The beauty of the skincare market is a multi-billion dollar industry. In developed nations, almost all females use some kind of topic cosmetics. However, the use of cosmetics is also rising among males as awareness increases.
However, most of those who have used topical creams know their limitations. Such methods work, but not as expected. This is because skin health is the reflection of inner well-being. Thus, for healthy skin, it is also vital to boost overall health and well-being. The best results are achieved by combining methods like anti-aging foods, exercise, and cosmetics.
Top 7 Anti-Aging Foods for Skin Health
There are many foods that are proven to slow down aging and thus boost skin health. What is good about these foods is that they slow down skin aging and prevent chronic health issues, providing glowing skin. Here are some anti-aging foods to consider for radiant skin:
- Blueberries: Humans have traditionally consumed berries. However, in modern times, people do not consume many berries. These berries, like blueberries, are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and A, retinol, and various antioxidants like flavonoids. Thus, it is good for preventing chronic ailments, boosting immunity, and slowing down skin aging due to exposure to UV rays (1).
- Avocados: Avocadoes rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E are now one of the most regarded superfoods. These antioxidant-rich foods can help maintain skin health in multiple ways. They are known to promote collagen production and thus increase skin elasticity. They also have anti-inflammatory action and free radical scavenging properties. Some of the benefits of avocadoes for skin health are indirect due to their impact on metabolic and heart health(2).
- Green Tea: Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages with a range of health benefits. It can promote weight loss and stay healthy. It is rich in amino acids that are good for brain health and mood, such as GABA and L-theanine. It is also a rich source of antioxidants like catechins, polysaccharides, saponins, and more. These bioactive compounds help in multiple ways, such as making skin resistant to photo-aging, reducing inflammation, promoting skin regeneration, and more. One can either drink green tea or consider green tea extract for skin health(3).
- Dark Chocolate: The Western world consumes most chocolate made using cocoa extract. Hence, all its health benefits for skin health are due to cocoa. Here, it is also essential to understand that only low-sugar and preservative-free dark chocolate is good for skin health. Chocolate has antioxidants like flavonols and polyphenols, which are good for skin health and help protect the skin from UV radiation(4).
- Spinach: Among the green leafy veggies, spinach is among the most nutritious ones and thus has a range of health benefits. Spinach is widely regarded as a superfood. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, folate, lutein, iron, calcium, and many bioactive compounds. It is among the healthiest of foods. So, naturally, it is good for skin health, too(5).
- Fatty Fish: Certain fats are known to be good for the skin. People have even traditionally used fats topically to protect their skin and keep it hydrated. Fatty fish are among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and lean proteins. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for reducing skin inflammation and boosting skin regeneration(6).
- Papaya: It hydrates and exfoliates the skin, thanks to its proteolytic enzyme content, papain. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and phytochemicals like quercetin, tocopherols, and kaempferol, thus nourishing the skin, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting skin from UV rays. Hence, papaya can enhance skin health and radiance in many ways(7).
Additional Tips for Maintaining Youthful Skin
Cosmetics, superfoods, and dietary interventions are essential to maintaining radiant skin. However, one should combine these measures with other health measures. So, exercise regularly as this will improve overall health, improve dermal blood flow, and keep skin pores open. Additionally, keep your body well hydrated.
Also, do not forget that your face or skin looks best when you are rested. This just highlights the importance of stress management and sleep.
Conclusion
To conclude, for radiant skin, consume anti-aging foods. These foods boost skin health, prolong life, and prevent diseases. It is vital to understand that your skin can be only as healthy as the body it covers. So, using cosmetics is important, but focusing on overall well-being is equally important.
References
- Ivarsson J, Pecorelli A, Lila MA, Valacchi G. Blueberry Supplementation and Skin Health. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Jun 12;12(6):1261.
- Henning SM, Guzman JB, Thames G, Yang J, Tseng C, Heber D, et al. Avocado Consumption Increased Skin Elasticity and Firmness in Women ‐ A Pilot Study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep;21(9):4028–34.
- Di Sotto A, Gullì M, Percaccio E, Vitalone A, Mazzanti G, Di Giacomo S. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Green Tea Preparations in Skin Ailments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 30;14(15):3149.
- Sadhasivamohan A, Karthikeyan K. Chocolate and Skin: The Impact of an Insatiable Indulgence. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2022 Oct 21;13(6):806–9.
- Roberts JL, Moreau R. Functional properties of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) phytochemicals and bioactives. Food Funct. 2016 Aug 10;7(8):3337–53.
- Huang TH, Wang PW, Yang SC, Chou WL, Fang JY. Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil’s Fatty Acids on the Skin. Mar Drugs. 2018 Jul 30;16(8):256.
- Kong YR, Jong YX, Balakrishnan M, Bok ZK, Weng JKK, Tay KC, et al. Beneficial Role of Carica papaya Extracts and Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress and Related Diseases: A Mini Review. Biology (Basel). 2021 Apr 1;10(4):287.