GLOWING SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT, WITH SKIN + ME

One diet that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential benefits for skin health is a plant based one. Read on to explore the ways in which your diet can affect your skin, as well as the potential benefits of a plant based diet for healthy skin.

First let’s hear from one of Skin + Me’s consultant dermatologists, Dr Malvina Cunningham.

THREE REASONS YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT SKINCARE

Skin is our largest organ

“Skin plays a vital role in maintaining our general health. It protects us from outside injury, regulates our temperature and fluid balance and has immunological functions that protect us from harmful microbes.”

Skin is a subconscious communication tool

“As part of our physical appearance, the skin plays an important role in how we communicate our emotional and physical state.”

Healthy skin reflects how you look after yourself

“Our skin is constantly exposed to the environment that can stress the skin causing damage, skin disease and premature ageing. The effect this has on our physical appearance can even affect our mood. Skincare that includes protection and repair should be a part of looking after ourselves every day.”

HOW DIET AFFECTS SKIN HEALTH

The foods that we eat can affect our skin in a variety of ways. For example, some foods can cause inflammation, which can lead to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Other foods can help to protect and nourish the skin.

One key way in which our diet affects our skin is through the nutrients that we consume. Certain nutrients are particularly important for skin health, including:

Vitamin A: This nutrient helps to support the skin's natural barrier function, keeping it moisturised and protecting it from environmental damage.

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to premature ageing.

Vitamin E: Another antioxidant, vitamin E helps to protect the skin from UV damage, which can lead to wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats help to reduce inflammation, which can improve skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

Zinc: This mineral is important for wound healing and can help to reduce inflammation.

When we consume a diet that is rich in these nutrients, we are providing our skin with the building blocks that it needs to be healthy and radiant.

PLANT BASED DIETS AND SKIN HEALTH

A plant based diet is one that is free from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. While some people choose to follow a plant based diet for ethical reasons, others do so for health reasons.

One potential benefit of a plant based diet for skin health is that it is typically rich in fruits and vegetables. These plant-based foods are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and fibre, all of which are important for healthy skin.

Research suggests that a plant based diet may be particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation, which can contribute to skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a plant based diet was associated with a significant reduction in the severity of acne, compared to a control group that consumed a typical Western diet.

In addition, a plant based diet may help to protect the skin from UV damage. A 2019 study published in the journal Nutrients found that those following a plant based diet had higher levels of antioxidants in their skin, which may help to protect against UV-induced damage.

However, it's worth noting that a plant based diet can also be low in certain nutrients that are important for skin health, such as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. It's important to ensure that you are getting enough of these nutrients through plant based sources or supplements.

Overall, while a plant based diet may not be a magic bullet for perfect skin, it can certainly play a role in promoting healthy, radiant skin. By consuming a diet that is rich in plant-based foods and nutrients, you can nourish your skin from the inside out.

So there you have it, what we eat can have a significant impact on the health of our skin. A diet that is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, can provide our skin with the building blocks that it needs to be healthy and radiant.

Ultimately, a healthy diet that is rich in a variety of plant based foods and nutrients is key to maintaining healthy skin. By focusing on nourishing our bodies from the inside out, we can promote healthy, radiant skin for years to come.