Wrinkles! They are the bane of your existence. But, did you know foods play a big roll in your skin? There are even foods that improve the elasticity of aging skin. Explore the proven foods that help fight the loss of elasticity in skin that comes with aging.
Aging Skin is Inevitable
Collagen is a component of the skin which increases and enhances its elasticity. It is estimated that we lose an average of one percent of our skin's collagen every year once we enter our 20s, and skin which is significantly exposed to the sun's UV rays loses the collagen at an even faster rate.
Even those who avoid excessive sun rays, follow strict beauty regimens, and have regular skin treatments will eventually begin to show signs of aging skin. Yes, these treatments and preventative measures may potentially delay the aging process, but sometimes adding an extra boost to these efforts is well worth the effort.
Following a diet which includes foods that help improve skin elasticity in aging is a good practice, as it cares for the body and skin from the inside out. This is likely to have a greater, longer-lasting effect on not only our skin, but our overall health.
Suggestions for Foods that Help Improve Elasticity in Aging Skin
So many diets and beauty treatments offer to improve health and the quality of our skin, but "beauty foods", as they are sometimes known, promote a variety of skin-enhancing qualities, from those that alter skin tone and increase radiance, to those that enhance the firmness of the skin.
If you want to specifically improve your skin's elasticity, try a diet that is rich in the following:
- Soy proteins - these are rich in amino acids, vitamin E and many antioxidants. These specific components of soy assist the skin in retaining moisture, smooth the overall appearance and improve the elasticity.
- Artichoke hearts - packed with folic acid, vitamin C, potassium and biotin, these ingredients help support the collagen and firmness.
- Strawberries - these contain B vitamins, antioxidants and fiber that when combined, are essential for the structure of collagen and elastin which both contribute to firmness and elasticity of the skin.
- Blackberries - similar to strawberries, these improve collagen and elasticity because they are an excellent source of vitamins E and C with a great amount of antioxidant present.
- Water - whether it be still, sparkling, bottled or tap water, drinking an average of eight glasses a day will guarantee a good level of skin hydration supporting the overall elasticity.
Although the foods mentioned above account for only a small part of what can be eaten in a daily diet, the use of these as components of an overall healthy diet will provide benefits to the skin and body.
Additional Foods Supported by Research
We are all rather gullible when it comes to following advice from popular beauty companies, and we rely heavily on purchases of very expensive products to improve our appearance and help reduce the aging process.
There is far greater weight behind advice that is given based on research. In a study by Dr. Pierfrancesco Morganti, professor of applied cosmetic dermatology at the University of Naples, it was proven that the use of a combined oral and topical treatment called Lutein increased skin elasticity by 20 percent, and hydration by 60 percent. Lutein can be found in:
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and collard greens
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Egg yolks
The lutein must be ingested daily either via natural foods such as those listed above or by supplements of the lutein product.
Naturally Improve Skin
When exploring foods that help improve skin elasticity in aging skin, advice may vary. However, once you become familiar with vital components such as vitamins and minerals, it will be easier to relate this information to the foods you eat. It is true to say that staying young looking and avoiding the inevitable aging process isn't easy, but it can be incorporated in a daily routine if your diet is at the heart of the effort.
