How Eating Fruits and Veggies Rejuvenates Your Skin
When you think about skincare, your mind probably goes right to your bathroom vanity, where all of your favorite products live. But did you know that part of your skincare routine could be in your kitchen? That’s right — what you eat really can have an effect on your skin. Here’s how eating fruits and veggies can help rejuvenate your skin.
Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables on Your Skin
Antioxidants Protect Skin from Damage
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage on a cellular level. Every day, your skin is exposed to things like free radicals, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and sunlight. Unfortunately, all of these things can cause skin damage on a deep level if you’re not careful. Eating at least five portions of fruits and veggies on a daily basis can help make sure you’re getting enough antioxidants in your system so your skin can protect itself from damage from those external factors we mentioned earlier. Antioxidants specifically help your skin maintain that natural glow you love so much. In addition, they can help you maintain an even skin tone and supple skin. Foods like blueberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale, and papaya are all excellent sources of antioxidants to include in your diet.
Vitamin C Can Contribute to Collagen Production
It’s common knowledge that vitamin C is an important nutrient that the body needs to survive. What might not be so common is the knowledge that Vitamin C can help reduce wrinkles and promote collagen production. Collagen is an important substance for the skin because it helps keep everything supple and smooth. Collagen can also help strengthen the capillaries that supply the skin with blood. That means your complexion will also be brighter as a result of improved circulation. If you’re looking for a few great sources of Vitamin C to incorporate into your diet, oranges are an obvious choice. Fruits and veggies like kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, and bell peppers are also excellent sources of Vitamin C. Of course, you can also benefit from adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine. Not only can it help stimulate collagen production, but it can help fade the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation, as well.
A Diet Rich in Fruits and Veggies Can Improve Skin Tone
While cosmetic dermatology services like chemical peels are one of the most used tools to improve skin tone, fruits and veggies can also help. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that eating more fruits and vegetables can actually change your skin tone. The factor responsible? Carotenoids. Carotenoids are the orange-red pigments found in fruits and vegetables. In this study, researchers found that just two extra portions of fruits and veggies every day were enough to cause an improvement in skin tone over just six weeks. The results revealed a more golden skin tone, which led to healthier-looking skin all around.
If you’re curious about how your diet is contributing or detracting from your skin health, set up a consultation with our team at North Pacific Dermatology today.