The Skin
Care Diet

The links between diet and skin care are very real. After all, nutrition affects the working of our entire bodies so it’s no surprise that skin – our largest organ – would be influenced by what we choose to eat.

Our last two articles were expressly on skin cleansers because of their importance to our body’s largest organ. Our skin is also our body’s largest cleansing organ through which toxins are eliminated which could be why it causes us so much concern. For instance, eating spicy foods and smoking both emit toxins or odors through the skin because the body repels this residue. For simplicity, brew coffee through a paper filter and you’ll find it leaves a residue and smell. Skin reacts similarly. Hence, the reason for our urgency to impact the cleansing of your skin.

On a cellular level anyone can improve their skin through nutrition and diet. The goal is to make every cell as healthy as possible creating an environment for the body to help itself. Diet is known to improve such skin conditions as rosacea, acne and eczema. Many are unaware of how foods actually may aid in the destruction of healthy skin.

Acne sufferers do best without grains, including corn, peanuts, eggs, soy and dairy, salts with iodides and as preservatives in fast foods and lunch meats. Unfortunately you’ll see by this last statement that acne will improve with a lower protein diet. However, after raising children, we know that diet for them is based on what they want not what the body needs! Their teen years are full of fast foods and this is when acne reigns. The body’s sensitivities to these foods lead to inflammation in the digestive tract.

Another unwanted condition of the skin that is exacerbated by diet is ROSACEA, which is almost always stimulated by digestive issues and food allergies. Rosacea is becoming more evident for those between the years of 30 to 50 and may well be that it takes that long for the body to be out of sync with digestive inflammation that the results become facially visible.

Estheticians have for many decades now preached to whoever would listen, that internal supplements can and do actually have a substantial role in our aging process. Those of us who have indeed walked the walk are looking and feeling great. Over the counter cosmetic lines are now offering internals to improve the skin.

Internal supplementation should include detoxifiers, liver support, digestive enzymes, probiotics, joint support, collagen support, anti-oxidants along with general cleansing and cell building.

Eczema, seen as a dry, flakey skin condition requires foods and supplements that nourish and hydrate from within the body. Generally eczema depicts a lack of essential fats such as omega-3. Avoiding alcohol and coffee is helpful since these cause dehydration. Foods like salmon rich in omega-3 lubricates the skin and supports healthy cellular membranes.

Supplementation to a diet should at no time be considered a replacement for medical direction but as a support to a healthy body and its skin. If a body is unhealthy, the skin is seen as dull, flaccid, lacking in color or the opposite, too much color, blotchy, thick, and generally lined and or wrinkled. Your local esthetician will be able to help you with professional skin care supplements.

Facial treatments work hand in hand with the body to improve its appearance and function. As with cleansing and rebuilding the body, topical treatments follow a similar protocol which includes cleansing or detoxing, getting rid of unwanted cellular tissue, stimulating change by infusing regenerative nutrient, hydrating and protection daily through sunscreens.

Most bodies are dehydrated so leaving skin in the same dilemma. When one feels hungry when they shouldn’t be, chances are they are really thirsty. If we could change our way of thinking and drink water rather than reach for food our bodies might just function better. Thus, when we hear that especially this time of year our skin feels dry, extra moisture needs to be added to the skin.

No, I didn’t say moisturizer! Hyaluronic acid does a wonderful job when applied under one’s moisturizer. When using a serum, it can be added when needed which may not be every time you apply your moisturizer. Serums are economical for that reason and can be used only as needed.

Other topical serums are Vitamin C which is a protector of your skin’s collagen. Vitamin K reduces discoloration and blotchiness caused by a dysfunctional venial system as seen as broken blood vessels often found around the nose, cheeks and chin. Epidermal growth factors actually talk to the cells aiding in correcting their function. Alpha lipoic acid and DMAE also support the skins health.

Since many medications side effects affect the skin and body, supplementation is virtually necessary for everyone to maintain balance. We’re trying to do our part, are you doing yours?

By Brenda Romanow