- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
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Skin care (9)
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Nail care (4)
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Sleep (7)
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Mental health (2)
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
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Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
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Question
Foods for healthy skin: Top picks
What are the best foods for healthy skin?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited. Still, antioxidant-rich foods seem to have a protective effect for the skin.
Consider these skin-friendly foods:
- Carrots, apricots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Beans, peas and lentils
- Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
- Nuts
On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage. For example, some research suggests that a diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promotes skin aging.
Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you're making healthy choices.
Next questionShaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?
- Draelos ZD. Eating for a lifetime of healthy skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2011;10:1.
- Cosgrove MC, et al. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007;86:1225.
- Borek C. Aging and antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are powerful armor. Advances for Nurse Practitioners. 2006;14:35.
- Bae J, et al. Bog blueberry anthocyanins alleviate photoaging in ultraviolet-B irradiation-induced human dermal fibroblasts. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2009;53:726.
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