The Mediterranean diet can reduce ageing of the skin

A diet rich in antioxidants can help limit the number of wrinkles you get, Australian dermatologist Dr Michelle Hunt says.

The Mediterranean diet can reduce ageing of the skin, an Australian dermatologist says.

Dr Michelle Hunt says a diet rich in antioxidants can help in limiting the number of wrinkles you get.

"The Mediterranean diet has lots of fruit, vegetables, fish and grains. Avoiding red and processed meats, milk and sugar is a great way to reduce ageing of the skin," Dr Hunt said.

"Studies on animals show that reducing calories extends life span. One study on humans showed that a calorie-restricted diet led to improvements in cardiovascular profile, glucose control, body composition and circulating hormones."

A decline in hormones is one of several factors that lead to skin ageing.

"As hormones decrease with age, skin dryness increases and there is a reduction in skin elasticity, thickness and collagen," Dr Hunt said.

She spoke about the impact of diet and skin ageing at the Australasian College of Dermatologists annual meeting in Sydney.

WAYS TO REDUCE AGEING OF THE SKIN

* Sun protection
* Routine cleansing
* Not smoking
* A Mediterranean diet with low glycaemic index (GI) and plenty of antioxidants
* Four hours of exercise a week
* Eight hours of sleep a night
* Regular dental check-ups
* Reduce stress