48 hours to extract the collagen," he continues. Zuriarrain notes that this process allows the human body to consume the bone broth in high quantity and produce an improvement in the overall collagen content, which benefits more than just your skin, as it serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, hair, muscles and joints as well. "It is a natural way of enhancing collagen production and can also serve to be a great source of vitamins and minerals," he adds.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are a classic as they are low in cholesterol but extremely high in the amino acids required for collagen production, Zuriarrain explains."Egg whites contain 18 amino acids as well as 9 of the essential amino acids," he says. "They also contain high levels of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine which are all associated with skin and bone health." Research has shown that the membranes from eggshells can fight aging by blocking the effects of UVB radiation, he continues. Plus, the lutein in eggs provides much-needed hydration for your skin to keep it looking firm.
Fish / Omega-3 Fatty Acids
All types of fish—and especially those that live in cold water— Zuriarrain says, are high in omega fatty acids that directly translate to protein production and collagen deposition. "The collagen found in fish is more readily absorbed by the human body versus that found in mammals," he adds. "Fish skin itself carries a very high collagen content and is very important to eat as it carries a significant health benefit," he says. The polyunsaturated fat in fish skin also has a key role in cardiovascular health and cell repair, and has been linked to reducing inflammation in the skin for an optimal glow at any age.
Oysters
Another seafood choice that can aid your skin health, oysters are one of the highest sources of zinc and copper (which are attributed to anti-inflammation and synthesis and stabilization of skin proteins). "A very small number of oysters can pack a very powerful punch regarding these 2 crucial minerals related to skin health and collagen production," Zuriarrain concludes, making this a fourth healthy food option to benefit skin over 40!
