Dermo-nutrition, your beauty asset
Get to your forks, girls! Beautiful skin means looking closely at what you eat. A new and fashionable approach to cosmetology, dermo-nutrition places food at the heart of beautiful looking skin
© Thinkstock
Dermo-nutrition is a modern science providing the link between food and skin to improve our beauty, amongst other things. While nutritional deficiencies can be easily seen on the face, improving our eating habits can change this with equally visible results.
This exacting science calls our eating habits into question. It scrutinises our diet imbalances, as to the real needs of skin in winter, and advice for anti-age nutrition... Here’s an update with nutritionist Béatrice de Reynal.
Stress and pollution: antioxidants for beauty
Our skin is always under attack from pollution and stress; it’s difficult to escape the oxidation process.
“To prevent the damage caused by oxidation, you should favour a diet rich in natural antioxidants such as Vitamin C, pro-Vitamin A and Vitamin E,” states Béatrice de Reynal. "They increase our body’s level of antioxidants to combat stress”.
- A high Vitamin C diet is simple: eat plenty of mushrooms, peppers, cabbage, blackcurrants and citrus fruits. A pro’s tip: “If you want to be sure to get Vitamin C into your diet, use aromatic herbs”. A scatter of herbs on your salads is already a big step to getting more Vitamin C.
- As for pro-Vitamin A, look out for the colour of vegetables: "You will find this pro-vitamin in all red and orange fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, pumpkin, carrots and tomatoes... Spinach, sorrel and broccoli also contain a lot". Plenty of variety for the palate!
- When it comes to Vitamin E, think oils, especially Colza. Vitamin E is also found in walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds. “Get into the habit of eating nuts at breakfast,” recommends Béatrice de Reynal. It’s easy and effective.
Anti-age beauty: collagen production
With age, collagen production drops dangerously, it's inevitable. “Do be aware that dermo-nutrition is about prevention, not repair,” warns Béatrice de Reynal. This means deciding to eat differently once your skin has already been marked with the signs of aging cannot work miracles.
Prevention is the way forward! Two factors which promote collagen are Vitamin C and zinc. Zinc can be found particularly in red meats and seafood. A good reason to organise a romantic meal for two in a seafood restaurant!
Winter beauty: time to moisturise
Between indoor heating and freezing winds outside, our skin can dry out and essentially needs to be moisturised. In addition to specific cold weather moisturisers, you should also fill your fridge with fresh produce.
“Drink plenty of water, of course,” recommends Béatrice de Reynal, “and opt for water-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables.” Plainly, your local market stall also contributes to beautiful skin...
Dieting beauty: don’t forget essential fatty acids
“Weight loss often means adding 10 years to your looks,” warns Béatrice de Reynal. Now there’s some food for thought...
Most diets do away with sources of essential fatty acids, important for skin balance! Without necessarily giving up on your diet if it is going well, you do need to respect your skin’s needs. A spoonful of oil (Colza by preference) will help to keep this balance. For those who love fish, you can also reintroduce oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon back into your diet.
Eat well, look good!
Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo
Posted 22.12.2010
Get more on this subject…
