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linoleic acid (which is found in certain types of oils) and low in fat and carbohydrates are associated with fewer wrinkles and less age-related dryness and skin thinning. Reducing sugar intake may protect elastin and collagen molecules in the skin. Research has shown that a diet high in sugar can damage these molecules, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. A new growing body of research is evaluating whether certain dietary changes can impact the skin by reducing the signs of aging and improving some skin conditions. Nutricosmetics — the use of nutrition or nutritional supplements for skin health and beauty — is popular abroad and may be the next frontier for improving skin health and beauty in the United States. We do know that wearing sunscreen every single day is the number one way to prevent the signs of aging! How does water affect your skin? Drinking an adequate amount of water daily is important for overall good health because water aids in digestion, circulation, absorption and even excretion. If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight or flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling. As water is lost every day, you need to replace it somehow. The unfortunate truth about water and skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin. So it’s important to apply water to our skin — this will not only show a visible difference in hydration, but it can prevent wrinkles, as well.

Q&A with Sarah Cenac Jackson, M.D. So howmany of us were told by our parents that if we ate potato chips, or greasy foods, or pizza and chocolate, we would get pimples. We spoke to Dr. Sarah Cenac Jackson to get her insights on food and skin.Here, Jackson dispels some of the biggest myths of skin care. Hint: Potato chips do not cause acne. How does what you eat affect your skin? Most doctors would agree that a healthy diet and staying hydrated is good for your entire body, and therefore good for your skin.There is some compelling research suggesting you should avoid processed sugar,enriched grains,and other high glycemic simple carbohydrates, which may worsen acne. For your overall health, you should eat a diet high in omegas, such as fish and flaxseed oil, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, zinc, selenium, which all promote healthy immune function. Other antioxidants like fennel and allicin (from garlic) are natural antiseptics, which can help acne patients fight bacteria. What can teenagers and their parents do about acne? Heightened hormone levels and oil production often trigger acne in teens. Teens require expert skin care to understand their unique issues. We generally recommend a visit to a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate their skin and create an action plan. A general at-home skin care regimen should include washing their face twice a day and applying an oil-free sunscreen. Sunscreen seems silly, but the right one will not cause breakouts and will help reduce scarring and pigmentation problems. There are also some over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that can help destroy bacteria and clean out pores. Parents’ biggest mistake is waiting too long to call the doctor. Is there any evidence that specific foods make eczema symptoms flare?

Apply a hydrating moisturizer within 2 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. The skin is still porous and is vulnerable to products that are applied following the bath or shower, allowing better absorption.

Apply a product containing hyaluronic acid prior to your moisturizer. It will attract water to the skin and hold it there.

Various foods have been linked to eczema flairs. If your child has eaten certain foods and it flared their eczema, they should avoid that food. Some common foods that can trigger eczema symptoms include cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and nuts. However, eczema is usually more influenced by substances you come into contact with and less what you consume.  Common triggers are animal dander and saliva (when a pet licks you), scratchy clothes (such as wool), sweating a lot, soaps, household cleaning products, fruit juices, dust, a cough, cold or the flu. Can you eat your way to younger looking skin? I think everyone over the age of 35 wants this answer. I wish! Common wrinkles of the face and neck are the result of these habitual contractions. That is why botox is so popular — it stops that habitual contraction, and therefore the wrinkling. Eating healthier is a common recommendation for people looking to reduce their risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other medical concerns. Diets high in vitamin C and

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THE GLYCEMIC INDEX “Researchers use a glycemic index to measure how much a carbohydrate- containing food raises your blood sugars, or glucose levels. Each food is given a value based on how fast or how slow the food raises your blood glucose levels. In addition to the glycemic index, the glycemic load allows you to know how quickly the food makes glucose enter the blood stream and how much glucose it will deliver, providing a more accurate measurement. Per Harvard Medical School, the glycemic load is determined by multiplying the grams of a carbohydrate in a serving by the glycemic index, then dividing by 100. A glycemic load of 10 or below is considered low; 20 or above is considered high.” —Esther, Rouses Dietitian

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