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| A Wrinkle in time... |
As we age, many of us become concerned about how our appearance changes. Both men and women alike spend an untold amount of money on Botox®, Restylane®, and cosmetic surgery. Are there any simpler ways to prevent wrinkles?
The results of a recent study which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that our diets may actually affect how our skin ages. To some, this revelation is not too much of a surprise. However, what specifically can we do to ensure that our skin does not age prematurely?
The results of this recent study suggest that there are four things that we can do to help prevent wrinkles and to promote better skin-aging appearance.
- Higher intake of Vitamin C is associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance. However, I would encourage an intake through healthy dietary sources. Vitamin C, when taken in excess, can result in complications including kidney stones.
- Higher intake of linoleic acid (omega 6 fatty acids) is associated with a lower risk of skin atrophy and age-related dryness.
- Higher intake of fat in your diet may also result in an increased likelihood of wrinkles as well as skin atrophy. Of course, there are other benefits to eating a healthy, low fat diet which may include lowering your cardiovascular risk.
- Higher carbohydrate diets are also associated with a greater likelihood of both wrinkles and skin atrophy. Further, most people are aware that eating both carbohydrates and fat in excess can lead to both obesity as well as diabetes.
“CONCLUSIONS: Higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance. Promoting healthy dietary behaviors may have additional benefit for skin appearance in addition to other health outcomes in the population.”
Reference:
Cosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, Murray PG, Mayes AE. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1225-31.
Cosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, Murray PG, Mayes AE. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1225-31.
