Did you know that a low glycemic diet with steady blood sugar levels is scientifically proven to keep your skin at its best? My clients hear me talk about the importance of treating food as part of their skincare routine—as well as the importance of keeping their inflammation down—daily, especially if they’re suffering from acne, eczema, rosacea, pigmentation, or prematurely aging skin.
Insulin and inflammation
While it used to be a wide-held belief that blood sugar levels didn’t have an impact on the skin, new research has deemed a possible link between a high glycemic diet and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, pigmentation, and prematurely aging skin.
As board-certified clinical dermatologist Dr. Saya Obayan puts it, “Sugar is an inflammatory food, so sugar causes inflammation within the body.” She states that because sugar is processed directly through the gut, it then enters your bloodstream, which leads to external inflammation. This is why high-glycemic foods have a negative impact on the skin: foods such as white bread, candy, pastries, or pop contain sugars that causes your insulin to spike and trigger inflammation.
What other foods trigger acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions?
On top of steering clear of high glycemic foods, there is new evidence that dairy irritates the skin—especially when you are prone to acne. While the reason for this is still up for debate, there are two leading theories: one is that, because of the artificial hormones that dairy cows are treated with, consuming those hormones can unbalance your own hormones and trigger acne. Another theory points towards the natural growth hormones in milk acting as an acne trigger as well.
Since skim milk is deemed the most likely to trigger acne, many signs point towards the processed sugars added to milk—as well as the hormones in it—having a negative impact on the skin.
Which foods are BENEFICIAL for the skin?
Here at Clear Skin Solutions, we are huge advocates for diets rich in quality Omegas. This includes salmon, which is rich in Omega-3; oysters, which have the added benefit of being loaded with zinc, which is proven to calm acne; and ghee, flax seeds, and flaxseed oil, which all contain high amounts of Omega-3.
On top of maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet, an emphasis on Omega-3 works to counteract many common skin complaints, specifically psoriasis, acne, and aging skin. Proven in both topical and oral treatments, studies have suggested benefits for patients with plaque psoriasis when Omega-3 was added to topical treatments due to the fatty acids found in Omega-3 that help to repair the skin; benefits seen in moderate-to-severe acne patients when Omega-3 supplements were added to their diet; and signs of reversed aging when adding daily Omega-3 intake to patients’ diets.
What can Clear Skin Solutions do to help?
We help guide clients that suffer from acne, eczema, rosacea, pigmentation, and prematurely aging skin to a sustainable anti-inflammatory diet. As skin therapists, our aim is for you to achieve glowing, healthy skin for life—and building a list of foods and supplements that will keep you on your journey is an integral part of that.
During consultations, two tried-and-true supplements that we specifically recommend are the LEROSETT® ClearPoint® Acne Supplements, which are all-natural, prescription-free clear skin supplements that work to minimize oil backup and help clear pimples, and the Omega-3 based ProEPA® with Concentrated GLA, a highly concentrated omega oil blend that provides support for the heart, skin, and immune system.
Contact us today to learn how we can guide you towards skin that glows from the inside-out!