How Eating Fruits and Veggies Rejuvenates Your Skin
Most of us were taught early on about the importance of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, primarily to maintain a steady metabolism. But did you know that eating a steady diet of these various produce items can work wonders for your skin, too? Indeed, all kinds of fruits and veggies are filled with vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients that can keep us looking and feeling our best. Let’s dive into the delicious ways fruits and vegetables can help rejuvenate your skin specifically.
How Fruits and Vegetables Help Your Skin
Shield Your Skin from Sun Damage
When it comes to keeping your skin safe from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, there is no substitute for applying sunscreen with ample sun protection (SPF 30+), covering up with clothing, and staying in the shade. That said, certain fruits and veggies can provide an additional layer of protection from the sun. In particular, red bell peppers, blueberries, avocados, and other vitamin-rich foods can mitigate sun damaged skin, along with other benefits.
Slow Down Visible Aging
As we get older, many of us begin looking for ways to slow down the effects of time on our skin. Various cosmetic dermatology procedures, topical creams, and medications can aid in this anti-aging endeavor, but you might be pleasantly surprised to know that maintaining the right diet can keep your skin youthful as well. Vitamin C and antioxidants are key components of any anti-aging skincare routine. Both allies are found in various fruits and veggies, including red bell peppers, papayas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate seeds, and more. If you’re concerned about combatting fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, don’t forget your fruits and vegetables.
Reduce Inflammation
We’ve discussed the connection between diet and acne in a previous blog. Indeed, certain types of food (i.e. high-glycemic foods) can trigger an inflammatory response and contribute to acne breakouts. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables can have the opposite effect, offering anti-inflammatory properties that may ultimately mitigate acne outbreaks and other inflammation-related skin problems such as psoriasis and rosacea. Anti-inflammatory fruits and veggies include spinach, red bell pepper, broccoli, blueberries, and more.
Boost Collagen Production
Collagen is a key component of skin rejuvenation. This protein provides structure to the skin, keeping it supple and strong. As it turns out, a number of fruits and veggies help stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, namely via vitamin C and punicalagins (a compound found in pomegranate seeds that preserves collagen).
Retain Moisture and Repair Skin
Many products and methods can help you keep your skin hydrated, but any effort that lacks vitamin E won’t be as effective as it could be. Indeed, vitamin E is known for its natural moisturizing and healing qualities. So, in addition to preventing your skin from drying out, vitamin E can help mend abrasions and reduce scarring. Fruits and veggies rich in vitamin E include beet greens, collard greens, spinach, pumpkin, and red bell pepper, to name a few.
Strive for Five for the Sake of Your Skin
You don’t have to love every type of fruit or vegetable to receive the many cosmetic and health benefits provided by these natural foods. Your favorite fruits and veggies contain various vitamins and nutrients that can help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and youthful — the key is creating a balanced diet so you receive the right amount of nutrients you need to rejuvenate your skin. If you’re looking for ways to boost your skincare routine through dietary adjustments, Premier Dermatology Partners can point you in the right direction. Moreover, we offer a variety of cosmetic services to round out your rejuvenation routine.
To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.