Holistic Approaches to Dermatology: Integrating Nutrition and Lifestyle for Better Skin
Holistic dermatology is an approach that considers the interconnectedness of our overall well-being with our skin health. Holistic or functional dermatology emphasizes the importance of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices to aid in our journey toward radiant, healthy skin.
Factors such as individual biochemistry, gut microbiome, age, hormone profile, diet, and lifestyle all play a crucial role in influencing the progression of symptoms and diseases. In functional dermatology, our emphasis lies in comprehending the entirety of each person and the dynamic interplay of these factors that contribute to underlying skin conditions.
Understanding the connection between our skin health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices is the first step in starting your holistic journey in dermatology. Nutrition plays a major role in our skin health, as certain foods may cause inflammation and breakouts while others support and repair our skin. Our lifestyle choices, such as sleep, diet, exercise, and skincare can also affect our skin.
Certain diets can negatively impact your skin, such as eating lots of greasy, sugary, or processed foods. Opt for nutrient-rich foods instead:
Antioxidants: Antioxidants help to protect your skin from free radicals, and unstable molecules that trigger oxidative stress. Eating antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables will protect your skin and reduce oxidative damage to your skin
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of benefits for your skin including hydration, regulation of oils, minimizing breakouts, and preventing signs of aging. To incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids try eating more fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins A, C, and E are all essential for your skin health helping to promote skin healing, hydration, collagen production, and cell renewal while reducing breakouts and inflammation. Similarly, minerals like zinc and selenium help protect your skin and reduce inflammation and breakouts.
Just like your diet, poor lifestyle choices can harm your skin. To aid your overall health and your skin’s, practice these healthy habits:
- Get Quality Sleep: Sleep is when your body initiates its healing and repair processes. For your skin, this is when your skin cells regenerate and any oxidative damage from the day is treated. Furthermore, lack of sleep can contribute to dark circles, fine lines, and dull complexion. To ensure proper skin health and appearance, always get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Adequate Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for your body, especially your skin. Hydrating keeps your skin supple and prevents dryness so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your day.
- Manage Your Stress: Stress can take a toll on your skin, contributing to the worsening of various skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, hives, etc. To avoid stressing yourself and your skin out, practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
- Protect Your Skin: Excess sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, contributing to fine lines, dryness, and sun spots. Furthermore, persistent UV rays can damage your skin and contribute to skin cancer. Fortunately, this is preventable by applying regular sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and shading yourself from the sun.
You may not realize it, but your everyday choices can greatly affect your skin health. Fortunately, the physicians at Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center are experts in functional dermatology to encourage better skin and better health from the inside out.
