Healthy Skin Snack Choices

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” While that does not mean that thin people will turn into a salad and obese people will turn into a pizza, it does mean that your body will reflect your eating choices. Many people forget that their skin is the largest organ of the body and how what they eat affects their skin’s appearance and health.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 18% of people worked remotely full-time. Since the pandemic, that percentage has risen to 42% of Americans are now working from home. That is a massive increase in less than a year. With many companies and their employees seeing the benefits of increased work production at less overhead, working remotely is likely to be a permanent situation for much of the population. Working from home has huge benefits for families, and it takes a lot of traffic off the roads; however, being so close to the kitchen also has its drawbacks.

Many people who are now working from home have seen a drastic increase in their weight. It is not surprising that being within just a few feet from the pantry can lead to over-snacking, but the types of foods that many people snack on can also negatively impact their skin’s health.

Snack Healthy for Healthy Skin

We all shed old skin cells every day, and the new skin cells need proper nutrition to support their growth and health. When choosing snacks, certain building blocks are necessary for healthy skin and specific nutrients to make the skin look and feel younger. When making snack choices, make an effort to eat a rainbow of colors in fruits and vegetables to ensure that you get the crucial antioxidants your skin needs. The following list has snacks that are high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which all help to make your skin fight premature aging and skin inflammation.

• Almonds
• Blueberries
• Brazil nuts
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Hazelnuts
• Kiwi
• Leafy vegetables
• Pistachios
• Red peppers
• Squash
• Strawberries
• Sweet potatoes
• Tangerines
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon

On top of eating foods that benefit your skin, you also need to make water your beverage of choice throughout the day. Yes, it’s tempting to make a pot of coffee and pour a cup every hour, but caffeine dehydrates the skin and will leave you feeling depleted. You also want to avoid soft drinks that are high in sugar and acids. Even “diet” soft drinks contain a high amount of acids that deplete your skin of age-fighting nutrients.

At Kayal Dermatology, we love helping patients achieve radiant skin. To learn more about the significant impact that your diet has on your skin’s health and appearance, contact our office.