While some men might think it vain to fight their wrinkles, we think that it’s just common sense. The reality is that younger-looking men have a significant leg up in their careers.
If you’re already using the best anti-aging products for men, the next logical step is to eat the right foods. Many scientists believe that eating anti-aging foods rich in certain vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and more can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Which foods are best for anti-aging? Here are several things you ought to know:
- Vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as essential omega-3 fatty acids, have been thoroughly studied for their anti-aging skin benefits.
- Blueberries, spinach, tomatoes and other foods rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with aging skin.
- Although some vitamins are best applied topically, others can be consumed to achieve the same anti-aging benefits.
1. Nuts
Almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and other types of nuts are rich in vitamin E and several phytochemicals including carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Eating a handful each day can help support collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity.
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant is widely used in the skin care industry for its photoprotective, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. One 2000 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Cancer found that mice which were given a topical and oral vitamin E before being exposed to UV radiation experienced significantly less sun damage and inflammation (see claim: “Mice treated with each form of vitamin E…had significantly less acute and chronic skin damage induced by UV irradiation…”)
TRY MEN’S SKIN CARE2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are jam-packed with antioxidants and are linked to numerous health benefits. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant which can be used both orally and topically for anti-aging benefits for the skin.
In addition to fighting off free radicals that age skin, vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production that keeps skin young and firm. For maximum anti-aging benefits, eat tomatoes with foods rich in vitamin E. A study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that vitamins C and E repair the skin most effectively when paired together (see claim: “…vitamin C may function in vivo to repair the membrane-bound oxidized vitamin E.”)
3. Salmon
There is a good reason why people on the Mediterranean diet have glowing skin. Eating a skin-healthy diet high in omega-3s can do your entire body a whole lot of good.
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA not only help prevent against age-related diseases, they can also reduce UV inflammation and inhibit wrinkle formation caused by UV radiation.
Whenever possible, choose wild salmon over farmed. According to a 2014 study published in Lipids, researchers found a large variance in farmed salmon species (see claim: “Large variances were found within many of the farmed species analyzed, which likely stems from dietary differences in the farm-fed diet.”)
4. Blueberries
Rich in flavonoids, blueberries are packed with potent antioxidants which can help diminish the effects of time on your skin. This delicious fruit contains vitamin A derivatives such as beta-carotene and lycopene which have anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties.
Blueberries are also rich in vitamins C and E, making them powerful wrinkle-fighters. In addition to their anti-aging properties, blueberries are also low in calories and may boost brain function.
5. Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-rich food that boasts several anti-aging benefits. This anti-aging food is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Both lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which may protect against sun damage and improve skin health. Vitamins C and K can also give you glowing skin by boosting collagen production and reducing inflammation, respectively.
Want to reap the full anti-aging benefits? Top your spinach salad with other anti-aging foods such as avocado, olives and pine nuts—all of which are loaded with skin-healthy ingredients.
Take the skin care quiz6. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes get their orange color from beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is a precursor to vitamin A. Beta-carotene has been shown to stop premature aging by reducing oxidative stress in the skin.
In a 2008 study published by Photochemistry and Photobiology, researchers found that beta-carotene supplements could help protect the skin against sunburn (see claim: “…beta-carotene supplementation protects against sunburn…”) Additionally, vitamin A also boasts anti-inflammatory properties which can keep skin looking young.
Achieve Maximum Anti-Aging Benefits
Eating a healthy, balanced diet containing these foods can go a long way toward reducing wrinkles and fine lines. But if you really want to crank up the anti-aging benefits, you can add a facial firming serum into your daily skin care routine.
Our facial firming serum for men is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and anti-aging ingredients to help you achieve firmer, younger-looking skin.
