Usually when talking about skin health, you think products and sun exposure. But what is often forgotten is that diet plays a huge role in the health and look of your skin.
Knowing how diet impacts your skin, and what types of foods to eat (and avoid), is not only going to help you have better skin that resists aging, it will also help to improve your overall health, energy, and wellbeing too!
Here are some of the most important aspects of how diet impacts your skin…and a few recommendations on what to eat:
Nutrient supply:
The right diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are vital for skin health, repair, and regeneration.
For instance, vitamins A, C, and E have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radicals, while vitamin D plays a role in skin cell growth and repair.
Foods that will help ensure you are getting these key vitamins include sweet potatoes, seafood, carrots, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, nuts, and avocados.
Hydration:
Staying well-hydrated is essential for skin health. Water helps maintain skin elasticity, flush out toxins, and regulate oil production. Consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables such as cucumber or watermelon can also contribute to skin hydration.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and support the skin's natural barrier function, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental irritants.
The best way to get these is from fish such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines, but some nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax, and chia can also help. Though it is important to note that nuts are not nearly as good for getting omega-3s as fish!
If you aren’t into fish, taking a high quality fish oil supplement is also a great option.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can help prevent or reduce inflammation, which may contribute to skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Foods such as berries, green tea, and all types of dark leafy vegetables are great.
Gut-Health:
A healthy gut plays a vital role in overall skin health. Probiotics and prebiotics in the diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Foods that will help your gut health include fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut or kimchi, or certain dairy products including yogurt and kefir.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
Consuming a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which may trigger inflammation and hormone fluctuations.
These factors can contribute to skin problems like acne and premature aging. The key, then, is to avoid going overboard on carbs and processed foods.
Collagen Production:
Vitamin C, amino acids, and other nutrients in the diet play a crucial role in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain skin strength, elasticity, and firmness. Getting your lean meats and veggies is what will help you here.
Let's Review...
Diet impacts your skin for many different reasons, but the main thing to take away is that if you want better skin, you must make diet a part of your skincare routine.
Does that mean that diet is the only factor? Not at all. Other areas, such as stress management, sleep, and regular exercise, as well as using high-quality soaps, sunscreen, and other skin care products are also important.
What you have to remember though, is no matter what you put on top of your skin, if you don’t have the right building blocks for healthy skin from your food, then no amount of moisturizer, anti-aging cream, or acne product is going to help in the long run.
Next Steps...
Now that you know diet is critical to skin health, what comes next? Well, first and foremost, try to find 1-2 tweaks you can make in your current diet to help. You don’t need to overhaul everything you eat…just make a few small changes and build some momentum.
If you are struggling to know what exactly to do, or what changes are right for you, that is where we can help.
When you train with us, you will not only get a customized workout program, you will also get the nutrition support you need to reach your health and fitness goals.
And right now, we are registering people into our 28-Day Kickstart Program where you will get a customized exercise and eating program while having a coach to keep you accountable to your plan.
In this program you will get:
- Full fitness and goals assessment
- Personalized fitness coaching to teach you the exact exercises you need to safely and effectively move better and build stamina
- A simple meal plan to help you decrease inflammation, improve skin health, and lose weight
- 1-on-1 success coaching to help guide you as you work to change your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits
Click here to learn more and take back control of your health and fitness today!
Mint Condition Fitness empowers people to take control of their fitness and fully enjoy the life they have built.