Do you have skin issues? Could your diet use some cleaning up? Believe it or not, these two things might be connected, and there may be a solution to the issue.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is on constant display for all to see. Taking care of your skin is extremely important, and that means not only is working on it from the outside a must, but doing so from the inside is too. Everybody’s metabolism is different, and without a doubt, everyone goes through good and bad periods with their skin. So, the question is, where does nutrition fit in?
What you eat has far reaching implications for your health, including issues with your skin. Let’s look at how your diet affects your skin and what you can do about it.
Healthier Food Means Healthier Skin
What you eat affects your health. Nobody is perfect when it comes to eating and living a healthy lifestyle. But every little bit helps, and focusing on nutrition as much as you can reap its benefits.
Your skin is your most visible organ and is often one of the first places that will show signs of poor diet, sleep issues, and other unhealthy lifestyle factors. Some foods are better for your skin than others, as every healthy food tends to target specific aspects of your health.
The Importance of Collagen
Your skin is made of many things, but collagen is the most crucial protein within your skin. Collagen has a connective tissue component that aids in supporting and connecting other parts of your body. This includes bones, cartilage, muscles, internal organs, and your skin. Collagen is often marketed as a skincare product, but it helps with your overall health as well.
Collagen production is often influenced by nutrition and unique treatments that promote higher levels. These treatments include DOT Therapy, Skin Booster micro-injections, Healite II, Fraxel lasers, PIP, and low-level light therapy treatments.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein located in the skin and body. It helps strengthen and provide resilience to tendons and ligaments.
High collagen levels keep your skin looking plump and young. Collagen levels decrease as we age, and they substantially decrease after age 55. With decreased collagen levels, your skin is far more prone to show fine lines and wrinkles. You may also develop different colors of pigmentation, such as sunspots of aging marks, along your face, chest, and neck as production declines. Your skin also thins and loosens because of the decrease in elasticity, another effect of collagen reduction.
The aging process also gets sped up when your skin is exposed to the sun unprotected. You should always wear moderate-to-high SPF sunscreen when going outside to slow down the effects of aging and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
How What You Eat Affects Your Skin
You can consume supplements to slow the process of collagen loss in your skin and body.
Vitamins A, C, E, D, and K also aid in replenishing collagen levels and postponing the aging process.
Vitamin A
- Helps with cellular renewal and healthy skin
- It’s found in animal (retinoids) and plant (carotenoids) sources
- Retinoids in Vitamin A aid with the reconstruction of collagen and remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the epidermis, revealing healthier skin underneath.
Vitamin A is found in sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, carrots, lettuce, winter squashes, cantaloupe, dried apricots, fish, bell peppers, tropical fruits, and liver.
Vitamin C
- Is imperative for collagen production.
- Is considered a “free radical-fighting antioxidant,” and can help prevent collagen breakdown.
- We cannot naturally produce Vitamin C, so we have to consume it.
- Antioxidants aid in cellular renewal and aid in the creation of collagen.
Vitamin C is found in red peppers, oranges, kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, grapefruit, strawberries, and guava.
Vitamin E
- Can help protect your body from premature aging caused by sun damage and pollutants.
- Combined with Vitamin C, works to reconstruct collagen.
- Can keep your skin looking younger, aiding in retaining moisture, suppleness, and firmness.
Vitamin E is found in nuts, spinach, avocado, seafood, and whole grains.
Vitamin D
- Many people in the world are vitamin D deficient – a supplement can help balance these levels
- It’s often considered the “miracle” vitamin because of its many benefits for your overall health.
- Make sure you check the quality of supplements for Vitamin D. Intake and absorption are not equal, and some work better than others.
- Winter is often the time when Vitamin D levels drop.
- Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many diseases.
- It’s essential for skin tone and collagen production, and healthy cell renewal.
- You should consume about 600 IU per day.
- You may need more if you; ’re pregnant or over the age of 70.
You can increase your Vitamin D intake by:
- Getting at least 10 minutes of sun exposure each day. Be cautious to avoid sunburns.
- Eating foods rich in Vitamin D, whether fortified or natural.
Schedule Your Skincare Appointment Today
We at Dulce Lash and Skin want to help you look and feel your best in 2021. We offer a wide range of services, including flawless eyelash extensions, lash lift and tint, brow microblading, body waxing, various skincare treatments, and more.
Our skincare services include anti-aging medical spa treatments to defy age and revitalize your appearance such as Microneedling w/PRP (also known as the “Vampire Facelift”), IPL lasers, and Oxygen Facial Treatments. Also offering a wide variety of skin rejuvenation procedures from microdermabrasion and chemical peels to both therapeutic and relaxing facial treatments, our highly skilled master aestheticians will guide you through a personalized plan to address all your skincare needs.
Drop us a line for more information or book your appointment today at one of our five beautiful locations across Washington State.
We look forward to seeing you!