When you think about skincare, you may immediately think of topical products or treatments administered at a dermatologist’s office.
It’s true that moisturizers, serums, facials, and laser treatments can all improve the look of your skin’s surface layers. But what about pampering your skin from the inside out? Adding healthy foods for your skin to your regular diet can help support a clear, bright complexion.
Eating a balanced diet for healthy skin can give you a natural glow and make your daily skincare routine and professional treatments, like facials, even more effective. Below, we take a look at some of the most important nutrients your skin needs, as well as some of the healthy and delicious foods you can find them in. Let’s dive in!
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most common ingredients in skincare products. Retinoids are forms of this powerhouse vitamin, as are retinols, the over-the-counter version.
Consuming vitamin A can also reduce the effects of aging on skin. Vitamin A can help reduce cell damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and other environmental stressors. It can also promote cell turnover, resulting in brighter, clearer, fresher-looking skin.
How to Eat It
Leafy greens and orange or yellow vegetables are all rich in vitamin A. You can also find it in:
- Liver
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another food for healthy skin. When consumed, it acts as an antioxidant that helps defend against UV damage. Serums containing vitamin C can reduce the appearance of dark spots and smooth wrinkles, helping reduce the appearance of aging.
Vitamin C also supports collagen production, which helps delay the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s well known for boosting the immune system, promoting overall health and well-being.
How to Eat It
You can find vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables, such as:
- citrus fruits,
- tomatoes,
- kiwi
- red and green peppers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, often touted as “good fats” or “healthy fats,” have myriad benefits for the body. Research suggests omega-3s may help calm inflammation, making them one of the best foods for clear skin. They can also reduce markers of heart disease and support brain and eye health.
In addition, omega-3s may improve the skin’s moisture barrier, reducing inflammation and relieving dryness and irritation. Omega-3 may also provide some symptom relief for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
How to Eat It
Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel all contain omega-3 fatty acids. You can also find omega-3s in:
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Edamame (soy beans)
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate may seem like an unexpected addition to any list of healthy skin foods, but it contains beneficial antioxidants called flavanols. Flavanols can improve blood flow to the skin, giving it a youthful glow and aiding in collagen production. Flavanols in dark chocolate may also help protect against UV damage.
Dark chocolate is lower in sugar and fat than milk chocolate, making it an ideal way to indulge your sweet tooth while supporting your skin.
How to Eat It
A little bit goes a long way when it comes to dark chocolate. As little as 10-30 grams of 70% dark chocolate (that’s equal to about one to three small squares) is enough to offer health benefits.
Green Tea
Green tea is yet another common ingredient in skincare products. It contains a type of antioxidant called catechins, which may have significant benefits for skin. Research suggests that the catechins in green tea can help reduce common epidermal concerns like oily skin, redness, acne, and eye puffiness.
How to Eat It
If you’re thinking of adding green tea to your routine, look for decaffeinated versions. Excessive caffeine can dehydrate and cause sleep issues, both of which can make skin look dry and dull.
Professional Skin Treatments
A healthy diet can improve the overall appearance of your skin and provide your body with a healthy foundation. You can maximize the benefits of a skin-friendly diet and lifestyle choices by combining them with professional treatments, thereby reducing the signs of aging and making your complexion glow.
Peels
Chemical peels can help reduce the signs of hyperpigmentation, scarring, and acne. Peels can range from mild to strong depending on the effects you want to achieve. At Laser by Monica’s NYC location, our peels are custom-blended to match each client’s skin tone and treatment goals.
Facials
Facials are a perfect supplement to your skincare routine, no matter your skin type, and are ideal for any skincare regimen. The gentle massage and careful application of customized ingredients can help you maintain your skin’s integrity, slow the aging process, and give your skin a healthy, refreshed glow.
Advalight Laser Therapy
Advalight laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment to improve skin tone, texture, and overall skin health. This advanced laser treatment works on all skin tones to reduce the appearance of acne, rosacea, melasma, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Advalight can also reduce the appearance of fine lines for a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.
Care for Your Skin at Laser By Monica
Laser By Monica offers a wide variety of professional skin treatments to minimize the signs of aging in New York.
Contact us today to learn more about peels, facials, sun spot removal, and laser treatments in our Manhattan location in Murray Hill.