3 Super-Hydrating Fruits That Derms Say Do Wonders For Your Skin Over 40

Marissa Matozzo
·3 min read
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This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight. 

If having smoother, more supple skin and a glowing complexion over 40 is your goal, look no further. Experts tell us that incorporating certain fruits into your diet can help. We consulted with doctors, skin health experts, and dermatologists to determine which three fruits can help boost collagen production in your body for healthier, younger-looking skin and a more dewy, glowing look.

Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team, Dr. Emmanuel Loucas, MD, Director of SINY Dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and Danuta Dudek-Pellon, PhD MSc, founder and chief chemist at beauty brand, Cotarde.

 

 

 

3. Collagen-Boosting Fruits For Supple Skin:

1. Blueberries

Since it isn't possible to completely prevent wrinkles from forming with age, staying hydrated and eating a myriad of nutrient-rich fruit is key to maintain a youthful glow. One fruit that is linked to supporting collagen synthesis and that contains healthy antioxidants is blueberries.

Loucas explains that they are "thick in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from daily environmental and internal insults." Additionally, blueberries are rich in vitamin A & C, and the latter fights collagen breakdown.

Loucas says that blueberries are also well-known to have anti-inflammatory properties. "Inflammation is a common denominator for many skin ailments including photoaging, eczema, acne, and rosacea, just to name a few," he points out.

Dudek-Pellon agrees, and adds that blueberries are known as being "some of the most powerful superfoods." She reiterates that they are "full of antioxidants and flavonoids" that actively combat skin aging by neutralizing free radicals."Free radicals are responsible for skin's accelerated aging by loosening its elasticity, thus forming fine lines, and then wrinkles," she explains.

Apart from being a "great source of the crucial to anti-wrinkle flavonoids," Dudek-Pellon says that these berries also contain plethora of vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E, all "known for their anti-wrinkle action by boosting skin's collagen production."

2. Pomegranates

Factor notes that you’ve probably heard the saying, "you are what you eat." When it comes to "how well your skin ages, this is especially true," she says. She adds that pomegranates are "high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties" that may "improve the skin’s elasticity and protect against skin damage and premature aging." Eating just one pomegranate gives you about "28 mg of vitamin C," according to WebMD, which is almost "50 percent of your daily recommended intake."

Adding more vitamin C to your diet through pomegranates can "be effective at preventing the onset of wrinkles," Factor continues. She stresses that this eating this nutrient, along with "drinking plenty of water, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, and managing your stress" plays a key role when it comes to "keeping your skin healthy and youthful."

3. Avocados

These fruits are rich in vitamin E, and Factor says that they also help fight free radicals and boost collagen. Vitamin E found in avocados, she adds, "helps to brighten a dark complexion and also helps to fight dullness." In addition, avocados are also a "very rich source of antioxidants," and have many compounds that are "essential for health as they scavenge the free radicals, slow down the aging process and age-related deterioration."

If you struggle with dry skin, one great ingredient found in many "moisturizing and hydrating products," Factor says, is avocado oil. Using this will "keep your skin moisturized" throughout the day if applied in the morning. Whether you eat more avocados or use oil made from them, this will only "strengthen the skin, which could also fight inflammation and irritation," Factor continues. She concludes that this can ultimately "strengthen the skin's immunity." Sounds good to us!