Board-certified dermatologist Debbie M. Palmer, D.O., medical director and cofounder of Dermatology Associates of New York in Harrison, has culled advice from her 17 years of experience practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology into a new book, Beyond Beauty: Proven Secrets to Age Well, Look 10 Years Younger & Live a Truly Happy, Healthy, Long Life. According to Palmer, who firmly believes that lifestyle habits have a major effect on the skin, “There’s no question that changing your diet and your lifestyle can improve the look and health of your skin.” She recommends specific strategies in her book, which is available at her office and on Amazon. Palmer says that she has seen “amazing changes” in her patients’ skin after they make positive diet and lifestyle changes, including improvement in acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
“We hear so much about [topical products] for better-looking skin, but it’s not just what you put on your skin that matters; it’s what you put into, and do to, your body that’s important, as well.”
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Beyond Beauty offers research-backed dietary tips, as well as recipes that Palmer makes for her own family. It also offers strategies for developing inner peace, sleep and exercise tips, and skincare advice. Palmer’s No. 1 tip for great skin: “Eat a healthy, well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet.” Palmer recommends a Mediterranean-style diet and advises patients to swap out processed and artificial foods for natural ones.
For topical care, Palmer advocates antioxidants and sunscreen to prevent premature aging.
