​​The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Skin Health: Integrative Medicine’s Approach

When you think about skin health, it’s easy to understand how topical products and general hygiene can play big roles. However, diet and nutrition are also key players in the health of your skin, affecting the skin aging process and the prevalence of skin conditions, like acne. Understanding this prominent link through an integrative approach can help you gain greater control over your skin health while improving your overall wellness. 

Read on to learn more about how diet and nutrition impact skin health. 

How Nutrition Can Affect Your Skin

Your skin is an organ, and like the other organs in your body, it requires a range of nutrients to function properly. Eating a nutrient-dense diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can help ensure you consume enough of the most important nutrients for skin health, such as:

• Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E
• Zinc
• Selenium 
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• B vitamins
• Probiotics to support the gut-skin axis

Consuming enough of these nutrients in your diet can help ward off signs of skin aging by fighting oxidative stress and encouraging tissue repair. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also benefit your skin by promoting natural hydration. 

Dietary Missteps That Can Compromise Skin Health

While a balanced, nutritious diet can benefit your skin, poor dietary choices can set the stage for sensitivities like eczema, psoriasis, and breakouts, as well as premature skin aging. Food habits to avoid to protect your skin include:

• Drinking excessive alcohol
• Consuming processed foods and trans fats
• Eating refined sugars and processed carbohydrates

Some people may also want to limit or avoid dairy, as it can worsen acne and skin inflammation in certain individuals. 

At Mind Body Spirit Care, we’re here to support your skin and whole body health with a comprehensive range of integrative services. Schedule your appointment today!