How Almonds May Help You Tackle Wrinkles

Who doesn't want to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles from the face? This skin condition is something which is certain after a particular age. But when wrinkles appear at a young age when the skin should look radiant and tightened, there might be some underlying cause behind it. Maybe, your diet is insufficient to keep your skin collagen boosted. Possible, right? A new pilot study by researchers at the University of California has found that a daily snack of almonds in place of other nut-free snacks can improve measures of wrinkle width and severity in postmenopausal women.

(Also read: How To Get Rid Of Acne From Your Face Naturally)

With age, skin becomes less elastic and produces wrinkles

Causes Of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused by two different processes: intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing. Also known as chronological ageing, intrinsic ageing occurs over the span of your lifetime and it is a natural process. This can vary from person to person based on heredity. As you get older, the skin naturally becomes less elastic and there is a decrease in the production of oil which makes you more wrinkled. The fat that is present in the deeper layers of skin diminishes, and overall this is known as intrinsic ageing.

On the other hand, extrinsic ageing refers to the environmental factors that contribute to wrinkles. One of the primary reasons for wrinkle formation is the skin's exposure to the sun. During this exposure, the UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer. Due to the exposure of the UV light, your skin's connective tissue breaks down - collagen and elastin fibres, that lie in the deeper layers of skin (dermis). Due to this, the skin loses strength and flexibility without the supportive connective tissue. This can lead to primary wrinkling.

Another cause for wrinkles is smoking. While we all are aware that smoking is bad for the health in general, but it also accelerates the normal ageing process of the skin and causes premature wrinkles. Additionally, unhealthy snacking habits and binging on foods that are high on trans fats as well as a sedentary lifestyle further affects the skin's overall health. And finally, lack of sleep and stress are also known to affect the skin's health. Inadequate sleep and a haphazard pattern can cause wrinkles as this impacts the pH level of the skin and also adversely affects the skin cells' ability to remain hydrated. Stress increases the body's cortisol levels that in turn, reduces the skin's ability to hold moisture. Beyond this, stress can also cause elevated blood sugar levels which damages the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Altogether, it's important to take care of each of these points to maintain your skin's health, and prevent it from sagging and developing wrinkles.

(Also read: Refresh Your Skin This Summer With The Goodness Of Watermelon)

 A study says almonds can help you reduce wrinkles and fine lines

How Can Almonds Help?

While there are anti-ageing regimens abound, a recent pilot research suggests that one delicious addition to your skincare routine may be in your pantry instead of your makeup kit: Almonds. Conversation and interest around foods that enhance skin health and the idea of beauty from within is increasingly becoming popular amongst consumers these days. According to a new pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Davis it was found that a daily snack of almonds in place of other nut-free snacks improved measures of wrinkle width and severity in postmenopausal women. Additionally, almonds contain healthy fats and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) which have been shown to impart anti-ageing properties.

What's Next?

So start your nutritious skincare regime right away by adding a handful of almonds to your diet every day! The best part about almonds is that they are versatile, easy to carry and delicious. You could eat a handful when you start your day, snack on them after a rigorous workout, or while watching TV or even add them to some of your favourite dishes. And not just skin health, almonds are a healthy nut that contains over 15 key nutrients including protein, fibre, magnesium, folate etc. which also makes them a good investment for building your overall health in the long run.

About the author: Madhuri Ruia is a well-known fitness, posture, pilates and nutrition expert. She is the Founder of Integym which is one of the foremost gyms known for being at the cutting edge of the newest techniques and practices in the fitness ecosystem in Mumbai.

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