| Strawberries |
Strawberries
have more anti-aging vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit.
And research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
shows that people who eat foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles
and less age-related dry skin than those who don't.
Vitamin C
fights free radicals, which damage cells and break down collagen,
leading to fine lines. For smoother, better-hydrated skin, apply a
natural berry mask once or twice a week, and eat vitamin C–rich foods
daily, says Ramona Ionescu, primary aesthetician at New York City's
Cornelia Day Resort.
Sip It or Smooth It On
In a food
processor or blender, combine 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (or a
mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—they're all
antioxidant stars). Stir together blended berries, 1 cup vanilla or
plain yogurt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (a great moisturizer) in an
8-ounce glass. Enjoy smoothie, setting aside enough to coat your face.
Apply remaining
smoothie to your face over a sink (it's a little drippy at first, but a
smooth layer will stay put), and leave it on for about 8 minutes before
rinsing off.
| Olive oil |
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil don't just benefit you on the inside—they soften your skin, too.
"Ancient Romans
massaged olive oil into their skin," Dr. Perricone says. "When used
topically, olive oil results in smoother, more radiant skin."
Plus, consuming
olive oil, a staple in the healthy Mediterranean diet, provides
antioxidants to disarm free radicals and reduce inflammation. In
addition to working olive oil into your daily diet, apply as a lip gloss
and skin soother, as needed. If you have dry skin, you'll particularly
benefit from topical application.
Eat It or Wear It
At dinner,
drizzle a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil into a small bowl,
and dip whole-grain bread in it to improve your skin from the inside
out.
Dab a pea-size
amount of extra-virgin olive oil on lips to hydrate a parched pucker; or
use it on rough patches (think elbows and heels), as needed.
| Green tea |
Curling up to a
cup of green tea does a lot more than relax you. Green tea is filled
with inflammation-fighting antioxidants, Dr. Perricone says. What's
more, research from Case Western Reserve University and the University
of Alabama at Birmingham shows that drinking green tea may reduce your
risk of skin cancer. And when you add a generous squeeze of citrus
juice, the tea's antioxidants get a boost of staying power, so they
remain in and benefit the body longer, rather than being digested
quickly and having much of the goodness go down the drain, according to
Purdue University researchers.
Drink It or Press It On
Sip at least
three big mugs of green tea every day for an antioxidant boost, says
Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, founding director of the Weight Management
Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Chill damp tea
bags in the fridge and put on eyes for 10–15 minutes. Green tea contains
tannins, which act as an astringent when applied to skin and can help
reduce puffiness, Dr. Perricone notes.
| Pumpkin |
Pumpkin's
orange hue is from carotenoids, wrinkle-fighting plant pigments that
help neutralize free radicals in the skin, keeping them from damaging
the cells that fast-forward aging.
"Pumpkin is
filled with vitamins C, E, and A, as well as powerful enzymes that help
to cleanse the skin," explains dermatologist Kenneth Beer, author of
Palm Beach Perfect Skin. Plus, pumpkin has hydrating properties, Ionescu
adds. Although the seeds make a great fiber-filled snack, you get the
skin-saving antioxidants from the pulp.
Eat It or Smooth It On
In a food
processor or blender, combine 2 cups canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons
low-fat vanilla yogurt, 4 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie
spice. Coat face; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
"It's good for hydrating and softening skin," Ionescu says.
Make a sweeter
pudding by adding these ingredients to the recipe above: 2 tablespoons
1/3-less-fat cream cheese and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
| Pomegranate |
"Pomegranates are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits," Fernstrom says.
Research shows
this fruit's juice has more inflammation-fighting antioxidants than red
wine or green tea. Eat some fresh pomegranate or use it in an
age-fighting scrub.
Apply once or
twice a week to remove dead skin cells, suggests Cleo Londono,
aesthetician and owner of Metamorphosis Day Spa, in New York City.
Eat It or Scrub It On
Cut off
pomegranate crown, and score rind in sections, without cutting all the
way through. Place in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes. Break rind away
from seeds, which will sink; strain seeds. In a food processor, combine 2
tablespoons seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in
2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply
to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows),
add 3/4 cup turbinado sugar.
Enjoy remaining pomegranate seeds au naturel or with your favorite cheese.
Source: abcnews.go.com
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