We all know that a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet is good for us, but does your diet affect your skin?
While the benefits of eating healthy include getting essential nutrients, boosting energy levels, and making us feel great, the connection between a nutritious diet and skin, hair, and nail health is something that is still widely researched and considered.
It’s safe to say that generally, being healthy on the inside translates to being healthy on the outside, but which foods should we be avoiding?
Acne
Whilst there is still research to be done on the topic, many dermatologists agree that diet plays a role in the development and prevention of acne.
This is because acne is caused by skin cells that grow abnormally, whether that’s down to blocked pores, or natural oils trapped beneath the skin’s surface.
Bacteria feed on these oils, leading to breakouts and acne on the skin. Eating a healthier diet can help to combat this process, encouraging the growth of healthy skin cells instead.
A diet full of refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and sugar can cause inflammation in the skin which can aggravate existing acne, so by cutting down on these foods, your skin cells will be able to grow normally and lessen the chance of acne.
In fact, studies have shown that people with acne are 54% more likely to have eaten high-fat, high-sugar foods than those who have never had acne!
A bundle to go alongside your acne-fighting diet is our Acne Fighter Bundle, curated with products designed to tackle the root cause of acne, leaving your skin smoother and clearer.
Signs of Ageing
Signs of ageing are, of course, inevitable, but things like wrinkles and fine lines can be amplified by oily and deep-fried foods as they don’t have enough protein in them to support the structure of your skin.
Sugar can also accelerate these signs of ageing by promoting cross-linking of collagen fibres which can cause structural changes in the skin which can sometimes be unrepairable.
It’s important as we age that we take care of our skin both inside and out, and our Age-Defying Bundle was created for exactly that.
Featuring three powerhouse products, this bundle has everything you need to give your skin love and care as it ages.
Dryness
A skin issue that can be caused by many different issues is dryness. Alongside things like weather and allergies, the things you consume can also cause this skin condition.
Dehydrated skin is also more likely to lead to signs of ageing as it has a higher chance of losing elasticity.
Things like alcohol and smoking can dry out the skin, so whether you’re consuming lots or not at all, always make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself and your skin hydrated.
You can also help keep your skin hydrated by increasing your intake of foods that are high in water content like fruits and vegetables.
Alongside hydrating internally, our Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Skin Duo is the perfect way to give your skin that extra hydration it deserves.
Skin Conditions
Alongside these skin issues that can crop up as a result of diet, lots of skin conditions can be caused by it, too.
Eczema can be triggered by individual allergies, so eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties is a great way to combat this. These foods include tomatoes, olive oil, leafy greens, and nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Rosacea could also be triggered by alcohol consumption, spicy food, and hot drinks as these things cause your body temperature to increase, making your capillaries dilate and blood rush to the surface of the skin. Avoiding these kinds of food and drink can help combat rosacea flare-ups.
Whilst it’s great to know which foods can affect your skin and how it’s also important to remember that a balanced diet is just one part of what contributes to your skin health, so make sure to maintain a healthy relationship with food whilst considering this.
Being happy is what brings out our inner glow, so don’t deny yourself of the foods you love - instead, try limiting foods that could be causing you skin issues, and experimenting with fun new recipes and healthy ingredients!