‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! But depending on what you decide to eat and drink, you may not end up being so merry. As with the consumption of any food, there is a concern about its impact on our health. There are numerous foods that have negative implications for our skin. You’ll be happy to know, however, that there are several holiday treats that are actually good for your skin!
Chocolate.
You may be surprised to find this first on our list. Keep in mind that most holiday chocolates are laden with sugar – not good for the skin. But satisfying your love for chocolate with the dark variety can actually have positive results for your appearance. Dark chocolate has flavanols. These are antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and sun damage. Just be sure to keep your chocolate portions small!
Pumpkin.
Although pumpkin pies and other desserts are often packed with sugar, pumpkin itself is loaded with skin-friendly components. With the help of dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, Carina Wolff explains on Bustle.com that “pumpkin is packed with enzymes, beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants to help soften and exfoliate the skin and boost collagen production to prevent the signs of aging.”
Apples.
Right up there with pumpkin as a popular holiday pie flavour, apple is a rich-in-vitamin-C addition to your holiday diet. Both vitamin C and copper, which are found in apples, are beneficial nutrients for our skin, Dr. Shamban informs us. “Vitamin C improves collagen production while copper helps your skin produce melanin – which is the barrier in our skin that protects us from the sun’s UV rays,” Wolff quotes her as saying.
Nuts and seeds.
Sunflower seeds contain vitamin E and Brazil nuts contain selenium. These minerals can improve the skin’s elasticity and help battle skin infections. Nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids. They can serve to regulate the skin’s oil production, improve balanced hydration, reduce breakouts and minimize the signs of aging. In addition, omega-3s can help to smooth out rough, dry skin while also having a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.
Turkey.
Most Canadians will be happy to see this on our list. Turkey is arguably the most popular part of our holiday meals. “The poultry dish can help tighten your skin by increasing collagen, according to HealthCentral,” explains Wolff, “Turkey contains carnosine, a protein that helps slow down the collagen damage process, according to a study published in The Journal of Experimental Gerontology.”
Cranberries.
Well, what’s a turkey dinner on Christmas without cranberry sauce? You may also be happy to know that this popular accompaniment to turkey contains “anthocyanins, phytochemicals that fight chronic levels of inflammation in the body, according to a NPR article on the fruit,” writes Wolff. Dr. Shamban also points out that ironically, the bright red fruit helps to fight redness in the skin “whether it be for acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.”
Looking for the perfect holiday gift?
How about an Aurora Skin & Vein gift card? Until December 23rd, when you purchase a gift card for a minimum of $100, you will get 15% back! If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-358-5818. You may also email us at amlvc@telus.net.