Crisp Air, Nourished Skin: Fall into Tahoe’s Superfoods
Why does facial and body skin get dry in colder fall season? As temperatures drop in the fall, the air around Lake Tahoe becomes less humid. The change in climate can lead to dry skin. The end result: Dry skin can cause irritation, redness, itching, all which can be pesky.
Sure, staying hydrated and using moisturizer can help these effects–but so can your diet. Skin experts agree that when you fill up on a variety of nutritious foods chock-full of antioxidants (compounds that fight oxidative stress), you can save face. Here are some superfoods skin experts recommend that may help protect your skin from the chill of November:
• Enhance elasticity with vitamin A. This antioxidant may help slow down the firmness and moisture loss linked with aging. The Best Skin Superfoods: Antioxidant carotenes can be found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots and mangos.
• Improve Collagen with Vitamin C. This antioxidant slows down the breakdown of collagen (the primary protein in the skin), according to research showing it can work to keep skin smoother and supple. Scientists report vitamin C is especially powerful in improving skin hydration and roughness. The Best Skin Superfoods: Whole foods such as citrus fruits like oranges and dark leafy green vegetables like broccoli are high in vitamin C.
• Stop wrinkles with vitamin E. This antioxidant may be “enhanced by vitamin C,” points out Kimmins adding it can help minimize the damage caused by too much sun. The Best Skin Superfoods: Vitamin E can be found in nuts and seeds, and both safflower oil and sunflower oil.
• Dump Dryness with Omega-3-s. These healthy fats will help keep your skin moisturized, and lessen acne, and dry skin. The Best Skin Superfoods: Omega-3s are healthy fats found in fatty fish [like salmon], and plant foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds.
The Bottom Line: These superfoods not only protect our skin from sun damage but also helps to exfoliate, heal, moisturize, strengthen, and prevent signs of aging, That means, you can say goodbye to leathery, lizard-like timeworn skin this autumn.
Warm Up to Lifestyle Tips
In addition to adding skin-friendly superfoods to your daily diet, drinking at least 8 cups of water daily can alter skin density and thickness. Also, add herbal teas to your days and nights to stay hydrated. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends: Be sunwise and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage, forget smoking it causes wrinkles and a sallow complexion, drink less alcohol, and exercise to improve circulation and enhance the immune system. The reward is more glowing, radiant skin.
Adapted from The Healing Powers of Superfoods (Kensington).
CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, the new book Courage with Paws. (Book 2) Time Traveler Tabby to be released this winter.). She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.com
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.