READ THE FULL ARTICLE: Will Eating a ‘Retinol Salad’ Really Improve Your Skin?
We’re proud to share that Dr. Lawrence Green was recently featured as a dermatology expert in TIME, offering his insight into one of the latest skin care trends making its way across social media: the so-called “retinol salad.”
In the TIME article, “Will Eating a ‘Retinol Salad’ Really Improve Your Skin?”, health writer Erica Sweeney explores whether eating carrot-rich salads and other foods containing beta-carotene can provide skin benefits similar to topical retinol.
The Truth About Eating Your Retinol
Carrots and other colorful fruits and vegetables can absolutely be part of a skin-healthy diet. However, as Dr. Green explains in the TIME feature, the relationship between dietary beta-carotene and the retinol used in skin care products is more complicated than social media trends might suggest.
The body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, but that conversion is relatively inefficient. As a result, eating beta-carotene-rich foods isn’t equivalent to applying a topical retinol or using a prescription retinoid.
That doesn’t mean your diet isn’t important for your skin.
Dr. Green notes that many of the potential skin benefits of these colorful, vegetable-rich meals come from their antioxidant content. Antioxidants can play an important role in supporting healthy skin and protecting against the effects of environmental stressors.
Healthy Skin Requires a Bigger-Picture Approach
The discussion also highlights an important point that Dr. Green regularly emphasizes with patients: healthy skin isn’t usually the result of one food, ingredient, or viral trend.
Dr. Green recommends a well-rounded approach to skin health and points to the Mediterranean diet as an excellent example of a dietary pattern incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and other nutrient-rich foods.
For concerns such as acne, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation changes, or sun damage, however, diet isn’t a replacement for appropriate dermatologic care. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your individual skin concerns and recommend a personalized treatment and skin care regimen.
Read Dr. Green’s Full Interview in TIME
We’re honored to see Dr. Lawrence Green recognized by TIME as an expert resource on skin health and dermatology.
The complete TIME article takes a closer look at the viral “retinol salad” trend, the differences between dietary vitamin A and topical retinoids, the role of antioxidants in skin health, and when it may be time to speak with a dermatologist.
