Can Food Really Age Your Skin? Get the Skinny Here

While Covid-19 may have you packing on the quarantine pounds and considering the lastest diets to get back in shape, but have you ever wondered if what you are eating is aging you too? The truth is there are some foods that can definitely affect what you see in the mirror. So while you are contemplating dropping those extra pounds, why not work in a few simple strategies to keep you looking young from the inside out too?

 

How Foods Age You

It’s actually pretty simple. Poor quality foods lead to inflammation in the body, and aging is basically your skin in a constant inflammatory state—so why add to the uphill battle we are already facing? In addition, eating processed foods, too much sugar, carbs such as pasta, bread can damage your skins collagen production which doesn’t help. Not to mention cause breakouts, redness, and dry skin. Be sure to limit foods with:

 

• Trans fats (anything deep-fried in oil such as fries, potato chips, etc.)
• Limit processed foods baked in hydrogenated oils or vegetable shortening
• Sugar (put that donut down)
• Processed meats (hot dogs, certain lunch meats) try and avoid those nitrates which also cause inflammation
• Alcohol—go ahead and have that glass of wine, but everything in moderation. Heavy drinking can speed up the aging process

 

You Are What You Eat

Now that we know about the bad stuff, what should you eat to actually slow the aging process? If you’re like us and rely on the power of all-natural, clean skincare that leverages the power of botanicals, then you’ll know that what you put in your body matters just as much as what you put on it. Here are a few of our favorite foods with anti-aging benefits that might trim your waistline too.

 

• Red Bell Pepper: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, red bell peppers are good for collagen production and may help protect the skin from sun damage, pollution, and environmental toxins.
• Avocado: This fruit is just so, so good. High in inflammation-fighting fatty acids and vitamins K, C, E, and A, plus some potassium and B vitamins, avocados promote smooth, supple skin and will help prevent the negative effects of aging.
• Papaya: Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, papaya has it all. Studies say it may improve skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The number of antioxidants in papaya work together to fight free radical damage and may even delay the signs of aging.
• Green Tea: Since green tea contains polyphenols and is an anti-inflammatory it works wonders as a toner and to treat acne. It flushes out toxins, heals scars, and helps lighten dark circles. (Tip: after you drink a nice steaming cup of green tea, place the used green tea bags in the fridge for a quick 15 minute under eye-treatment.)