Doctor names 4 ‘food musts’ that rejuvenate skin and guarantee a ‘younger’ appearance

Doctor Youn, who offers advice about the best skin care online, says fermented foods, chocolate, protein and a sugar-free diet are key for a young complexion.

“Here are four food musts if you want to rejuvenate your skin, to look younger and healthier,” said the expert.

“Eat more healthy protein,” he continued. “Our skin is composed of 70 to 80 per cent of collagen.

“We lose about one per cent of the thickness of the collagen of our skin every year. Because collagen is a protein, you need to eat enough protein to keep collagen up."

Next on the list of essential products is fermented foods, which exert unique effects that boost the skin’s defences against signs of ageing.

According to Science Direct, fermented food products are promising due to their immunomodulatory effects.

“A series of anti-ageing related benefits have been reported from fermented foods," says the health body.

“For example, specific compounds such as genistein and daizein in fermented soybeans."

By supporting the microbiome, the foods promote better absorption of other healthful ingredients that ultimately support better ageing.

While the dietary additions can support better skin health, it's equally important to abstain from inflammatory food sources.

Avoiding sugar is imperative because the ingredient has an inflammatory effect on the body.

This process speeds up signs of ageing by impairing the self-renewal activity in the cells.

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“The sugar can actually bond to collagen in the skin, causing it to become damaged and older-looking. So if you love fizzy drinks try to consider it a rare treat, not a daily occurrence.”

Last but not least, Doctor Youn recommends adding a healthy dose of chocolate to the diet for an antioxidant boost.

“Chocolate is filled with polyphenols and antioxidants and is great for your skin," explained the expert. “But the key is for the chocolate to be 70 to 80 per cent cacao.

“Anything less than that will likely contain too much sugar for it to be good for you. You don’t need plastic surgery for beautiful and healthy skin. Remember to always auto-rejuvenate before you operate.”