Forget dumping your paycheck on anti-aging creams and injectables. The Fountain of Youth can be found in your kitchen.
In his new book, “The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How to Really Look 10 Years Younger” (Grand Central Life & Style, out now), Dr. Anthony Youn devotes an entire chapter to diet.
“The foods you choose can affect the development of wrinkles, skin-tightness and elasticity, and even how likely you are to get a sunburn,” Youn, who’s based in Michigan, tells The Post.
“Making changes in your diet can wipe years off your face,” says Youn.
It’s worked for Martha Stewart, still luminous at 74. “Everything we do affects how we age. And food is one of the most powerful — and fundamental — tools we have,” Stewart tells The Post.
Here, Youn shares 10 foods that will help you turn back the clock.
-
1. Eggs
Alamy An egg a day keeps the plastic surgeon away. “[They’re] packed with collagen-boosting protein and vitamin A to keep your skin tight and plump,” says Youn.
-
2. Quinoa
Shutterstock These edible seeds are “a dietary superstar,” says Youn. “[They’re] packed with zinc, a mineral that can improve skin’s rejuvenation rate and boost cell growth and repair.”
-
3. Tomato paste
Alamy Want to make your whole-wheat pizza healthier? Top it off with more tomato paste. “[It’s] an easy way to get a good dose of lycopene, which has profound anti-inflammatory benefits, [and inflammation] contributes to skin aging,” Youn says. It can also help with sun protection. Studies have shown that eating five tablespoons of tomato paste every day can reduce the risk of sunburn, Youn says. When fresh tomatoes are in season, they’re also a great source of lycopene.
-
4. Dark chocolate
Alamy Want a sweet treat for your skin? Try a chocolate bar with at least 70 percent cocoa. It’s packed with flavonols that can fight sun spots and increase blood flow for a dewy, sun-kissed glow.
-
5. Blueberries
Alamy A cup of this dark-hued fruit provides a shot of vitamin C, which promotes collagen elasticity. A 2012 UK study found that women who often consume vitamin C have fewer wrinkles. The key is to have it regularly. “Vitamin C is water soluble, which means you can’t store it,” Youn explains. “You should eat a serving of vitamin C-rich foods every day.” One cup of berries a day should do the trick.
-
6. Sweet potatoes
Alamy This Thanksgiving staple is packed with selenium, a mineral that protects your skin from free-radical damage and diminishes wrinkles. The orange spuds are also rich in beta carotene, which, Youn says, “improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture.”
-
7. Green tea
Alamy “If there’s one drink I’d recommend to my patients, it’s green tea,” says Youn. “It has way more anti-aging anti-oxidants than black coffee, while still giving you a caffeine boost.”
-
8. Shrimp
Alamy Who knew that this hors d’oeuvre could keep you looking youthful? “[Shrimp are] rich in vitamin E, which can reverse skin damage and scarring,” says Youn.
-
9. Papaya
Alamy The buttery-textured fruit is packed with vitamins E and C and beta carotene, which, Youn says, can prevent wrinkles and protect your skin from free radicals.
-
10. Oysters
Alamy These popular bivalves are more than just an aphrodisiac. They’re also one of the best sources of skin-rejuvenating zinc.
