Eat Well, Look Great!

by: AndreaDow
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Tuesday, August 28th

Ever wonder if there were any magical foods out there that could make your skin look better, your hair shinier, your eyes brighter? Well look no further than your refrigerator for some incredible beauty boosts. InStyle magazine interviewed several experts to give you the low-down on loooking good.

For Acne: Think red, orange and green foods to fight acne. The bright red and orange fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A then acts as an oil-reducing agent for the skin. Dark green leafy veggies contain vitamin B6 which can help decrease swelling. Some foods to avoid include Iodine rich salt, shrimp and seaweed which can all stimulate oil glands. Also steer clear of acne producing foods like sugar in desserts, dairy and refined flour according to Miami dermatologist Leslie Bauman.

For Wrinkles: According to NYC dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, orange seafoods like salmon and lobster are rich in astaxanthin, an antioxidant that is stronger than both vitamin C and E. Also go for foods like berries, kiwi and citrus fruits which are all high in Vitamin C and promote anti-aging and skin firming collagen. Foods to avoid include too much Iron (which can lead to wrinkles) and too much sugar (which can harden collagen and lead to sagging).

For Dry Skin: Make sure you are drinking enough water and consume foods with healthy fats like avocado and olive oil (this helps to keep cell walls strong and prevent water from leaving the cells). Fruits and vegetables rich in Potassium can help regulate the body's water levels. Foods with sulfur, like cabbage, can prevent dry skin, too. Foods to avoid include caffeine rich beverages which deplete your internal hydration. According to dietitian Esther Blum, stay away from hydrogenated oils found in fried foods that deplete our body's stores of good fats and promote dry skin.

For Rosacea: Your best bet is to go for calming foods like fish, cucumbers and licorice. A good spice to try is cumin which gives foods their orange hue and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Miami dermatoligist Fredric Brandt encourages people to stay away from niacin-rich peanuts which can increase skin flushing. NYC dermatologist Neil Sadick advises to avoid hot foods (both spicey and hot in temperature) along with alcohol and caffeine. All of these foods make blood vessels swell so skin looks even more red.

Stay tuned on Thursday for tips on thinning hair, dull skin, puffy eyes and brown spots.

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