Aging is a natural phenomenon in human life, it has always been a human struggle to fight and delay the signs of aging. Aging reflects in multiple aspects of our bodies none more so than our skin. Skin, the largest organ in the human body, is a barrier that separates the human body from the environment. It not only protects us from external damage but also retains the water in our body.

Skin has always had a cosmetic component to it, historically fair unblemished skin was a sign of beauty. It is only natural that in our never-ending human battle against aging and mortality, skin should take the centerfield. There are two factors that contribute to skin aging, one being internal such as hormone levels, genotypes, and endocrine metabolism and the second being external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, nutritional levels, and chemical pollution we can also call these two factors chronological aging and photo-aging respectively.

While chronological aging, due to being caused by natural factors, is not easy to change, it is possible to delay photo-aging by altering the external factors such as having a good skin care routine and a balanced nutritious diet. Key nutrients that help keep your skin healthy and combat aging are:

Water: helps maintain the skin internal balance and tissue function so always make sure to stay hydrated.

Proteins: play a role in skin tissues constitution and repair and should constitute a valuable part of your diet.

Vitamin A: prevents skin aging by regulating genes expression so try to consume food rich in vitamin A such as spinach, red sweet pepper, and carrots.

Vitamin B: is associated with skin inflammation and pigmentation. You can fin B vitamins in dark green leafy vegetables like kale, dairy products and legumes are a good source as well.

Vitamin C: is involved in skin collagen synthesis. Other then oranges and citrus fruits you can get our vitamin C needs by consuming broccoli, kiwi, red pepper, and strawberries

Vitamin D: reduces skin DNA damage, inflammation, and photo carcinogenesis. Other than sunlight exposure, your diet should include tuna, salmon, and egg yolks.

Vitamin E: prevents skin aging by reducing cell damage through inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E rich foods are almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados.

There are also many components which negatively impact our skin health such as high fat diets, sugar and baked goods, tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption.

It is always important to maintain a healthy skin and if a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the ways then here at Slim’n Lite we hold the key. Call us at 800-GETSLIM and book your appointment with one of our licensed dietitians to help you design your meal plan.