If you want to protect your skin from showing signs of aging, you can find numerous ways to do so. One simple way to keep your skin young is to protect it from the sun. Giving up smoking, using creams and cleanser and taking vitamins are all useful steps as well. However, probably nothing helps skin stay young better than a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Water
Keeping skin young and elastic is partly accomplished by making sure your body stays well-hydrated. Your body will first use liquids consumed for vital functions such as digestion, blood flow and muscle energy. Once all that is covered, your skin will get whatever is left.
By drinking enough water and consuming items high in water content (such as watermelon), your skin will stay supple and less prone to wrinkles and signs of aging.
Natural Foods
The more raw foods you eat, the better. Processed foods are high in chemicals, preservatives and fat. Refined sugar, present in a number of processed foods, leads to skin aging by promoting inflammation and hyperglycemia.
Unsaturated (vegetable) fat is healthy, as it is of natural origin, and will provide omega-3 fatty acids, as well as contributing anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty fish such as tuna and mackerel are especially recommended, as is olive oil and flaxseed.
Products high in fiber, such as whole grains, can help the body get rid of toxins and can also provide the body with antioxidants.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the skin against free radicals, speeding up cell repair and rejuvenation. Antioxidants are plentiful in fruits and vegetables, especially those in bright colors, such as oranges, tomatoes and kale. Fruits and vegetables are also high in zinc, alpha-lipoic acid and other helpful vitamins and minerals.
Proteins
Skin, nails and hair are primarily made up of protein. If you don't eat enough protein, or if you only eat high-fat, unhealthy proteins, chances are it will show up on your skin. Lean proteins such as fish, chicken and turkey are best. Always choose meats that have been baked or grilled, rather than fried. Soy is another good source of protein.
