Skin Health Diet w/ Topical Applications

Healthy Food is Necessary for Healthy Skin

Why? Because it directly affects skin appearance and feel.

For example, animal milk causes acne (see video sources below).

And, with healthy skin, the skin barrier can eventually restore the outermost layer of skin cells (stratum corneum).

Of course this is dependent on the extent of the original damage and any existing skin problems.

In addition, topical applications (ointments, lotions, creams) that are high in micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) complement a healthy diet which nourishes the epidermis (outer skin barrier).

Skin Structure

Human skin has two main layers, the epidermis (outer barrier) and the dermis (inner support network).

In the epidermis, the bottom layer of skin cells (basal) are constantly dividing in order to grow new ones.

As new cells are grown, the outermost layer of cells (stratum corneum) are shed over time.

Thus, it is within this cycle that the epidermis layer of skin is renewed.

The dermis is in between the epidermis and other tissues of the body and is at least ten times thicker than the epidermis.

Its main role is to provide integrity and flexibility to the skin.

In fact, most of the dermis is made up of collagen and elastic fibers which provides structural support and elasticity of the skin.

In addition, blood vessels supply nutrients for all skin layers and nerve fibers transmit signals between the skin surface and the brain.

Think of the outer skin barrier as a brick wall.

The cells (bricks) are surrounded by fat (mortar) keeping vital nutrients and water in and threats out.

Facial Skin

The most important area of our skin and the most frequently exposed area to UV light, pollutants, allergens, and other irritants.

Although the body is covered with natural oils (sebaceous glands of hair follicles), the face is particularly oily (sebum) which is believed to help hydrate the skin barrier.

You may wash it away the oils but they will usually return within a few hours.

Even if your skin is dry everywhere else.

Hands & Feet

Because our palms and soles are in physical contact with the world around us, they have a thicker skin barrier which make them strong enough to endure constant friction.

However, this thick skin barrier is surprisingly weak because there is no hair and therefore no follicles and less natural oils or fats (mortar).

Bathing Your Skin

Bathing washes away unwanted dirt, bacteria, sweat, cells, and more in order to renew the outer barrier of skin (epidermis).

Unfortunately, all cleansers (especially soaps) wash away a significant amount of natural oils (mortar) which can allow damage to the skin barrier.

Although, a damaged skin barrier leaks precious body water and may absorb unwanted threats.

Therefore, gently apply the smallest amount of mild cleansers.

Long bath times and warm temperatures help dissolve and extract the skin barrier’s natural oils making them easier to wash away.

In fact, skin becomes drier after bathing.

Not to mention, our bodies are more dehydrated as well.

Therefore, use cool water and moisturize.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be caused by many reasons, but usually body water loss is due to disruptions in the outermost skin barrier.

Causes of Dry Skin

Chemical exposures • Nutritional deficiencies • Temperature • Air flow • Humidity

Dry Skin Treatments

Healthy diet • Topical applications

Skin Photodamage

Skin exposures to ultraviolet (UV) light comes from either sunlight or tanning beds.

Although UV light aids in vitamin D synthesis, excessive exposures may cause permanent damage (i.e. photodamage).

Sunburn is the most common form of photodamage.

Excessive exposure causes a large inflammatory response, skin aging, and an increased risk of cancer.

Therefore, if you’re interested in simply darkening your skin you’re better off with an all-natural airbrush tan.

Also, wear protective clothing and frequently apply sunscreen during peak hours of sunlight.

Sunscreen Product Tips

• Use a high SPF (in case you don’t apply enough)
• UVB Protection (sun-burning and cancer-inducing rays)
• UVA Protection (promote some skin cancers and wrinkles)
• Water Resistant (longer coverage for sweating and swimming)

Signs of Photodamage

Skin laxity • Wrinkling • Thickening • Texture • Growths • Impaired wound healing • Discoloration

Photodamage Prevention

Limit exposure to UV light • Chemical-free sunscreens • Increase antioxidants • Skin health diet

Sagging Skin

Skin laxity (looseness) is caused when the dermis (inner layer) decreases its support of the epidermis (outer barrier).

This lack of support may be caused by a lack of collagen or damage to collagen.

It may also be associated with loss of blood vessels in the dermis which reduces nutrient availability to the skin.

These changes lead to a dull appearance and loss of protection.

Conclusion

In order to maintain healthy skin, limit exposures to harmful environmental threats and strengthen the outer skin barrier by simply eating nutritious foods and applying nutritious topical applications every day.

Sources: Latest In Nutrition Research

• ? National Dairy Council on Acne & Milk (2:30 Minute Video)
• ? Skim Milk & Acne (1:30 Minute Video)
• ? The Acne-Promoting Effects of Milk (1:30 Minute Video)
• ? Saving Lives by Treating Acne with Diet (4:30 Minute Video)

Sources: Skin Science

• ? Skin Health | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
• ? Peter M. Elias, M.D. & Mary L. Williams, M.D., Professors of Dermatology & Skin Scientists

If you like creating vegan recipes, check out our posts on vegan SMOOTHIE recipes, vegan SALAD recipes, and vegan SOUP recipes.