Does Your Diet Affect Your Skin?

Diet vs. Your Skin

As the largest organ of our body, skin needs care and nutrients just like other organs. The key is how the nutrients are delivered. For skin, it is not just what you put on your skin topically; your diet plays an important role. Read more to find how diet affects your skin.

We know what we put on the top of our skin is important, but many people overlook what they put inside of their bodies and how it affects their skin. What we eat has a major effect on the quality and state of our skin health. 

Additionally, what we drink may also affect the appearance of our skin. Genetics and family history play a major role when it comes to skin, but diet can either make these pre-existing conditions better or worse. Everyone is different, and, therefore, food may affect everyone’s skin in a different way. However, here are a few common types of foods and the effects they may have on your skin. 

Excessively greasy foods such as pizza can often lead to breakouts and other skin flare-ups. Dairy is also another common cause of breakouts for a large population of people. It is observed that foods with a high GI, or glycemic index, often lead to skin problems. This is because those that consume foods with high GI causes the oil secretions in their skin to become less fluid-like and more sticky, causing it to adhere to skin cells and create pimples. Foods that are high in sugar don’t only lead to breakouts but can also cause premature aging to occur. A process called glycation, where sugars attach to the collagen in skin, starts to happen which leads to early wrinkles and the sagging of skin after a period of time. 

Luckily, there have been studies showing that certain foods can actually improve skin conditions over time. Foods including fish, seaweed, flaxseeds, and walnuts are a source of omega-3 fatty acids that are associated with improved appearance of the skin. Eating leafy greens and foods high in zinc, such as oysters, chickpeas, and cashews, are known to reduce inflammation can be beneficial for those who suffer from acne, eczema, or other problematic skin conditions. 

Also, remember the fluids you ingest can have an effect on your skin. It is always important to remember to drink sufficient amounts of water to keep your body hydrated, your skin plump, and to flush out toxins. This could potentially help with skin problems like acne. Consuming beverages with high amounts of sugar, such as soda or alcohol, can lead to acne or skin flare-ups. 

There are many factors that go into the overall appearance of your skin, but try making adjustments to your diet and observe if anything helps your skin. If you suffer from problematic skin and cannot pinpoint the exact reason causing your condition, visit your dermatologist or doctor for professional help.