There’s always all this chatter about how stressful the holidays are, however for me it’s usually the period right after new years that gets me. Something about adjusting back into work and getting myself on a schedule after a weeks of over eating and sweat pants shocks my system.
However, the holidays are over, and hopefully my not-so-great eating habits have gone with them. I’ve already taken the first step and joined Equinox, now I just need to pay more attention to my diet. Skin Expert Dominique Tinkler (of OMIC Skincare) shares her tips on what foods to eat and avoid for healthier skin:
For Breakouts
What to eat – Bright red and orange fruits and vegetables have beta carotene which your body converts to oil reducing Vitamin A. Green leafy vegetables contain Vitamin B6 which minimizes swelling, so pimples are reduced.
What to avoid – Iodine rich salt, shrimp and seaweed stimulate oil glands, inducing irritation of pores.
For Stress-Induced Wrinkles
What to eat – Fruits rich in color (such as berries) have Vitamin C which help to promote anti-aging, skin firming collagen and antioxidants. Orange seafood like salmon and lobster contain Astaxanthin, another potent antioxidant stronger than Vitamin C and E.
What to avoid – Excess sugar! We must balance sugar intake because too much sugar can affect the skin, binding to collagen and elastin fibers, breaking down elasticity, resulting in sagging skin.
For Dry Skin
What to eat – Drink lots of water and eats foods with good fats (which will help to keep cell walls strong and prevent water loss) like avocado and olive oil as well as citrus and kiwi (the potassium they contain regulates the body’s water levels). Cabbage has sulfur which can help to prevent dry, irritated skin.
What to avoid – Drinks like coffee and black tea dehydrate your internal tissues and skin. Most fried foods contain trans fats and hydrogenated oils which can often deplete levels of good fats and can lead to dry skin.
For Rosacea
What to eat – A symptom of inflammation in the body, chronic rosacea often controlled by topical medication can also be managed by eating calming foods such as fish, cucumbers and licorice. Turmeric seasoning, which gives curried dishes their marigold hue, is high in Curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
What to avoid – Hot foods (in temperature and spiciness) and alcohol and caffeine make blood vessels swell so skin appears redder. Niacin rich peanuts can also increase flushing.