My patients with problem skin always want a magic remedy. Eating right gives skin the nutrients it needs to repair itself, these doctors say. The result is the dermatological equivalent of rust. Researchers now believe the saturated fat in bacon and Brie that clogs arteries may also gum up the capillaries that whisk nutrients to, and waste from, skin cells, says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. He also believes that overdosing on sugar may mess with collagen, contributing to saggy, inflexible skin and brown spots.
Many doctors report seeing results when they prescribe skin-healthy diets.
Dr. Perricone puts patients who want to quickly rejuvenate their complexions on a three-day program full of salmon, fruit, veggies and olive oil. Afterward, patients say their skin is smoother, softer, and has better color. One frustrated patient had tried several drugs for acne. After trying my diet, she called to say her skin had cleared up. Experts gave us their hit list.