Best Buys at the Farmers’ Market to Feed Your Skin
Is there a better way to kick off a weekend morning than with a trip to the Farmers’ Market? Not only is it a great way to support your local community, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to add some fresh, local finds to your fridge. And we love choosing fruits, veggies and proteins that are more than just tasty but good for you, inside and out. Here’s a look at five of our top farmers’ market picks to eat for your skin health this season.
Leafy Greens: Don’t pass by that table of fresh greens! Eating leafy greens is a terrific way to get some extra antioxidants for healthy skin cells. They provide the body with vitamin A, which fights dry, flaky skin; vitamin C, which helps repair the sun’s damage to collagen and elastin; and vitamin E, which helps fight against inflammation. Spinach is loaded with zinc, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and help prevent acne breakouts. Along with kale, it also contains zeaxanthin, a naturally-occurring antioxidant that protects skin and helps even out skin tone. Leafy greens also contain folate, a nutrient necessary for DNA repair. Super foods? For sure.
Dark Red & Orange Veggies: Beta-carotene is a type of carotenoid (a group of plant pigments) that gives orange and red veggies — like carrots, squash and sweet potato — their color. It also has antioxidant powers. Your body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover (the process by which old cells are shed and replaced by new ones) to help smooth the skin’s surface. Beta-carotene, and other carotenoids like lutein and lycopene, might also help protect against and repair the damage sun does to the skin.
Cherries: A Door County favorite! Over time, cherries can rehydrate our skin and regenerate skin cells making them ideal for helping lighten dark spots and fighting premature aging. Cherries also contain vitamins A, B, C and E, which can help with blood circulation in the skin.
Tomatoes: This summer staple is one of the best sources of lycopene, an anti-aging antioxidant. Beta carotene, lutein and lycopene have been shown to help protect your skin against damage from the sun and prevent wrinkling. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which in addition to boosting your immune system, can help stimulate collagen production, too. Sound like a great reason to whip up a batch of bruschetta!
Farm-Fresh Eggs: Eggs are high in both lysine and proline (amino acids), as well as collagen itself. So adding eggs to your diet could help support your body’s natural production of collagen to help fight fine lines. Just like the benefits for hair, eggs are a great nourishing boost for your skin as well. The lutein in eggs provides hydration and elasticity for skin — and accompanying protein can help firm and repair skin tissue. Egg yolks in particular are loaded with fatty acids that add moisture to skin while egg whites include albumin, a simple protein that tightens pores and removes excess oil.
Want to learn more about eating seasonal foods to help nourish your skin? Ask your A360 clinical aesthetician during your next visit!
