SKIN DEEP

Skin deep

The next time you have a skin crisis it may be the contents of your fridge, and not your bathroom cupboard, that come to your rescue. Research into the role of nutrition in a healthy skin regime has put a lot of punch behind the idea that we are what we eat.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and a very powerful elimination system. Your digestive system is directly linked to your skin, so it makes sense that a clear, healthy and glowing skin has as much to do with what we eat as the products that we apply topically.

In many ways, the skin is a mirror of what is going on inside us. Nutrition is often overlooked in the skin industry, however, says founder of the Revive Skin Lounge in Cape Town Karina Els, who insists that a holistic approach to skin care is crucial.

The ‘skinny’ on healthy foodstuffs

Nutritious, wholesome food provides the building blocks for great skin. The first foodstuff to add to your shopping list is the essential unsaturated fatty acid Omega-3. As Els explains, Omega-3 is responsible for maintaining the health of one’s cell membranes. Without it, one’s cells shrivel and prevent the proper absorption of nutrients. The best sources for Omega-3 are oily fish and nuts (particularly walnuts and Brazilian nuts), but because few of us eat enough fish in a week to meet daily requirements, supplements are the next best thing.

Collagen is produced in the fibroblasts of the human dermis and is essential for healthy, firm skin.  Both the quality and quantity of collagen decrease in ageing skin, often due to the effect of external factors such as exposure to the sun,

especially UVA radiation. collagen not only decrease but the collagen fibres begin to cross-link14,15and this is often due to the effect of external factors such as exposure to the sun, especially UVA radiation6. The result of this cross-linking is that the skin

Second on the list should be Vitamin C, especially if you have already celebrated your 28th birthday. From around the age of 28 our fibroblast cells which produces collagen begin to slow down and collagen production decreases . Vitamin C reduces the damage caused by free radicals and can be naturally ingested through foodstuffs such as fresh berries and kiwi fruit.

Besides free radicals, ageing is also caused by inflammation. Your best defence against both of these elements is to stock up on as many antioxidants as possible. Antioxidants can be found in many forms, but some common foodstuffs that contain high concentrates of antioxidants include berries (especially the dark berries, such as; blueberries, elderberries and black currants), beans (especially red beans), broccoli, brussel sprouts, red and yellow peppers and carrots.

Don’t forget to add green tea to the items listed above. It is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and it is also a great way to get in your crucial one to two litres of water per day.

When we move to minerals, Els stresses that zinc is very important in one’s diet, especially if you suffer from acne and eczema. When consumed either in supplement form or through eating foodstuffs such as oysters, lean meat and poultry, zinc helps to control oil production and heal lesions.

From the inside out

Your skin is a remarkable barometer of your body’s health. There are certain factors we cannot control, such as age and genetics, but other factors such as your hygiene routine, circulation, digestion and detoxification have a direct bearing on the texture, tone and clarity of your skin.

Good nutrition and beautiful skin is a lifestyle, says Els. Everything you eat has a positive or negative effect on the hormonal and digestive system. Skin cells rely on a balanced supply of nutrients to grow, strengthen and fight free radical damage. Given the importance of keeping your digestive tract and liver in good working order for healthy skin, it is important to have a diet rich in unprocessed foods and high in fibre.

Beauty in a bottle

The debate around beauty products and cosmetic miracles will always rage on. There is no denying that the right products for your skin type and your age can alter the appearance of your skin in a very positive way, but the efficiency of the product is dependent on a number of factors, such as the condition of your skin and the concentration and quality of the ingredients in your products. Els also emphasises the importance of choosing the right product for your skin type. If you have a sensitive skin, for example, be careful of being overenthusiastic with your skin care regime, as you can strip your skin of its natural oils with too much toning and cleansing.

As is the case with most things in life, finding a healthy balance is key.

Combining skin care products that are right for your skin with a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet can only do your body good and you will soon start seeing positive results in the clarity, tone and texture of your skin.