Diet and Skincare: Improve Your Skin With the Right Diet

Most people have struggled with their skin at one point or another. Whether you’re up against acne, fighting a skin condition or have the occasional breakout – no one’s skin is perfect. When it comes to having clear and healthy skin, a lot of it boils down to what you’re eating. Although some skin issues are genetic, diet and skincare and are known to be closely linked, so it’s worth taking a look at your current diet to determine if changing it up could provide you with glowing skin! 

The Link Between Diet and Skincare

If you’ve noticed you get a bad breakout after binging chips or indulging in a little too much dessert over the holidays, you know just how quickly certain foods can impact the health of your skin. But why is it that some foods cause breakouts, while others don’t? 

Dr. Mostafa Omar explores this question, explaining how “foods [that are] high in sugar may cause glycation or the binding of sugar molecules to collagen and lipids in your skin. Over time, these collagen proteins, which are responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and plump, start to break down”. This is just one of many ways in which certain foods can affect your skin. 

Research has also shown that some people experience worse skin after eating foods that are high on the glycemic index or dairy if they have an intolerance. The same goes for any food that increases inflammation and oil production. You may also see your skin get worse after eating salty food because it dehydrates your skin. Our skin needs moisture to stay healthy and when it’s not getting enough, you may end up with more blemishes than usual. 

Probiotics and Skincare 

Believe it or not, probiotics can often help to clear up skin. The ‘good’ bacteria that make up probiotics help support a healthy immune system, among other benefits including healthier skin! Since probiotics aid in digestion, they make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients so that your body is properly nourished. Daily probiotic supplements are great because they work to heal your gut which in turn affects your skin, targeting various conditions such as eczema and rosacea, for example. 

Adding probiotics to your daily routine is important if you want to achieve or maintain healthy skin. You can look for foods that are high in probiotics to start eating more regularly. Luckily there are quite a few foods to choose from including:

• Yogurt
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Kombucha
• Tempeh

If you’re looking for a natural way to clear up your skin, probiotics are a great place to start. Start introducing these foods to your diet when you’re hoping to up your probiotic intake. 

If you need an extra boost of probiotics you should consider a daily women’s probiotic that contains 5 strains of probiotics and 10 billion CFU or opt for a probiotic chewable with a tasty peach and mango flavor. Although you can get probiotics from the foods you eat, supplements will provide faster results. 

Read our blog about the benefits of probiotics to learn why you might want to start taking them daily!

Benefits of the Keto Diet

Another way you can start working to clear up your skin is by making a change in your existing diet as a whole. If you haven’t followed a diet before, the keto diet could be the answer to your skincare problems. 

This guide is perfect for those who are new to keto and want to learn more. 

Reduces Breakouts 

The keto diet is focused on low sugar and low carb intake, which is great if you’re working to get rid of breakouts. People who eat lots of foods that are high in sugars and carbs are more likely to suffer from acne. Some foods such as bread, crackers, pasta (with white flour), rice noodles, maple syrup and sodas can sneak up on you if you’re eating them frequently. 

When you start the keto diet, you stop eating those types of foods, which can lead to a dramatic shift in the health and overall look of your skin. Say goodbye to breakouts! 

Introducing more Collagen 

Collagen already exists in our bodies but starts to deplete as we age. We naturally lose collagen that keeps our skin tight and youthful, while fostering a healthy gut and helping with joint pain, among other benefits. 

Collagen peptides can be taken as a supplement to help introduce more hydration and elasticity to your skin. Since they’re often beef-based, it’s perfect for anyone on a keto diet and it can be added to just about any food or drink. This multi-collagen complex has a blend of 5 types of collagen to make your skin look better than ever. 

Helps With Inflammation 

Dr. Jaliman explains that Inflammation occurs when you’re not at the right percentage of fats, carbs and proteins. Inflammation can present in the form of varying types of skin conditions such as psoriasis so if you’re dealing with a skin condition, it’s likely a sign that your diet is off. 

The keto diet tries to stick to a certain percentage of fats, carbs and proteins throughout the day. Eating within this diet will help you start working towards clearer skin and calming down the inflammation. 

Should You Start the Keto Diet? 

Are you going to try out the keto diet? It could be the missing piece to having healthier skin. After taking a look at the ways in which diet and skincare are linked, it’s clear that the foods you choose to put in your body will ultimately impact how your skin looks. It’s important to remember that getting clear and healthy skin will take time. While being on the keto diet is likely to improve your skin, it won’t happen overnight! Focusing on eating whole foods and being consistent with your diet will make a huge difference in how your skin looks over time.