The Best & Worst Holiday Foods for your Skin

For many people the holiday season means get-togethers with friends and family, and of course, good food. Whether at home or at work, you can expect to have holiday treats everywhere you turn. Did you know that some poor food choices can wreak havoc on your skin well after the holiday season?

Here are the best holiday foods for good skin health, along with some items you should try to steer clear of:

Best Holiday Foods
• Cranberries: By using fresh, whole cranberries in your holiday cooking your skin will benefit from their high level of antioxidants, which have anti-aging properties and can help with winter-related damage.
• Sage: This savory herb is not only a great seasoning for meats and stuffing, it has also been known to improve circulation and overall skin health.
• Rosemary: Another savory herb that is great for seasoning, it also contains several antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
• Fish: The omega 3 fatty acids in fish help reduce redness in your skin and preserve your skin’s collagen.
• Apples: This fruit, commonly found in holiday desserts, are high in Vitamin C which improves collagen production.
• Sweet Potatoes: This starchy vegetable is a prime side dish at the holiday party. Sweet potatoes are filled with antioxidants that help prevent skin cell damage.
• Turkey: The main feature at many dinner tables, turkey contains carnosine, a protein that helps slow down the collagen damage process.

Worst Holiday Foods
• Baked Goods: The ever-tempting Christmas treats are most always high in refined sugar and white flour, both of which can damage collagen and elastin in the skin. Additionally, excess sugar consumption can trigger acne breakouts and result in dull-appearing skin.
• Eggnog: Full fat egg nog is incredibly high in calories, cholesterol, sugar, and saturated fat. Many people who consume too much dairy tend to experience increases in oil production, resulting in more severe acne breakouts.
• Salty Foods: Eating lots of salty foods leads to excess fluid retention in the skin, creating a “puffy look”. Look for foods that are lower in sodium and refrain from adding additional salt while at the table.

Skin Struggles?
If you are struggling with skin issues and don’t know where to turn, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.