Everybody worries about their appearance - we’re only human. But did you know that you can impact your skin with your diet?
The things you eat affect your health, which probably isn’t new information for you. However, you might not know that your skin is affected, too.
Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body, made up of water, protein, fats, and minerals that help you feel tactile sensations, protect you from germs, and regulate your body temperature. Research shows that nutrition plays a key role in the health of your skin.
We’re not here to tell you not to treat yourself to those fancy truffles this Valentine’s Day - in fact, we encourage it! Diet certainly isn’t the only thing that influences skin, but it’s an important factor.
What Causes Acne?
Acne happens when cells are retained improperly during a cell turnover process called keratinization. This blocks the pores and traps proteins that become food for P. acnes, which is the bacteria that causes acne.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Over time, the collagen, elastin, and protein in your skin break down. This eventually causes wrinkles to form. This process can be accelerated by environmental factors, for example prolonged UV exposure.
What Foods Are Good for Skin?
A balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to promote overall wellbeing and healthy skin. Healthy foods also are associated with decreased inflammation and decreased likelihood of breakouts.
Some vitamins and minerals to focus on for your diet include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Selenium
These can be found in foods like:
- Fish
- Nuts and Seeds
- Turkey
- Lentils
- Peas
- Brown Rice
- Oranges
What Foods to Avoid for Bad Skin?
If you’re struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, making some adjustments to your diet may be able to help.
Foods that are high in fat content or contain a lot of sugar are two common culprits. Foods to limit include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Soft Drinks
- Refined grains
- Chocolate
- Potato chips
- French fries
At the end of the day, while diet is an important factor in your skin’s health, your overall wellness routine is important, too. If your goal is to improve your skin, you should also incorporate things like a consistent skincare routine to your day to help prevent breakouts and more.