‘You are what you eat’ has never been truer than when in reference to your skin. Because of the weather, pollution in the air, and our stress levels show on our skin, we’d be doing ourselves a disservice to not consider how what we put into our body affects it. Your diet and nutrition definitely affect your skin and complexion, but which are the harmful substances, and which are the beneficial nibbles? Let’s discover how your diet affects your skin health and how you could eat your way to better skin.
A little-known fact is that sugar binges can actually bring about premature signs of ageing in your skin. Indulging your sweet tooth could lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, volumes, and facial folds. This is because attaches to collagen proteins in your skin and begins a process called glycation. This is very destructive to your collagen, breaking down the elastin and degrading your skin’s structures. Some of your skin’s longest-lasting collagen could be being broken down by collagen, so in order to maintain your skin health you need to try and curb your sweet tooth. Too much sugar can also exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, contributing to red flushes and even a new breakout.
There are foods that you can eat to better your skin’s health, though. Try adding oily fish, nuts, and olive oil into your diet because they are full to the brim with healthy proteins that boost your natural collagen production. Add in some healthy proteins and you could help prevent premature wrinkles, volume loss, and sagging skin.
Anti-oxidants are essential components in your skin that help protect you from cellular damage caused by free radicals. The more potent the anti-oxidants, the better they are for overall skin health. Try to nibble on a rainbow of different fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kale, and spinach to receive skin and body benefits. Skincare products that use vitamin C have become very popular, but did you know eating vitamin C can be just as beneficial to your skin? Vitamin C is a super anti-oxidant that boosts your immune system while promoting radiant skin and proper healing of blemishes. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, oranges, and strawberries. A little reminder too: vitamin C is needed to produce collagen, so youthful skin could be a few strawberries away.
Alcohol dehydrates your body in general, including your skin. This is because your moisture levels in your body are already running low, so the remaining water and moisture in your skin is siphoned off to support the function of your internal organs. This leaves your skin dry, which prompts it into more oil production. This creates oily, sometimes puffy, and sometimes congested skin, especially if you wear makeup and don’t take it off properly before sleeping after drinking. Alcohol can also inflame current skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, so it’s always best to cut down on alcohol consumption or at least drink water throughout your celebrations too so that your body doesn’t run so low.
If you’re struggling with your skin health and are worried that it’s because you need a little help with your nutrition and diet, why not seek out a nutritionist? At L’Atelier Aesthetics, we are partnered with qualified nutritionist Ruth Tongue so that you can look after your skin inside and out with one of our bespoke nutrition plans for healthy skin. Enquire online about our skincare treatments and Ruth’s nutrition services or speak to a member of staff on 0207 637 3208 today.
