Aging skin: The role of diet: Facts and controversies

The role of diet in aging skin is highly controversial with limited available scientific data. There are recommended daily allowances for vitamins and other essential nutrients necessary for the maintenance of health, but these allowances were arrived at by consensus rather than science. These nutritional allowances are set at the minimum required for health, providing little advice as to the optimal nutritional intake for a given age. We now know that the requirements set for vitamin D intake were too low and not properly age adjusted. This contribution examines the role of nutrition, glycation, and oxidation in skin aging.