Everyone loves food. Eating is easily one of the most essential parts of life.
However, when it comes to aging, do you know that there are actually foods that can speed up your
process? You heard it.
Although minding your diet is easier said than done, it always helps to have a little reminder of how
certain foods can affect your skin health and the aging process. This list can help you with that.
Every person is unique. Not everyone will benefit from eating raw, clean, or whole only. And regularly
eating one or two of these foods won’t lead to less collagen and totally damage your skin. It’s straying
away from a moderate diet that’s best for you that will change your health, skin, or not.
So, go through this list with a grain of salt Take the information that’s most helpful to you.
1. Sweet potato fries for french fries
French fries can hit the spot — both in the satisfaction department and the age production department,
as they’re fried and salty. Foods fried in oil at high temperatures release free radicals that can cause cellular damage to the skin. Exposure to free radicals accelerates the aging process due to an action called cross-linking. Cross-linking affects DNA molecules and can weaken the skin’s elasticity.
What’s more, consuming too much salt can draw water out from the skin and lead to dehydration. That
may make your skin more prone to wrinkling.
What you can do: Swap french fries for baked sweet potato fries or fried sweet potato. Sweet potatoes
are rich in anti-aging copper, which aids in collagen production.
2. Honey or fruit for white sugar
Sugar is one of the infamous contenders to unwanted skin concerns like acne. As mentioned above,
sugar contributes to the formation of collagen-damaging AGEs. When our sugar levels are elevated, this AGE process is stimulated. It’s sped up even more if sunlight is involved. So, instead of eating ice cream on the beach, opt for refreshing frozen fruit or a popsicle with no sugar added.
What you can do: Reach for fruit or dark chocolate when craving something sweet. Blueberries, specifically, prevent loss of collagen.
3. Second thoughts on soda and coffee
What soda and coffee do to your health have more to do with sleep than skin. First, both are high in
caffeine, which, if you drink frequently throughout the day to night, may affect your sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to increased signs of aging and darker eye circles, wrinkles, and fine lines. What you can do: If you’re concerned about the sugar content, take a look at how much you’re drinking. See if you can decrease the amount or make swaps, like having golden milk instead of coffee. Turmeric, the main ingredient in golden milk, is rich in antioxidants and one of the most powerful anti-aging
compounds around.
4. Moderate your alcohol drinking
Alcohol can cause a host of problems when it comes to the skin, including redness, puffiness, loss of
collagen, and wrinkles.
Alcohol depletes your nutrients, hydration, and vitamin A levels, all of which have a direct impact on
wrinkles.
Vitamin A is especially important in regards to new cell growth and the production of collagen, ensuring
that skin is elastic and wrinkle-free.
What you can do: Drink in moderation. That’s one drink per day for women and two for men. Make sure you’re well-hydrated with water. Try experimenting with some fun and creative mocktail recipes as well.
5. Olive oil or avocados for margarine
Take it easy with that butter knife. Older studies have shown that those who don’t consume margarine
or butter have less skin damage and wrinkles than those who do.
And the science checks out: Margarine is worse than moderate amounts of real butter due to the fact that it’s high in partially hydrogenated oils. These trans-fatty acids make the skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, which can damage the skin’s collagen and elasticity. What you can do: Swap butter for olive oil or smear avocados, rich in anti-aging antioxidants, on toast instead.
6. Avoid cooking in high heat
Some polyunsaturated oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, like corn or sunflower oil, can cause harmful free radicals and can increase inflammation levels. If you’re frying or using high heat every day, that adds up. But this doesn’t mean that all oils are unhealthy. When it comes to oils and wrinkle prevention, opt for monounsaturated fats to help keep the skin hydrated.
What you can do: Swap vegetable oils for olive oil. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and phytosterols, and reduces inflammation.
7. Stick with poultry for processed meats
Hot dogs, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage are all examples of processed meats that can be harmful to the skin. These meats are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sulfite, which can all dehydrate the skin and weaken collagen by causing inflammation. For inexpensive protein options, swap processed meats for eggs or beans.
What you can do: Opt for leaner meats like turkey and chicken. These meats are packed with protein and amino acids that are essential in the natural formation of collagen. If you read this thinking it’s a sign not to eat any of these foods, we’re reminding you that it’s all about balance. Food is a long game, and there are plenty of other ways to boost collagen formation, like through supplements or injections.
Topical treatments such as retinol, vitamin C, micro-needling, and face acids can help prevent and smooth wrinkles. For more holistic options, you can also consider facial acupuncture or facial exercises.
When it comes to wrinkles and aging, Shinagawa Aesthetics is the right place to be. We can handle your
wrinkles and signs of aging well!
Schedule your FREE skin consultation with us! Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries and appointments.
