Attaining and maintaining beauty is an increasingly challenging task, particularly as our changing environment wreaks havoc on our skin. “This is not your ancestors’ environment,” says Dr. Dennis Gross,
board-certified dermatologist and author of Your Future Face. “In today’s world, the reality is that our skin is bombarded daily with external environmental pollutants and impurities. We must combat these aggressors to achieve our healthiest, most vibrant skin.”

Dr. Gross cites tap water as a leading environmental aggressor. Impurities such as iron, calcium and heavy metals are not filtered out of our bathing water, leaving collagen-destroying, cancer-causing free radicals on our skin after we shower. High levels of chlorine, used as a germicide, are also harmful. In addition to heavy metals, we inadvertently come into contact with a wide range of airborne and water pollutants, often made more damaging when they interact with the sun. According to Dr. Gross, carbon monoxide can cause skin redness and rashes, ozone in the air from pollutants depletes antioxidants in our bodies and causes free radicals, and nitrous oxide depletes sebum, the naturally occurring layer that protects our skin.

So, besides wading through the myriad of skin care products available everywhere from drugstores to dermatologists’ offices, what can people do to maintain healthy skin? Not surprisingly, exercise and good nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. “There is no better combination than that of a healthy diet and exercise,” says Dr. Gross. “The combination of the two can help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.” He recommends reducing high-impact exercise or alternating routines to incorporate both high- and low-impact exercise in order to reduce the amount of pounding that can cause collagen breakdown. Also, simple yoga moves increase circulation and get blood to the head and face.

As for nutrition, Dr. Gross says, “What’s good for the heart is good for the skin.” Foods high in fatty acids, such as avocado, salmon, eggs, cheese and other dairy products can be beneficial. The astaxanthin in salmon improves skin elasticity and reduces the propensity for wrinkles. Protein helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. Eggs, a complete source of protein, also contain biotin, an essential vitamin that protects against dry skin. “Eat vegetables that have a lot of color, like red cabbage, green lettuce, and carrots,” says Dr. Gross. “Nature colorcodes vegetables for us. The more colors you eat, the better.”

When it comes to supplements, Dr. Gross believes that applying vitaminstopically is the most effective means of preventing aging and treating existing skin conditions. “Applying ingredients to our skin early on can make a significant difference in preventing premature aging,” he says. Sleep is also a powerful skincare remedy. “The most important thing we can do to change our skin for the better is to get more sleep,” says Dr. Gross. “This is number one. Sleep helps our skin with immunity and regeneration.” And, he adds, use a satin pillowcase to reduce friction on the face while sleeping.

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