By Anne Salazar, RH (AHG)

Clinical Herbalist

Skin health is directly affected by nutrition.  In other words, it's not just about what you put ON your skin, it's also vitally important what you consume.  In fact, the deepest layers of your skin (the newest cells) actually become the cells on the outside layer of your skin every 28 days. So the nutrients available to your body as these new cells are formed affect the quality of your skin cells and ultimately your skin’s functioning. Nutrients such as essential fatty acids, antioxidants, flavonoids are essential for healthy skin cells which make healthy hydrated skin.  

 

Last week we explained the benefits of drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. This of course helps with skin hydration. But not all skin is equal in its ability to retain water and stay hydrated, even if you are getting plenty of water. Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 3, 6, and 7), all promote optimal skin hydration and protection. If we don't have the essential fatty acids we need, our skin cannot make the lipids it needs to solidify our skin's barrier, thus increasing transepidermal water loss. Since most Americans do not get a sufficient amount of these, it's important to supplement them. 

 

Nutritional supplementation can benefit your skin by:

• Fighting the signs of aging from within

• Providing essential nutrients that promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin

• Providing antioxidant activity that protects skin from free radical damage

• Nourishing the skin and helping to keep it hydrated

• Improving the integrity of skin, as well as hair and nails

 

 It can be tough to make sure you’re getting enough fatty acids in your diet everyday, so we’ve included foods and supplements that are nutritious sources of these beneficial EFAs!

 

Omega-3

• Sustainably, Wild-Caught Salmon

• Flax and Chia Seeds

• Nordic Naturals Pro Omega Supplement

• Nordic Naturals Algae Omega Supplement

 

Omega-6

• Pasture-Raised Eggs

• Sunflower + Pumpkin Seeds

• Walnuts

• Pure Encapsulations Borage Oil

• Omega Factors Ultra Prim Supplement

 

Omega-7

• Avocado

• Macadamia Nuts

• New Chapter Seabuckthorn Oil

 

Plant oils like Evening Primrose, Borage and Sea Buckthorn have a particular affinity for the skin. Even vaginal skin tissue can be rehydrated and rejuvenated by the oral intake of Sea Buckthorn Oil (Omega 7). This can be really helpful for ladies who experience pain with sex. 

 

What about Oily Skin?

You might be asking if adding oils in your diet is okay if you have oily skin? Oily skin is different than dehydrated skin. One is due to too much oil production or sebum, while  the other is due to too little water or decreased integrity of skin cells.  If you have acne prone oily skin, you do not need to avoid essential oils for fear of increased oil production. Dehydrated skin is more prone to showing fine lines and dark circles under the eye. Increasing water intake and essential fatty acids can be very helpful in reducing dehydration without increasing breakouts or oil production.

 

As we continue through this heat, make sure you are giving your body everything it needs to keep your skin healthy! Your body will thank you and you will be thanking yourself in 28 days as your new best skin is revealed!