It turns out our grandparents were right. You really are what you eat. Most often when I’m in a consult about laser and fillers, my conversation inevitably leads to skincare, diet, and nutrition. Why is this? Simply put, diet affects your skin. The wrong foods in your diet can damage your collagen, which results in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. So, I often advise my patients to eliminate processed foods and foods that contain a lot of sugar. Then I suggest they incorporate certain foods into their diet. If consumed consistently, they will begin to slowly see a beautiful, natural, healthy glow. Here is a list of my top six go-to foods.
Avocados: Yes, we are all aware of the avocado toast craze going on. But there are other ways to eat avocados. Avocados are a great source of biotin, which is important for healthy hair and nails. Avocados also contain decent amounts of vitamins A, D and E and omega-9 fatty acids, which help with dry skin. Using avocado oil is also great on salads and is a great oil alternative when sautéing vegetables. GreenTea: Yes, you can sip your way to great skin. Green tea is one of my favorite
GreenTea: Yes, you can sip your way to great skin. Green tea is one of my favorite afternoon pick me ups. It is high on the list of skin-friendly foods and drinks because of its high content of polyphenols. Often you will see it listed in skincare products for this reason.
Salmon and other fatty fish: Fish is an excellent diet staple for glowing skin. Salmon consumed two to three times a week can slow down aging because it contains astaxanthin, which is a carotenoid that improves skin elasticity. Salmon is a more common fatty fish choice but sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are even better choices. A plus up? These fish are all great for hair too.
Organic tomatoes: Why organic? Because they simply taste better. The reason I love tomatoes is they are super high in antioxidants and protect the skin from sun damage, which is always a big concern living here in Florida.
Berries: Snacking on berries will pack in antioxidants such as vitamin C and they are a natural source of sugar. Berries can help with sugar cravings and are a great substitute when eliminating processed sugar from your diet. Blueberries, cherries and raspberries are among the top picks for better skin.
Walnuts: Not a fish lover? Nuts are another great way to add omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your diet. They help your body maintain moisture, give hair a gorgeous shine and help hair to appear fuller because of the protein. Along with the basic aesthetic maintenance regimen of facial fillers and laser treatments, adding these foods and nutrients to your diet along with the use of natural skincare products that have antioxidants and natural ingredients is the key to building a foundation for beautiful skin and hair.
Along with the basic aesthetic maintenance regimen of facial fillers and laser treatments, adding these foods and nutrients to your diet along with the use of natural skincare products that have antioxidants and natural ingredients is the key to building a foundation for beautiful skin and hair.