Cosmetic dermatology and healthy eating go hand in hand

If you’re looking to give your skin a youthful healthy look, you may want to try out more than just beauty products. More and more studies are suggesting that diet influences your skin health and even specific skin disorders, like acne, psoriasis, eczema and skin aging. There are plenty of nutrient-rich foods that can reduce wrinkles and even boost your skin’s natural SPF. Most people think of aesthetic dermatology as a way to hide wrinkles and aging, however, products like botox and dermal fillers can also be preventative measures as well.

FOODS TO BOOST YOUTHFULNESS
First and foremost, it’s best to drink water and plenty of it. Dehydration can give your skin a dry, crepy, and flaky look. When it comes to hydration, if you are thirsty, you probably are in the early stage of dehydration. A large percent of each cell is made of water. When you consume water, it reaches every vital organ before the skin. The average person would benefit from drinking at least 64oz or 8 glasses a day.

Did you know that green tea can boost your immune system? It has been found to protect cell membranes and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to have 2-3 cups of green tea a day to get the anti-oxidant benefits from the catechins they contain.

It is likely you have been told to eat more seafood. Both seafood and nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and flaxseed contain essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and zinc which improves circulation and new skin production. Walnuts contain a specific omega-3, called alpha-linolenic acid. When your body is deficient in this particular acid you might suffer from eczema. Diets rich in these ingredients reduce inflammation and dryness.

So what are anti-oxidants? They are properties of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods that fight free radicals that are formed by over exposure to sun and environment and damage the DNA in skin cells. Foods that are rich in anti-oxidants stimulate cell regeneration. You’ll be happy to know that dark chocolate is a great choice for skin care. It is rich in cocoa flavanols, plant compounds that help hydrate the skin and improve circulation. Consuming fruits and vegetables also provides phytochemicals that are protective. An example is tomatoes that can improve the skin’s natural SPF; however, it is not a replacement for sunscreen and sun protection.

FOODS TO AVOID TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY
If you want to improve the long-term look of your skin, diminish sodium and sugars. Too much sodium can make your skin, especially around the eyes, look puffy and inflamed. Even if you aren’t adding salt to your food, be sure to check labels. Processed foods tend to have exorbitant amounts of sodium.

Sugar is another culprit that can diminish the youthful glow of your skin. When sugar breakdown takes place in your body, the process is called glycation. This breakdown damages collagen and elastin, which keeps your skin smooth and firm. So, eating a dessert from time to time may be okay, but large amounts of sugar on a daily basis can have ill effects on your face in the long run. It is best to avoid a high-glycemic diet and try to alter your food intake to more of a Mediterranean diet to obtain beneficial effects for the skin.

BOTOX AND FILLERS FOR A QUICK EASY BOOST
If you’re looking for a quick easy boost to diminish the unwanted effects of aging, or give your face a smooth glow, cosmetic dermatology is the way to go. You don’t have to worry about recovery time, general anesthesia or operating rooms. Many of the choices in cosmetic dermatology include natural products that offer long lasting effects. Dermal fillers replace volume in areas of wrinkles, folds, and scarring. At Dermatology & Aesthetic Center of El Paso, we use hyaluronic acid fillers, calcium-based fillers and poly-lactic acid fillers that refill volume and stimulate your own collagen growth. You are not only reducing folds and fine lines, but also giving your skin a boost for future youthfulness.

Botox is another option that will diminish fine lines and wrinkles with long lasting effects. This product relaxes underlying facial muscles that contract repetitively and lead to wrinkles. The results last several months, and subsequently wrinkles return to their previous state when Botox wears off. With repeated injections, the muscles are trained to relax and wrinkles and lines become less prominent. Scientific clinical data is also proving that when patients are consistent with their neuromodulator injections, i.e. Botox, their skin retains better elastin, collagen and fiber bundles to preserve softer skin.

A GOOD BALANCE OF HEALTHY EATING AND COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
If you are interested in rejuvenating your skin, many of our cosmetic services will benefit your skin. Whether you decide on Botox, dermal fillers, or any other service, we provide expert care with little to no recovery time. Be sure to give us a call here at Dermatology & Aesthetic Center of El Paso to set up an appointment. We can help you choose the services that will be most beneficial. We can counsel our patients about healthy eating, supplements and medical skincare. With a few treatments and healthy eating, and a holistic approach, you are sure to get the results you are looking for!