Dieting for your … skin?

Eating a balanced diet may keep you slim and healthy, but it also leaves an impact on your skin. We’ve all heard that drinking more water improves acne and gives you healthier skin, but this fact remains controversial because there are not many studies that prove it. Nevertheless, a lack of water can still leave you with a dull appearance and increase the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles. So what about the food we eat, and does skin care actually begin from the inside out?

At one time or another, most of us have tried following fad diets and restrictions in order to achieve weight loss. While the debate of diets in regards to losing weight still remains, there are some positive effects when it comes to the appearance of your skin. Cutting carbs is a fad diet that will help you quickly lose some weight; however, it will likely be regained after a few years. Although this may not be the most effective weight loss strategy, it can provide multiple skincare benefits. Cutting out high glycemic foods such as white bread, pasta and refined sugars can help maintain your blood pressure. If blood pressure soars too quickly, it could cause inflammation of the skin, causing it to become blotchy and irritated.

The Mediterranean diet consists of consuming plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This diet has been proven to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has increased skin benefits as well. Fruits and vegetables are known for their antioxidants, which can help fight against fine lines and wrinkles. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to protection against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Some of the antioxidants found in olive oil and red wine can block chemical reactions that cause sun damage of the skin. Vegetarian diets also promote eating fresh foods that neutralize free radicals helping to keep wrinkles and age spots at bay.

If following a strict diet is not for you, there’s no need to panic. You can nourish and improve the look of your skin by simply implementing a few of these foods into your normal eating habits. Healthy fats found in fish such as salmon, tuna and trout can strengthen the cell membranes of the skin and ultimately the epidermis, creating a dewier and suppler face. About 20 percent of your daily diet should come from these unsaturated fats. Eating more avocados, walnuts, and bright colored vegetables will also improve your skin by increasing the amount of vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep a youthful glow, free of blemishes and sunspots.

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, meaning that it will dehydrate the body. When the body starts to become dehydrated, it eliminates moisture from the skin. Without an adequate amount of moisture, wrinkles may show more and rosacea outbreaks may occur. As a rule of thumb, make certain to always drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed. Refined sugars, trans fats and dairy are other food products that can potentially lead to skin problems.

Acne, eczema and itchy or irritated skin may all be signs of food intolerance. Intolerance differs from a food allergy in that they do not always invoke an immediate response from the immune system. The body may not even recognize the intolerance until 48 hours later. Dairy is a common food intolerance or sensitivity and can result in acne as it releases testosterone in the body which stimulates production of oil in the skin. One step that can be taken is the elimination diet, which involves removing any food your body has trouble digesting and monitoring to see if you notice any results. You may be able to slowly add these foods back into your diet being sure to track if you notice any skin changes.

Dieting for weight loss has seen a wide variety of results, but why not begin dieting to keep your body’s largest organ safe? If you are experiencing skin problems, especially acne, deep wrinkles or inflammation, take time to keep track of what you’re eating and see if this affects the condition of your skin. For any medical or aesthetic dermatology concerns, be sure to contact one of our Eastern Dermatology & Pathology locations today.


Dieting for your … skin?

Eating balanced diet may keep you slim and healthy, but it also leaves an impact on your skin. We’ve all heard that drinking more water improves acne and gives you with healthier skin, but this fact remains controversial because there are not many studies that prove it. Nevertheless, a lack of water can still leave you with a dull appearance and increase the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles. So what about the food we eat, and does skin care actually begin from the inside out?

At one time or another, most of us have tried following fad diets and restrictions in order to achieve weight loss. While the debate of diets in regards to losing weight still remains, there are some positive effects when it comes to the appearance of your skin. Cutting carbs is a fad diet that will help you quickly lose some weight; however, it will likely be regained after a few years. Although this may not be the most effective weight loss strategy, it can provide multiple skincare benefits. Cutting out high glycemic foods such as white bread, pasta and refined sugars can help maintain your blood pressure. If blood pressure soars too quickly, it could cause inflammation of the skin, causing it to become blotchy and irritated.

The Mediterranean diet consists of consuming plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This diet has been proven to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and has increased skin benefits as well. Fruits and vegetables are known for their antioxidants, which can help fight against fine lines and wrinkles. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to protection against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Some of the antioxidants found in olive oil and red wine can block chemical reactions that cause sun damage of the skin. Vegetarian diets also promote eating fresh foods that neutralize free radicals helping to keep wrinkles and age spots at bay.

If following a strict diet is not for you, there’s no need to panic. You can nourish and improve the look of your skin by simply implementing a few of these foods into your normal eating habits. Healthy fats found in fish such as salmon, tuna and trout can strengthen the cell membranes of the skin and ultimately the epidermis, creating a dewier and suppler face. About 20 percent of your daily diet should come from these unsaturated fats. Eating more avocados, walnuts, and bright colored vegetables will also improve your skin by increasing the amount of vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep a youthful glow, free of blemishes and sunspots.

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, meaning that it will dehydrate the body. When the body starts to become dehydrated, it eliminates moisture from the skin. Without an adequate amount of moisture, wrinkles may show more and rosacea outbreaks may occur. As a rule of thumb, make certain to always drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed. Refined sugars, trans fats and dairy are other food products that can potentially lead to skin problems.

Acne, eczema and itchy or irritated skin may all be signs of food intolerance. Intolerance differs from a food allergy in that they do not always invoke an immediate response from the immune system. The body may not even recognize the intolerance until 48 hours later. Dairy is a common food intolerance or sensitivity and can result in acne as it releases testosterone in the body which stimulates production of oil in the skin. One step that can be taken is the elimination diet, which involves removing any food your body has trouble digesting and monitoring to see if you notice any results. You may be able to slowly add these foods back into your diet being sure to track if you notice any skin changes.

Dieting for weight loss has seen a wide variety of results, but why not begin dieting to keep your body’s largest organ safe? If you are experiencing skin problems, especially acne, deep wrinkles or inflammation, take time to keep track of what you’re eating and see if this affects the condition of your skin. For any medical or aesthetic dermatology concerns, be sure to contact one of our Eastern Dermatology & Pathology locations today.