What we put into our bodies and the effect it has on our skin has been a long and hotly debated topic amongst those involved in skincare. For decades it was believed that there was absolutely no relationship between the food that we consume and our skin.
Clinical papers and studies in America have proved otherwise and now the consensus is that there is a link.
Keep reading for the ways in which you can boost your skin’s potential to achieve maximum results.
Tip 1: Cut Down on the Dairy
Those who suffer from acne may already have a suspicion that drinking milk and eating a lot of cheese and yoghurt seems to trigger pimple flare ups. That’s not to say that glugging down a whole pint of milk will give you spots. The research from the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that those who are already acne-prone may find that their skin worsens with dairy consumption.
Oddly enough, the evidence points towards skimmed milk being more of a culprit than full fat milk. Why skimmed more so than full fat is still unclear. Possibly due to the processing that skimmed milk undergoes? Experts are still researching this.
Definitely a safe option for those who don’t want to trigger their acne but don’t want to give up milk with heir cereal, plant-based milks are the solution. Non-dairy milk is becoming more and more popular in Europe and North America. Almond milk, oat milk, rice milk, soya milk, coconut milk, hazelnut milk. These are all examples of non-dairy milk which are good for the body as well as being good for the skin.
Tip 2: Take it Easy on the Sugar
Whilst we all love a good sweet treat now and again, unfortunately sugar is a sure-fire way to speed up the ageing process. Studies have shown that sugar accelerates the breakdown of elastin and collagen in our skin, the major building blocks which keep our skin supple, firm and bouncy.
Early lines and wrinkles start to develop much earlier if sugar consumption is high. It’s not possible to completely cut sugar from your diet but making smart choices can help you maintain a youthful glow in the long run. For instance, reach for a small square of dark chocolate if you’re craving something sweet. Dark chocolate has plenty of polyphenols to boost your overall health.
Sugar is also acne’s enemy. Sugar tends to cause blood sugar and insulin levels to spike, setting off an inflammatory chain reaction on our bodies resulting in spots and breakouts.
Tip 3: Choose Your Fruits Wisely
Following on from Tip #2 fruit selection is key. Fruits contain lots of naturally occurring sugars called fructose. Fructose can, if consumed in excess degrade skin’s collagen and elastin as well as trigger pimples. Therefore, go for more berry-type fruits if you can, where the benefits of polyphenols and antioxidants far outweigh the fructose factor.
Frozen blueberries, strawberries, blackberries are an easy way to boost your fruit uptake. Plus, they can last much longer the freezer than regular fruit sitting in the fruit bowl!
Tip 4: Deep Fried Food is Not Your Friend
For those who love to indulge in a good fried snack, occasionally, this is fine. Daily, it’s not really giving the best nutrition to your skin. Although fried food tastes delicious and makes for an easy meal, it doesn’t give your skin the vitamins and building blocks it needs to regenerate and repair itself for maximum glow.
Especially during lock-down it’s not possible to be completely puritanical about what we’re eating. However, it does pay to make more health-conscious efforts when it comes to what we are putting into our bodies. Fried food occasionally is perfectly fine to treat our taste buds when we get cravings, just be more aware of healthier options.
Tip 5: Snack with Care
If you’re getting an attack of the munchies, think twice before reaching for the sweets and crisps. A handful of almonds, walnuts or seeds are packed with skin boosting minerals for luminous skin, youthfulness and general health. Snacks tend to be processed and filled with artificial flavourings and colours. Nutritionally they provide little in the way of boosting skin health. Select foods which have been minimally processed to help nourish skin into enviable radiance.
Tip 6: Eat Oily Fish
Fish works wonders for the brain, but did you know the omega 3 in oily fish supports skin barrier function? When skin barrier is strong and supported, skin is calm, bright, comfortably hydrated, youthful and healthy. Nutritionists recommend consuming oily fish once a week not just for skin health but for our overall general health. Even the tinned variety are fine if fresh fish is unavailable. So start tucking into sardines, mackerel, salmon, pilchards & trout.
These tips are recommended by dermatologists worldwide. Take it easy on yourself by tweaking a few habits here and there. Start slowly with small steps at a time. Remember during the lockdown period don’t take it to heart if you find it too difficult to make all the adjustments. Just be aware of this knowledge and share it with others to achieve enviably, clear and radiant skin.
Stay Safe.
We will meet again.
