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If you're looking to give your skin an overhaul (and who isn't by winter's end?) choose one or more of these eight power foods the next time you reach for a snack, make a meal or buy a skin-care product.
These fruits, grains, nuts and herbs are all high in phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that act as antioxidants to target cell-damaging free radicals (highly reactive molecules found in our bodies and in the environment that are believed to contribute to aging and disease). So, inside or out, the eight foods profiled here work to make you healthy and beautiful.
Oatmeal One of the world's most nutritious grains, oatmeal got the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's seal of approval for its cholesterol-lowering effects. Fiber-filled oatmeal also keeps the gastrointestinal tract running smoothly.
On your skin When it comes to treating dry, itchy skin, nothing beats oatmeal: Oats contain the antioxidant phytic acid, a fatty acid that's soothing to the skin, explains New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D. (Phytic acid clings to the skin and acts as a barrier to help lock in moisture.) Find oatmeal in: Basis Comfortable Clean Face Wash ($4; at drugstores); Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil, a nongreasy hydrator ($8; at drugstores); Suave Performance Series Skin Relief Lotion for sensitive skin ($2.70; at drugstores); and the healing garden spa theraphy skin-soothing bath soak ($9; at drugstores).
Cranberries This fruit is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, but it's best-known for its ability to ward off urinary-tract infections. Now research from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania shows that cranberries--which contain anthocyanidins, a type of antioxidant--may play a role in preventing ailments like cancer and heart disease, says Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton, who is conducting research into the fruit's health effects.
On your skin The antioxidant qualities of anthocyanidins in cranberries assist in reducing the risk of skin cancer. The tart fruit also may help inhibit the action of the enzyme collagenase, which breaks down collagen (a key support structure that keeps skin youthfully firm), explains Peter Pugliese, M.D., a skin physiologist in Reading, Pa. And, because cranberries are mildly acidic, they offer gentle exfoliation when used topically. Find cranberries in: June Jacobs Creamy Cranberry Cleanser and Cranberry Hydrating Toner (both $36; junejacobs.com). They're also in Neutrogena Lip Nutrition Berry Smooth Balm ($8; at drugstores) and Kiss My Face Cranberry Orange Lip Balm ($3.50; kissmyface.com); both contain cranberry extract to soften lip skin.
Almonds Like many nuts, almonds are rich in vitamin E and protein, explains Samantha Heller, R.D., senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center in New York City. Studies also show that almonds may help reduce the risk of heart disease; they're rich in monounsaturated fat, which may lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol while preserving HDL ("good") cholesterol.
On your skin Almond oil is especially rich in fatty acids--key components of the skin's outer layer of cells that keeps moisture in and bacteria out. "Almond oil is also exceptionally soothing," says Pugliese. Find almonds in: Lush Creamed Almond & Coconut Smoothie ($11.50; www.lush.com), a whipped body-cleanser-in-a-jar, and Weleda Everon Face Balm ($10; usa.weleda.com), a moisturizer with sweet almond oil. Also try SCO Custom Lip Balm ($19; scocare.com); you can choose almond oil as a mix-in option.
Licorice This aromatic herb has been used for ages as an expectorant (think of the nasty-tasting syrups that do wonders for coughs). Another possible health benefit: An acid present in black licorice, glycyrrhizin, has been used in Japan for more than 20 years as a treatment for chronic hepatitis.
On your skin Licorice is finding its way into skin hydrators, where it offers anti-inflammatory benefits, explains Howard Murad, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles. It also seems to help lighten hyperpigmentation marks on the skin. Find licorice in: Repechage Hydra Refine Astringent Pads ($28; repechage.com), Chanel Precision Dark Spot Corrector ($75; gloss.com), Clarins Gentle Night Cream ($60; clarins.com) and Murad Skin Smoothing Treatment SPF 8 ($52; www.murad.com).
Soybeans These high-protein legumes are packed with potassium and isoflavones, which can act as antioxidants. Research suggests a link between regular consumption of soybeans (up to 25 grams daily) and healthier cholesterol levels.
On your skin "Soy is rich in antioxidants, so while it battles away at free radicals, skin can go about its business and operate at its peak," explains Miami-based dermatologist Frederic Brandt, M.D. Find soy in: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Treatment ($14; at drugstores); Jergens Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer ($4; at drugstores) to slow hair regrowth; and Lancome Absolue Hand ($40; lancome.com), a rich hand cream with SPF 15.
Rosemary Best-known for its lovely aroma, this favorite seasoning herb is rich in antioxidant compounds, some of them shown to have anti-tumor properties, says Keith W. Singletary, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University at Urbana-Champaign in Illinois.
On your skin Extracts of this herb can be found in moisturizers. Find rosemary in: Aveda rosemary mint body lotion ($20; aveda.com) and Dr.Hauschka Rosemary Foot Balm ($15; sephora.com).
Chocolate Lovers of this sweet treat take note: Chocolate isn't the bad guy that it's made out to be. Two recent studies, from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Cologne in Germany, showed that eating chocolate--dark chocolate, in particular--has heart-protective benefits thanks to polyphenols, substances that protect cells against damaging free radicals.
On your skin Chocolate extract is being added to skin products as an anti-inflammatory agent, Peter Pugliese explains. Cocoa butter--which, like chocolate, is made from cocoa beans--also is a popular skin soother. Find chocolate in: Nuxe Phytochoc Lifting Serum for Face and Eyes ($41; sephora.com) and fresh milk chocolate bath foam ($30; sephora.com). Find cocoa butter in: The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Cream Body Wash ($10; bodyshop.com).
Tea Research from the National Cancer Institute points to a possible range of health benefits from catechins (found in green, black and white tea)--ranging from improved cardiovascular health and anti-cancer activity to general immune-system strengthening.
On your skin Tea's antioxidant properties are well-known: It may be useful in thwarting the photoaging caused by sun damage. Specifically, green tea is being studied to determine whether it works to prevent skin cancer, explains Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, Calif. It's thought that polyphenols--catechins are one type of these antioxidants--may slow the inflammation process that begins with sun exposure and, in a domino-like effect, leads to DNA mutations that result in cancer. Find green tea in: emerginC multi-vitamin retinol serum ($65; emerginc.com), dr. brandt skincare lineless gel and cream (both $100; sephora.com) and Shiseido Advanced Essential Energy Ultimate Nourishing Body Cream ($50; www.sca.shiseido.com).
WASABI the next hot thing?
Much attention is being paid to wasabi, a vegetable that's best-known as the must-have condiment to sushi. The reason: Wasabi contains phytochemicals that strengthen the body's natural antioxidants and offer protective anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, explains cosmetic scientist Rebecca James Gadberry, an instructor of cosmetics sciences at UCLA Extension and president of YG Laboratories in Huntington Beach, Calif. Find wasabi in: the fresh rice line, which includes fresh rice foot cream ($32; fresh.com).
Mary Rose Almasi is an award-winning writer and frequent contributor to Shape.
Photography by Amy Neunsinger
COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group |
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©2006, 2007
Dr. Peter T. Pugliese
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