The office of Dr. Patt performs a great deal of procedures and offers select products for the benefit of your skin. But did you know there is more you could be doing? Since you are what you eat, why not switch a few meals to these foods that are easy on the skin and make a great addition to any diet.
1. Dairy Products –
But aren’t they supposed to be good for teeth? Yes, milk, cheese, and the like contain calcium and vitamin D that are good for bones, but dairy also contains a good deal of one of the best nutrients for skin: vitamin A. As explained by nutrition expert Liz Lipski for WebMD, these products are especially good for those with diabetes or thyroid conditions that keep the body from utilizing vitamin A. “Anything that helps keep digestion normal, any live bacteria or enzymes, is also going to be reflected in healthy-looking skin," she went on to say. And of course, the low fat, low sugar dairy products are best.
2. Almonds –
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, these nuts might be best for your skin. They contain high levels of vitamin E, which acts as a natural sun block and helps defend against sun damage. In fact, it was reported that people who ate 20 almonds and were exposed to UV light burned less than those who didn’t . Almonds are also full of protein and other nutrients.
3. Berries –
Free radicals are harmful particles distributed through your body which can cause an array of problems, including skin damage. Berries like strawberries, blue berries, black berries, and plums contain loads of antioxidants for combating free radicals. Pound for pound, they contain more antioxidants than any other food and taste great to boot. Other foods with lots of antioxidants include artichokes, beans, prunes, and pecans.
4. Chocolate –
You read that correctly. But don’t go reaching for the candy bars just yet. According to Fitness Magazine, the essential component of chocolate, aka cocoa, naturally hydrates skin with flavonols, a potent antioxidant. The recommended amount is a few squares a day of chocolate that contains at least 70% cocao. There are even cocoa rich creams which are good for reducing puffiness.
5. Fish oil –
Chock full of Omega 3 fatty acids, these are a natural wrinkle fighter. As we age, our skin dries out. This oil acts as a substitute for the oils our bodies naturally produce. The best way to get this oil is through fish like salmon or fatty tuna. However, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil is another good way, with supplements bringing up the rear.
And if you live in the Houston area and are looking to maintain or improve your skin, give us a call or contact us today.
