I have practiced aesthetics for over 23 years and have been a Certified Nutritionist for 10 years. Early in my aesthetics career, I treated an abundance of acne clients and noticed a direct link between skin challenges and diet. I became curious about how to help my current clients from the inside out, which inspired me to become a Certified Nutritionist.
Diet plays a significant role in the way your skin looks and feels.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and the way diet affects skin can vary for each person depending on genetics and food sensitivities. Several studies have examined how foods affect wrinkling, fine lines, and dryness.
Foods ideal for your best skin appearance are high in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamin C, beta carotene, lycopene, and vitamin K.
A diet high in sugar and processed food can lead to acne breakouts, inflammation, and premature aging. In addition, diet can stimulate the production of hormones that cause or make current acne breakouts worse. Milk and sugary foods are an example of this. These foods can cause a rise in insulin levels, altering hormones that affect the skin. I recommend that acne clients choose foods low on the Glycemic Index to avoid inflammation that can lead to breakouts.
When treating acne, I consult with the client about their general lifestyle and diet. This questioning will help identify foods that may trigger acne breakouts. Then I have the client eliminate them over the course of 30 days.
When coupled with home care and professional treatments, a change in diet can make for the final piece of the acne treatment puzzle. However, it’s important to remember that it’s a vital part of the overall equation, not a guaranteed fix. Customization is critical when treating any skin type and many skin challenges.