Answering Your Questions About Skincare and Nutrition

As hard as we try to keep our skin supple with external skincare, we all know that the food we consume also has a measurable effect on our skin. But information on this is often fuzzy, or even misleading, making huge promises and raising hopes which may well come crashing down. At the least, we become a bit disillusioned. At the most, we give in to our bad habits since the good ones weren't showing the progress we envisioned.

This blog aims to answer some questions and set the record straight in order to help you manage your expectations, navigate the slurry of information out there, as well as stay motivated in your choices.

1. How long does it take to see the effects of dietary changes on skin health?

The vague answer is it depends on how drastic your changes are combined with what you are trying to treat. Are you just changing your diet, or are you including exercise as well? Are you battling allergies and food sensitivities, or are you just aiming for a healthier glow? Do you struggle to stay consistent? The healthier and more holistic your lifestyle choices are, the quicker and better the changes you'll see; the simpler the issue you are addressing, the quicker it will be resolved.

The more clear cut answer is that it will take at least a couple of weeks and the evidence will not always be clearly visible, only if you compared your skin weeks or days apart, instead of daily. Sometimes you may even have an initial flare up in response to your changes, before things settle into the results you are wishing for.

2. Are there specific foods that can worsen skin conditions like acne or eczema?

Certain foods have been linked to exacerbating skin conditions like acne or eczema in some individuals. These may include processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, dairy products, and foods with a high glycemic index.

Triggers can vary from person to person, so it's essential to pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and adjust your diet accordingly. The trial and error of determining what causes flare ups in your unique body can add additional weeks/months to your process, so if it is an option, consider seeing a dermatologist, dietician, and/or nutritionist to get to the bottom of any sensitivities or allergies you may have.

3. Can supplements help improve skin health in addition to a healthy diet?

While a healthy diet should always be the foundation of good skin health, supplements can be beneficial for filling nutrient gaps or addressing specific skin concerns. Supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen peptides have been shown to support skin health and may complement a balanced diet. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.

4. How much water should I drink daily to support healthy skin hydration?

We no longer recommend the full 8 glasses, because water intake varies according to age, gender, activity level, and climate. Most of us don't know when we are truly thirsty, and sometimes even mistake our thirst for hunger. In order to retrain your body into recognising thirst, 8 glasses is a good starting point for the average person, averagely active. The more water you add in the beginning, the more you will start to recognise your thirst naturally, distinguish between thirst and hunger, and recognise when you are also adding hydration to your body through the foods you consume.

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining skin hydration, flushing out toxins, and promoting overall health and vitality. A lot of what we consume already has water/hydration built into it, but it also tends to come with other stuff, like salt or sugar, which add to what needs to be flushed or can even dehydrate us. A little bit of research will give you some wonderful ideas for adding water daily.

5. Are there specific foods or nutrients that can help protect the skin from sun damage?

Certain foods and nutrients have been shown to provide natural protection against sun damage and support skin health from within. These include antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, as well as polyphenols found in foods like green tea, dark chocolate, and berries. Additionally, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation and support skin resilience to UV damage.

None of these are a replacement for proper sun protection and sunscreen, such as wearing sunscreen and seeking shade during peak sun hours, for comprehensive sun protection.

We hope these answers provide some clarity, but if you have any questions or comments, feel free to send them through.