If you’ve ever Googled the word “diet,” you know what a crazy quilt of results you get, from proven weight loss methods to a diet that will increase the size of…well, whatever you might want to increase. Try Googling “skin care diet,” and things get even crazier. As Self Magazine puts it, “With all sorts of supplements, special eating plans, and skin complexion drinks out there promising glowing skin from the inside out, it’s tough to tell what’s actually legit.”
The good news is that Austin Clinic has gone on a little research mission to scout out tongue-friendly items that science say are terrific for your skin. The even better news is that one of these foods is purchased by 95% of Australian households and may well be in your refrigerator right now according to Australian Food News.
Fish, Eggs, & Fish Eggs
Delicious fish such as Atlantic mackerel and wild salmon may be your ticket to ageless skin. These swimmers are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. “Omega-3s help prevent free radicals from attacking skin’s essential collagen,” explains Dr Austin. Two servings of fish per week is a good start to deliver EFAs to the skin and systemic circulation.
- Can modulate inflammatory response in both dermal and epidermal layers of skin.
- Offers protection from photo-damage and photo-ageing.
- Alleviates symptoms associated with skin sensitivity and skin disorders.
Eggs are an inexpensive source, especially when they are omega-3-fortified, as so many now are. Two eggs a week is a good measure. Hate fish? Don’t love eggs? How about walnuts? A handful of walnuts gives you the same omega-3 goodness as fish or eggs. Less budget-friendly, but oh so delicious, is caviar. Rich in vitamins and minerals and amino acids, fish eggs help produce high quality collagen at high speed.
F-f-f-f-fava Beans & A Nice Chianti
Fans of Silence of the Lambs can dine along with their favourite face-eater, happy in the knowledge that the menu on the table couldn’t be more skin-friendly. “Chianti and other red wines are loaded with antioxidants including flavonoids, resveratrol, and tannin,” explains Dr Austin. “These are all valuable substances that work to restore collagen and elastin fibres.”
Fava beans do their part by adding a helping of Vitamin A to the meal. Vitamin A works in the deep layers of the skin to stimulate cells responsible for developing tissues that keep skin firm and healthy. It also helps prevent against free-radical damage, providing natural protection against UVA/UVB damage.
As for the liver in Dr Lecter’s menu, dive in, but with some caution. Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. It loads you up with skin-friendly Vitamin A, along B9, B12, and B2 (Riboflavin). Riboflavin supports the growth of healthy tissues to ensure natural cell turnover for a bright, radiant complexion. However…
We would be remiss if we didn’t note that liver is also extremely high in cholesterol. If you want to go “full Lecter,” we recommend that you do so infrequently.
Let’s Talk about Diet and Skin Care
There’s nothing we like better than a good discussion on all things skin. If you’d like to know more about anti-ageing strategies, treatments, and techniques, we invite you to contact us today and schedule a visit.