Having a healthy skin are regime, and treatments which help stimulate collagen production such as those available at Cosmetic Doctor in Dublin will go a long way to helping you stave off the appearance of ageing.

Remember though that what you put on your plate will affect how you look- and if you eat well, you can help yourself stay looking and feeling younger; inside and out.

Ageing is an Inflammatory Process

The ageing process is basically a chronic inflammatory state which impacts your internal organs as well as your skin. Poor-quality foods, like refined, processed, fatty foods, cause inflammation. This means if you eat junk, you’re going to look older.

Most of us are aware that eating too much sugar and processed carbohydrates (like pasta, bread, and sweet treats) is bad for our weight; impacting insulin levels and how the body stress fat.

However, the same foods can also lead to damage in your skin’s collagen, which is what keeps your skin springy and resists wrinkles.

What’s more, these inflammatory things called AGEs — advanced glycation end-products — put your overall health on the line. They are tied to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, as well as being bad for your skin.

Foods to Limit

• Fried things: Anything that’s fried in oil can add to inflammation throughout your body. Trans fats like those found in crisps or chips will raise LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL “good” cholesterol. Check food labels on and “partially hydrogenated oils” and “vegetable shortening.”
• Sugary stuff: We know it’s bad for our weight; but it’s also bad for your digestive system, and will produce the wrinkle-generating AGEs.
• Rashers and sausages: The traditional Irish breakfast contains processed meat, high in saturated fats and nitrates. Both of those can lead to inflammation.
• Fatty meats: High protein diets have become fashionable for weight loss, but the key with meat is to keep it lean. Tenderloin cuts tend to be leaner; look for mince that is 95% leans and stick to turkey or chicken breast.
• Alcohol: Moderate drinking may be good for your heart, but heavy drinking can rev up the aging process. “Moderate” is one drink per day for women (such as a 5-ounce glass of wine or 12-ounce glass of beer) and two for men.

Foods to Enjoy

• Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein can help fight inflammation and keep you looking your best. Whole foods – ones in as natural a state as possible, without overcooking – are a good choice.
• Leafy greens like romaine lettuce are high in vitamins A and C, which curb inflammation. Also try broccoli, spinach, arugula, watercress, escarole, and endive.
• Tomatoes are rich in a nutrient called lycopene. So are watermelon, grapefruit, guavas, asparagus, and red cabbage.
• Salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fats – the ‘good’ essential fatty acids, which fight inflammation.
• Lentils and beans are great sources of protein and are loaded with fibre and nutrients. Try black beans, chickpeas, and cannellini beans.
• Oatmeal and other whole grains help curb inflammation, as well as being rich in B vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin. If you don’t get enough vitamin B, it makes skin look dry and scaly, and rash-prone.

For information about anti-ageing treatments or to address any skin concerns you may have, call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100.