Nature may be responsible for aging and the skin imperfections that develop as we get older, but nature also provides amazing foods and substances which can counteract the damage to our skin caused by the passage of time.

Perhaps the most powerful of nature’s gifts in terms of preventing skin aging are antioxidants. These powerful substances go to war against free radicals, molecules which damage your body’s cells, including your skin cells. It is this cellular damage to that is responsible for the loss of elasticity, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and other manifestations of aging skin.

So, while you may curse nature for the aging process, you can thank it for providing abundant (and tasty) ways to get antioxidants into your body. Some of the best include:

Vitamin C

When administered topically or ingested orally, vitamin C boosts skin health by:

• Regulating the synthesis of collagen proteins to sustain firmness and stability
• Providing photoprotection by preventing and treating ultraviolet (sun) damage
• Promoting wound healing by limiting free radical damage, encouraging keratinocytes to strengthen skin’s outer layer
• Promoting the synthesis of barrier lipids, which reduce hydration and moisture loss

Many delicious, natural foods are rich with vitamin C and its antioxidants, including citrus fruits (and juices made from them), red and green peppers, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. You can also increase your vitamin C intake through supplements.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is found naturally in the skin and can be boosted with foods such as vegetables, seeds, and meat. This vitamin boosts collagen production which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. In addition to foods, topical vitamin E treatments can deliver antioxidants directly to the skin.

Green Tea

Green tea is so much more than a soothing and relaxing beverage. It is full of powerful antioxidants called catechins, which clear cell damage and play a crucial role in minimizing inflammation throughout our bodies. These anti-inflammatory properties can also be an effective tool in evening out skin tone and repairing wrinkles and blemishes. Try applying cooled green tea bags to troublesome areas of your skin and leave resting for about 15 minutes.

Retinol

Also known as vitamin A, retinol is a great and effective antioxidant that can address a wide range of issues associated with aging skin, including uneven skin tone, bumps, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. It can enhance your skin luminosity and make it feel firmer. Moisturizers, serums, and creams and other products containing retinol can be found at your corner drug store or online.

What you put in your body plays a big role in how it looks on the outside. At Dr. Mariano Busso’s Miami-Coconut Grove aesthetic dermatology clinic, we work with patients to help them with diet and lifestyle choices that can give them the glowing, luminous, and youthful skin they want.

Call our Miami offices today at 305-857-0144 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can partner with you for better skin and an increased sense of confidence and well-being