5 Foods to Look and Feel Great
Summer is here, setting the stage for events like weddings, vacations, and barbecues where we all want to look our best. This is the perfect time to focus on your health and beauty—not just on the surface, but from the inside out! What you eat plays a significant role in how you look and feel, and as a female plastic surgeon Richmond locals trust for beauty and wellness advice, Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is here to share five of the top foods that can enhance your beauty and boost your overall health.
Why does nutrition matter for your skin?
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it has the unique ability to tell us what’s going on with your overall health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can protect your skin from damage, reduce signs of aging, and promote a glowing complexion. When your body lacks these nutrients, your skin can appear dull and signs of aging can be exaggerated.
Foods for healthy skin
Below are some of the most versatile (and yummy) foods you can add to your diet to help support your skin health:
Avocados are packed with healthy fats that hydrate and nourish your skin and contain vitamins E and C, which are vital for skin health and collagen production.
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and provide vitamin E and zinc to support skin repair and damage protection. These healthy fats also reduce inflammation to keep your skin smoother.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, and essential fatty acids that help protect your skin from oxidative stress and keep it hydrated.
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and prevent skin damage. They also contain vitamin C for boosted collagen synthesis to keep your skin firm and elastic.
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. The nutrients from these foods help reduce inflammation, improve skin tone, and protect against UV damage.
When your body lacks nutrients, your skin can appear dull and signs of aging can be exaggerated—so nourish it from the inside out!
How these foods help boost your overall health
Keeping these foods in your meal plan rotation is not only great for your appearance, but they are also beneficial in helping your body function at its best. Here are some examples of how these skin-friendly foods can also help you feel better:
Better digestion: Foods rich in fiber, such as leafy greens and berries, help your body digest food and balance your gut microbiome. When your digestive system is functioning optimally, your body can more efficiently absorb the vital nutrients it needs.
More energy: The omega-3 fatty acids and protein from foods like fatty fish and nuts help maintain stable blood sugar levels to prevent energy crashes for sustained energy throughout the day.
Improved mood and mental health: Certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, have been linked to better mood and cognitive function, so eating nutrient-dense foods can support mental health and help you feel your best.
Professional skin treatments to complement your diet
While what you eat can certainly be one of the most beneficial ways you can maintain healthy skin, Richmond medspa treatments can help you combat skin concerns externally including:
Virture RF microneedling to improve pore size, discoloration, and skin texture
Laser treatments like UltraClear laser skin rejuvenation or CO2 laser skin resurfacing significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone, scarring, dark spots, and other signs of aging
Medical-grade skincare for stronger results faster due to the greater potency of active ingredients only available through licensed aesthetic providers
These treatments work synergistically with a healthy diet to treat existing skincare concerns and prime your skin for better resilience against future concerns.
Ready to glow? Dr. Aboutanos is here to help
If you would like to add professional skincare treatments to your wellness plan, Dr. Sharline Aboutanos would be happy to meet with you and discuss the ideal treatments to reveal your best skin. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Aboutanos by calling (804) 355-3410 or contact her online.