healthy skin Archives - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Nov 18, 2021 | News

What we eat affects our skin’s appearance as much as the products we use regularly. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you eat healthy foods that contain the following vitamins for healthy skin.

Vitamin D

Most people think that you can only get vitamin D through sunlight. This is not true. There are plenty of other valuable sources. But, getting vitamin D from sunlight may be the easiest way since only 10 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week will produce all your body needs.

That said, it’s important that you protect your skin from harmful UV radiation even in the winter months. As an alternative, you can also increase your vitamin D intake by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and cod. Or, choose fortified foods like breakfast cereals and orange juice. Here are a few more examples of foods rich in Vitamin D:

White beans
Soybeans
Egg yolks
Cheese

Biotin

Biotin is a B7 vitamin that plays an important role in the health of your skin and hair. It also helps to convert certain nutrients into energy. Biotin aids in metabolizing fat, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

We recommend that you include meaty foods that are rich in biotin, such as fish, pork, and beef. Other examples include:

Seeds
Nuts
Raspberries
Avocados
Bananas

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has important antioxidant properties and supports collagen production. As one of the most important vitamins for healthy skin, you’ll find it included in many anti-aging skin care products. To achieve the maximum benefits from vitamin C, it’s best to utilize a combination of skin care products rich in this powerful vitamin and to incorporate it into your diet.

We recommend that you include foods that are naturally high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens. Some of the best options are:

Spinach
Broccoli
Pineapples
Strawberries
Brussel sprouts
Tomatoes

Vitamin B3

A strong form of Vitamin B3 is Niacinamide, which is an essential nutrient for skin health. Topical niacinamide is commonly used to treat acne conditions and eczema. Niacinamide also helps boost your skin’s production of keratin, a protein that keeps your skin firm and plump.

Ideal for oily skin types, this powerful nutrient regulates oil production while also minimizing the appearance of pores. There are many topical niacinamide products available, however certain foods have a high amount of Vitamin B3 as well:

Spirulina
Coffee
Rice
Peanuts
Chia
Eggs
Beans
Milk

Vitamin E

The purpose of vitamin E in skin health is to protect it against UV damage and maintaining proper levels of moisture. Ideally, your body will produce sufficient amounts of this antioxidant through sebum, an oily secretion from your glands.

But, when your skin becomes dry, the addition of vitamin E can help restore its moisture. Vitamin E can be applied topically, taken as a supplement or consumed in the form of nuts and seeds. Some of our favorite foods with vitamin E are:

Sunflower seeds
Peanuts
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Corn

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are plant compounds that are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dark chocolate is loaded with these powerful compounds, which makes it a popular skin mask if you wish to apply it instead of consuming it.

The best way to boost your diet with flavonoids is through a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many plant-based foods contain flavonoids such as:

Dark chocolate
Green tea
Red wine
Berries

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps your body heal wounds and bruises and aids in your body’s natural process of blood clotting. Vitamin K is especially important for anyone who has spider veins or dark spots, as its ability to promote healthy blood circulation reduces the appearance of these symptoms.

Leafy and green vegetables are the best source of vitamin K, such as kale, spinach, and lettuce. Other options include:

Edamame
Asparagus
Kiwi
Avocados

Vitamin K2

With its powerful amount of collagen, Vitamin K2 is known to smooth irritated skin as well as plump the skin to appear fuller. Vitamin K is also commonly used to combat acne scars, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

While Vitamin K1 is found in leafy greens and vegetables, Vitamin K2 is mostly found in meats and dairy.

Turkey
Beef liver
Pickles
Kimchi
Sauerkraut

Coenzyme CoQ10

A naturally produced bodily enzyme, Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant. CoQ10 is actually found in every cell of the human body. It’s extremely crucial for the production of new cells, making it a great addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.

Because it boosts the production of new cells, CoQ10 is often used to treat acne scars and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. CoQ10 can be found in meat, various nuts, beans, and vegetables such as:

Peanuts
Soybeans
Spinach
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Oranges
Pork
Beef

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA is a compound that comes straight from our mitochondria, otherwise known as the “powerhouse of the cell”. Our bodies naturally produce ALA, however, it’s often in small amounts.

Therefore, getting an extra boost in your diet is necessary for your skin. ALA is often used to combat dark spots, reverse sun damage, and even protect our skin from harmful pollutants.

ALA also has strong antioxidant properties, making it a great anti-aging aid. ALA can be naturally found in red meat and many vegetables such as:

Yams
Potatoes
Beets
Tomatoes
Red meat
Brussel sprouts

Spotlight: Neocutis and its Restorative Benefits

At the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, we are proud to offer Neocutis products for our clients based on their skincare needs. These products are dispensed through select physicians, so you know that you are getting the highest quality of skincare that science has to offer.

These topical treatments work best to combat:

Signs of aging
Skin discoloration
Oxidative stress (the body’s ability to detoxify from free radicals)
Skin redness and dryness

They also include many of the beneficial vitamins we mentioned earlier. We want all our customers to look and feel their best, which is why we offer these highly regarded products.

Conclusion

Vitamins from foods and supplements support the health and appearance of your skin from the inside out. The right skin care routine with nutrient rich products will help to create a beautiful look from the outside in. Utilize a combination of both the important vitamins for healthy skin and good skincare products to achieve the best results.

This blog has been updated and republished in November 2021.

The Benefits of Pumpkin for Your Skin

Sep 28, 2021 | News

Ah, Autumn. Also known as Pumpkin Spice season. Every year around this time, pumpkin-flavored everything makes its annual appearance. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, even pumpkin chili hits the shelves of stores and restaurants.

While you are likely familiar with all of the ways to eat this versatile veggie, did you know pumpkin also greatly benefits the skin?

It Starts with Super Ingredients

From the seeds to the flesh, pumpkins are loaded with nutrients that are helpful for the skin. Since pumpkin has a small molecular structure, it can penetrate deep into the skin. These nutrients do everything from hydrating to repairing damage from the inside out. Some of the beneficial enzymes and vitamins in pumpkin include:

Alpha hydroxy acids
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Beta-carotene
Magnesium
Zinc
Vitamin E
Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Awesome Anti-Aging Benefits

Pumpkins contain enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that break down dead skin cells. By removing dead skin cells, normal cell regeneration speeds up. This has a smoothing and brightening effect, resulting in glowing skin.

Pumpkin enzymes are plentiful in antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C. These amazing ingredients refine and soothe the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

A derivative of vitamin A, beta-carotene, boosts collagen production to help minimize wrinkles. Beta-carotene also helps to reverse UV damage and improve uneven skin pigmentation. So, if you have any dark spots or freckles, pumpkin is the superfood for you.

Because of its high content of magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, the pumpkin seed oil is especially useful in preventing the signs of aging. It promotes moisture retention and improves the skin’s elasticity.

Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals are skin-damaging molecules in our environment: light, smog, cigarette smoke, and fried foods – just to name a few. They speed up the aging process and may even be linked to cancer.

The vitamin C and beta-carotene in pumpkin works to combat free radicals. Both nutrients reverse UV damage and counteract free radical effects on the skin.

Using pumpkin to fight free radicals is easy. Make a simple pumpkin puree mask by spreading it onto your skin and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes.

Solves Skin Problems

Pumpkins have powerful acne-fighting and oil regulating properties. Thanks to a potent combination of zinc, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, you can ditch the zits.

Along with potassium and magnesium, zinc regulates oil production in the skin. This removes those obnoxious, overly oily and dry areas. Zinc also works in tandem with vitamin E to fight acne breakouts and improve skin tone. At the same time, anti-inflammatory vitamin A minimizes acne scarring.

Zinc, vitamin E, and omega 3- and 6- fatty acids are especially concentrated in pumpkin seeds. Simply eating these seeds is a great way to reap their many benefits. Roast pumpkin seeds at home (it’s super easy!) and then enjoy them on their own or sprinkled into yogurt or trail mix.

Hair Regrowth

Pumpkin can also help with hair loss or thinning. It is full of minerals like potassium and zinc which work to keep hair healthy and promote re-growth.

Pumpkin is also a good source of folate, a B vitamin that helps improve blood circulation which stimulates hair growth.

Fight Dry Skin

Pumpkin has the power to penetrate deep into skin to provide many benefits. It’s full of the antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, that both help to soften and soothe dry skin. Pumpkin also boosts collagen production which keeps skin from looking cracked and scaly.

If you want to protect your skin from becoming dry, pumpkin will do the trick. It’s are rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E that nourish the skin and fight free radicals.

Bonus – Recipes Packed Full of Pumpkin

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

1/2 c. Warm Whole Milk (105ºF)
1/4 c. Honey, Divided
2 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 c. Salted Butter, Melted
1 can (15 Oz. Size) Canned Pumpkin (Not Pumpkin Pie Filling Or Mix)
1 Large Egg
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
5 c. All-purpose Flour, Or More As Needed

Directions

Place warm milk and 1 teaspoon of the honey in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Allow to activate for 5 minutes.

Place milk mixture and remaining ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low speed for 15 minutes. You can add more flour if dough is extremely wet, but dough should be quite sticky and won’t clean the sides of the bowl completely.

Scrape dough into a large, generously greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Scoop dough out onto a piece of parchment paper or a greased work surface. Divide dough into 15 to 24 pieces, depending on how large of rolls you prefer. Using buttered hands, shape the pieces into balls by first pinching the edges into the center, then rolling the ball on your work surface to create surface tension. Place in a greased 13×9-inch pan or 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise until the rolls fill the pan, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Half an hour before the rolls are done proofing, preheat oven to 375° F. Bake risen rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and an instant read thermometer registers 200° F when inserted into the center of one of the rolls.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto a cooling rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature (with butter, of course!).

Pumpkin-Hard Cider Cheese Dip

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, minced
1 12-ounce bottle hard cider
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh chives, for topping

Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic; cook, stirring, until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cider, pumpkin puree, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pie spice and cayenne until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer the dip to a bowl, top with the bacon and chives.

Serve with sliced apples or raisin-nut bread.

Pumpkins are much more than just recipe ingredients or decorations. They also have amazing skincare benefits. Reversing the signs of aging, fighting acne, and improving skin texture are just some of the powers pumpkins hold. This October, before tossing your jack-o-lantern, consider using the remains for the benefit of your skin.

While pumpkin may be the perfect fruit for your complexion and health, it may not be enough. Whether you’re looking for a brighter glow or ways to get rid of wrinkles, contact us. At NJVVC we sell professional skincare products that will have you looking like a younger, happier you.

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on January 30, 2019. It has been updated to include additional information.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

May 23, 2019 | News

Excessive exposure to the sun can affect your skin in various ways. Some changes, like increased wrinkles and freckles, may be frustrating but not necessarily dangerous. However, changes in color or unusual marks may indicate a deeper problem, like early stages of skin cancer. To protect your skin from the sun, there are several things to keep in mind.

How dangerous is the sun? There are many elements to factor into this equation. With the right precautions, you can enjoy those blissful rays of sunshine without having to worry about causing permanent damage to your skin. And reduce your chances of developing various types of skin cancers.

Sun damage develops over time, so it is never too late to get started on a sun protection regimen and implement it in your everyday life.

Maximum Exposure

The sun is most intense between the hours of 10am and 4pm If you look down and notice a shorter shadow, try to find some shade.

While these are the prime hours for sun exposure, spending more than fifteen minutes out in the sun warrants some protection for your skin.

Things You Can Do to Protect Your Skin

If relying on shade is not an option, there are a few other things you can do to protect your skin:

Wear Sunscreen

Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 to deflect and absorb damaging UV rays. SkinCeuticals offers a variety of sunscreen formulas, from mattifying sunscreens for oily skin to water resistant sunscreens specifically designed for extreme outdoor workouts. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Apply Protective Lip Balm

Many people forget to protect their lips when venturing out into the sun, even though they are highly susceptible to burns. Be sure to apply a protective lip balm every hour.

Shield Your Eyes

The sun can wreak havoc on the eyes, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. It could also cause cataracts, which affect your vision.

Cover your eyes, and the skin around them, with sunglasses. Wider lenses offer more protection, and make sure they have a label indicating 100% protection from UV rays.

Hang on to Your Hat

Create your own shade with a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face, ears, and neck.

Choose UPF Clothing

Like sunscreen, UPF clothing ranges from 15 to 50+, with higher levels offering more protection. These clothes have a special coating that help absorb UVA and UVB rays. Darker, tightly woven fabrics also provide more protection in general.

Treating Damaged Skin

There are several moisturizing creams and anti-inflammatories available for relieving sunburns. Even wearing sunscreen on a daily basis can help your skin heal and possibly reverse the damage. However, if blisters develop, you should seek medical care.

You should also watch for other warning signs, like freckles or other marks that are unusual in shape or color. Many symptoms of skin damage can be treated by medical professionals if caught in the early stages.

Sun Exposure and Damage: Q & A

Question: “How long can I safely be exposed to the sun, without sunscreen?”

Answer: It’s difficult to say. In the past, the ozone layer helped protect us by blocking harmful UV rays. Over the years the ozone layer has decreased due to air pollution and other environmental factors. As stated by the American Skin Association, we need to better protect ourselves.

A few minutes in the sun, here and there should be OK and can be beneficial, however, the time should be limited 10 – 15 minutes a day.

Question: “When do I need to wear sunscreen?”

Answer: The sun doesn’t sleep in the winter or even on a cloudy day. In fact, cloudy days can even be worse because you don’t feel the rays coming through as much. But guess what? They are still there. Incorporate sunscreen into your daily skin routine for maximum protection from the sun.

Question: “Is there any way to reverse or stop sun damage once you have gotten it?

Answer: Keeping up with regular sun protection throughout the year does help and can reverse or even stop further damage. Other things to do along with sunscreen use are moisturizing, exfoliation (to remove dead cells), staying hydrated, and always follow your doctor’s orders if there are any concerns.

Question: “Is there any way to reverse or stop sun damage once you have gotten it?

Protecting your skin from the sun is a necessary way to keep your skin healthy and looking youthful. Utilize protection everyday for the best results.

Not sure which one to try?

SkinCeuticals offers a range of protection for varying skin types and lifestyles, that deflect and absorb those harmful rays. To find the best one for you check out their line of products here: https://njvvc.com/skinceuticals/

Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

May 6, 2018 | News

How dangerous is the sun? How important is protecting your skin from the sun? There are many elements to factor into this equation. With the right precautions, you can enjoy those blissful rays of sunshine without having to worry about causing permanent damage to your skin or increasing your chances of developing various types of skin cancers. Sun damage develops over time, so it is never too late to get started protecting your skin from the sun. It’s easy to begin a regimen and implement it in your everyday life.

Excessive exposure to the sun can affect your skin in various ways. Some changes, like increased wrinkles and more prominent freckles, may be frustrating but not necessarily dangerous. However, changes in color or unusual marks may indicate a deeper problem, like the early stages of skin cancer. To protect your skin from the sun, there are several things to keep in mind.

Maximum Exposure Times

The sun is most intense between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you look down and notice a shorter shadow, try to find some shade. While these are the prime hours for sun exposure, spending more than fifteen minutes out in the sun warrants some protection for your skin.