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Antioxidants found in whole grain foods may be beneficial for your skin.
© iStockphoto.com/Mark StoutAs we age, our skin naturally loses firmness due to the decline of fatty tissue and reduced production of collagen and elastin. Many people try to restore their skin externally with creams, ointments, or even medical procedures like injections and surgery. However, some studies suggest that what you eat could help combat sagging skin.
Consider adding soy or soy-based products to your diet. Some studies show that individuals who included soy products experienced a noticeable improvement in skin firmness after six months [source: MedicineNet].
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish and flaxseed oil, help your skin maintain moisture and enhance its soft, smooth look [source: WebMD].
Vitamins A and C work wonders for your skin. Vitamin A promotes healing of damaged skin, while vitamin C helps protect against DNA damage from sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging [sources: WebMD, Watson]. To get the most benefit, apply them topically in creams, but eating foods or taking supplements with these vitamins can also help. Vitamin A-rich foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, milk, and egg yolks, while vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli.
To maintain healthy skin, it's important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to load up on antioxidants and essential nutrients. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which damage skin cells and contribute to wrinkles and sagging. Other antioxidant-rich foods include fish, olive oil, fruits, spinach, and other leafy greens [source: Gibson].
