Sensitive Skin: 5 Ways Skincare Products Can Boost the Effects of a Healthy Diet
The Skinsmith | 2nd September 2021
The skin is our largest organ, it is our first line of defence against UV damage, environmental stressors, pollution and from bacteria, infection and disease. This vital organ though can be left at the back of the queue when it comes to receiving nutrients from our diet! Incorporating a healthy skincare routine along with a healthy diet will result in healthier more nourished skin.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet for Your Skin
Let’s first look at why a healthy diet is so important for healthy skin.
Your skin is constantly working, shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones, this means it needs a continual supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to maintain this ongoing renewal process. Eating a balanced and varied diet will help to feed your skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier function which plays an important part in protecting us from external stressors. Ensuring your skin is in optimal condition will also help to protect your sensitive skin from the damaging effects of harsh soaps body products and facial products.
These products can strip your skin of vital oils and hydration which can lead to irritation, inflammation, dryness and sensitive skin. Instead opt for gentle cleansers formulated with natural botanicals which treat and hydrate the skin and provide the best “foods” for the skin directly.
Essential Foods to Support Healthy Skin
Chemical exfoliation for the face is often a blend of acids and enzymes that are applied topically and work on the surface and depending on the exfoliant, within the deeper layers of the skin. On the surface of the skin, they work to remove the dead skin cells whilst in the deeper layers they help to stimulate collagen and elastin production. On the surface of the skin chemical exfoliation reveals a brighter, smoother, more youthful appearance as the new cells are no longer hidden underneath the dead cells! Within the skin chemical exfoliation can help improve firmness, elasticity and support, resulting in a younger complexion with minimised lines, wrinkles and sagging.
When you exfoliate your skin regularly you will also find that your other products work more effectively and you often use less as the dead skin is no longer acting like a barrier to those products!
There are many different kinds of Hydroxy Acids and some work better on certain skin types:
The Best Foods for Your Skin and Their Benefits
Although a healthy and varied diet is the solution for whole body health there are some specific foods that are more suited to what the skin needs!
Antioxidant Rich Foods
Antioxidant rich foods are best for skin health and are found in most fruits and vegetables, some of the most potent antioxidant foods include: Broccoli, Leafy Greens like Spinach and Kale, Berries especially Blueberries and Acai Berries, Beans, Pecans and Red Grapes. Antioxidants play a big part in keeping our skin healthy, youthful and free from disease as they fight free radicals which cause premature aging, inflammation and illness.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of polyphenol which is a group of plant molecules, they’re excellent at protecting against our skin against UV damage which is the main cause of skin aging – they are also high in antioxidants. Food rich in flavonoids are Green Tea, Kale, Citrus Fruits and even dark chocolate!
Vitamins A, C and E
There are many vitamins that are needed to keep your skins layers healthy including Vitamin D, K and the B vitamins, however, the “ACE” vitamins are found in many anti-aging skincare products as they repair and heal signs of aging, help even out skin tone, brighten the complexion, they are anti-inflammatory and calming, boost collagen production and promote cell renewal. Good sources of Vitamin A include; Dairy, Eggs, Oily Fish, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots and Red Peppers. Vitamin C is found in Citrus Fruits, Peppers, Broccoli, Strawberries and even Potatoes! And you can find Vitamin E in Almonds, Avocados and Wheat Germ Oil.
Minerals
Zinc, Copper and Selenium, protect your skin against UV damage, strengthen the skins barrier function and contain antioxidants. Selenium, found in Brazil Nuts, Spinach, Peas and Dairy products will help to reduce your chance of burning when exposed to UV and can lessen your risk of skin cancers. Copper, found in Dark Chocolate, Leafy Greens, Shellfish, Nuts and Seeds helps strengthen the skin’s structure and boosts elastin production whilst Zinc balances oil production helping to keep your skin clearer. You can find Zinc in foods such as Leafy Greens, Nuts, Seeds, Whole Grains and Dairy produce.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids the “Omegas” play an essential role in keeping your skin plumped and hydrated, especially Omega-3 and 6. They keep our cell membranes healthy and make up the lipids in our natural skin’s barrier which helps to reduce dry and sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, it could be due to a lack of these “essential” fatty acids! Great sources of EFA’s are Salmon, Walnuts, Grains, Poultry and Flax.
The Benefits of Skincare Products Such as Anti-Aging Creams
When your skin is lacking in any of these vital nutrients you will see and feel those effects at the skins surface. Your skin may appear dull with possible darker spots or under eye circles. You may feel it is rougher in texture and may even be flaky, dry and even more sensitive to touch. You may have redness and irritation and any lines and wrinkles may be accentuated.
Anti-aging creams are formulated to treat and prevent the visible signs of aging they are often higher in Vitamins A, C and E and antioxidant rich ingredients to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten dull skin and repair collagen and elastin fibres to lift and firm the skin. A hydrated skin will also appear younger and smoother to the touch.
How Skincare Boosts Effects of Healthy Diet
As your skin is last in line for receiving nutrients from your diet it is a good idea to “supplement” your dietary nutrition for the skin with topical nutrition from skin and body care products. These products will infuse the skin with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids and other nutrients from ingredients such as organic botanicals.
They are formulated to protect the skin, prevent aging, fight free radical damage, and reduce sensitive skin. For the healthiest of skins, it is best to feed the skin both dietarily and topically by eating a varied and balanced diet rich in healthy oils, antioxidants and nutrients along with a skincare routine that feeds your skin with the same essential ingredients you have in your everyday diet.
Sound Good? Discover The Value of Using Our Sensitive Skincare Products Within Your Daily Skincare Routine
Discover the value of switching to and using our range of The Skinsmith skincare products within your daily skincare routine by checking out our guide here.
You can also find out more about our sensitive skincare range by contacting a member of our team by using our quick and easy contact form below. You can also get in touch with a member of the Skinsmith team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
