Wrinkle Cure Diet

While diet is not a primary factor in the development of wrinkles, it can be a powerful tool in the prevention and reversal of skin degeneration. In order to be truly effective, a "wrinkle cure diet" should include certain lifestyle changes beyond the consumption of set foods. However, by incorporating specific nutrients into your diet you will improve your health overall while simultaneously keeping your skin looking youthful and firm.

Causes

• Wrinkles are caused by a number of factors, but the main culprits are age, muscle use, sun damage, smoking and exposure to air pollution. As we age, our skin looses elasticity due to a natural decrease in the production of oils, deep-lying fats and proteins--namely collagen and elastin--that keep skin smooth and supple. Fine lines also develop around the eyes, mouth and forehead due to repeated facial contractions like smiling or laughing. More dangerous and destructive than these basic causes, however, are the free radicals from UV exposure, smoking and air pollution that break down collagen and elastin and accelerate the skin's aging process.

Nutrients

• Certain nutrients can effectively support the body's production of collagen, elastin and essential oils, as well as neutralize the free radicals that promote skin damage and premature aging. According to USDA nutritionist Ann Yelmokas McDermott, Ph.D., essential fatty acids including omegas-3, 6 and 9 lubricate skin and decrease inflammation, easing the transition of nutrients to, and of waste from, the cell membranes.

  Antioxidants including polyphenols, lutein, bioflavonoids, lycopene and vitamins A and E, meanwhile, are all powerful combatants of free radicals. Zinc is directly responsible for aiding enzymes in the production of collagen, while enzymes present in sulfur-residue foods help to build and maintain these proteins. Finally, the mineral silicon works to regenerate tissues and strengthen cell walls, making it an effective tool in the reversal of wrinkles and skin damage.

Foods

• While most of the above-mentioned nutrients can be taken in supplement form, simply eating the fresh, whole and organic foods in which they are found is the healthiest and most effective way to stave off wrinkles, maintain firm skin and protect your entire body. Salmon, sardines and mackerel, organic eggs, walnuts and flaxseed are among the best dietary sources of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, while pumpkin seeds, pine nuts and sesame seeds are high in zinc and beneficial unsaturated fats.

  As far as produce is concerned, you can't go wrong consuming a high quantity of fruits and vegetables; but there are several superpotent skin savers that are essential for a wrinkle cure diet. Dr. Alison Levitt, M.D. considers antioxidant-filled blueberries (rich in polyphenols), kale (high in lutein, iron, vitamin A and sulfur-residue), red peppers (full of vitamins A, E, bioflavanoids and silicon) and tomatoes (a primary source of lycopene) the best foods to help you fill in lines and plump up skin naturally.

Lifestyle

• A diet high in healthy fats and antioxidants definitely will help keep wrinkles at bay. In order to reap the greatest benefit and success from this diet, however, you also must make certain lifestyle adjustments or risk sabotaging your efforts. First and foremost, do everything you can to minimize your exposure to harmful radiation and pollution. Wear sunscreen everyday, avoid spending extended time in the sun, and do not smoke. Also, moisturize your skin from the inside by staying hydrated and drinking water every day.
  Lastly, always choose organic (and preferably local) produce, dairy products and fish to guarantee the highest possible nutritional benefit and minimize your risk of ingesting harmful pesticides. These few, fairly minor alterations to your daily routine will make all the difference when it comes to aiding and retaining your skin's regenerative health.

Warning

• For the most part, foods that improve your skin also benefit the rest of the body, making a wrinkle-fighting diet one of the healthiest and safest beauty regimes you could choose to follow. There are, however, potential health risks involved in the excessive consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, and it is important to consider any illnesses, medications, or existing conditions before beginning a diet high in fish, nuts, and seeds. According to an overview published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids have blood-thinning properties which, if you consume more than 3 grams per day, place you at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Certain medications, including blood thinners, blood sugar-lowering medications and cholesterol-lowering medications also can interact negatively with high levels of omega-3s. If you are taking any medications, consult a doctor before increasing the levels of essential fatty acids in your diet.