Skin
Why do some people have great skin and others struggle with eczema, acne, psoriasis and more?
Skin issues can have many origins, from a poor diet, hormone imbalances, stress, nutrient deficiencies, gut issues and more. They can be reflective of what’s happening inside of the body.
No matter what skin care products you use or how many lotions you pamper yourself with, whats important is what you put into your body. Healthy skin really does come from within.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body and acts as one of our first lines of defence from the outside world. Working on your overall health is key to improving both your defence and your skin.
Skin issues can indicate that something deeper is going on in your body. Looking for the root cause, digging a little deeper makes sense, for example, dry scaly patches could indicate high levels of insulin, dry skin could mean low thyroid function, skin that is itchy could indicate food allergies and dermatitis. A nutritional therapist can guide and support you with this.
Nutritional therapists consider the science behind creating great skin. This begins with the inside of the body, rebalancing, reducing inflammation, creating overall health and healthy glowing skin.
Here are a few basic steps to consider when looking within for skin health:
Removing refined sugar and processed food. Collagen and elastin are proteins found in the skin. They work together to give skin its texture, shape, strength and youthful appearance. Sugar sticks to amino acids (present in collagen) and elastin creating changes that age skin.
Address food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can trigger skin conditions. A common culprit is dairy which contributes to acne. An elimination diet of other offenders is an effective way to address food sensitivities. These include; gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, corn, peanuts and sugar.
Working on your gut. Your skin is often a reflection of your gut health. Addressing underlying gut issues is key. Reduce bad bacteria, increase good bacteria/probiotics and include prebiotics, beneficial plant based foods, healthy fats and proteins to encourage balance and calm within the gut.
Optimise nutrients. Deficiencies in key nutrients can contribute to inflammatory conditions of the skin. Identifying deficiencies and optimising your nutrient status is key for great skin health.
Manage sleep. Poor sleep can have a devastating impact on health and ageing. It diminishes skin barrier function and causes the body stress, creating an inflammatory response within.
Manage stress. Stressful periods can contribute to skin flare ups of eczema or psoriasis. Stress is inevitable, but finding ways to manage daily stress has been shown to increase resilience when faced with stressful times. Try incorporating breathing techniques, yoga, or 20 minute meditation practice into your routine.
Exercise and sweat. Toxins are excreted from your body when you sweat. Exercise, saunas and steam rooms are great ways to remove toxins from your body.
Consider which skin products you choose. Use paraben, petrochemicals, lead or other toxin free creams and cosmetics. Drugs and chemicals are easily absorbed through your skin.
Hydration. Water helps from the inside out strengthening the protective barrier. Higher water intake has a positive impact on the skin.