How to keep your skin healthy

By Bio Island Nutrition Team

Our skin is one of our bodies major organs and it plays a role in secretion, heat regulation, absorption, protection and elimination, it’s no surprise that it is one of the top things we want to look after and ensure it glowing all year round. Besides cleansing and moisturising regularly key lifestyle and diet interventions can be implemented to keep our skin healthy and keep it functioning at its best ability.

Of course, water is our number one intervention as our bodies consist of 70% fluid. So, we need to make sure we are consistently meeting our water requirements. This means we also need to remove and limit drinks such as energy drinks, soft drinks, alcohol and coffee.

We need to remember that our gut, skin and immune system are all intrinsically connected. Meaning our diet plays a huge role in how these systems function. So, making sure we are consuming a wide range of meats, fruits and vegetables are needed to make sure we are getting enough vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and fibres for our bodies to run at their best. This also means removing any trigger foods like gluten or diary that may cause inflammation, though this is dependent on each individual.

Essential fatty acids are very important as good fats help stimulate collagen synthesis, help make hormones, and keep your skin nourished and lubricate from the inside out.

Consuming foods higher in zinc or by supplementation if you are deficient have shown to help with skin conditions as it helps support the immune system, reduce inflammation and stabilise hormones.

Like your digestive system the skin also functions as an organ of elimination. If your body isn’t digesting properly then your skin will be dealing with an excess toxic load. Many disorders such as acne, depression, food allergies, and asthma have links to the health of the gut. Which is why it is so important to replenish our bodies with good bacteria as a lot of lifestyle factors such as chlorinated water, processed foods, antibiotics and stress fight off this good bacterium.

So where do we get more? Probiotics and fermented foods are a good start. When foods go through fermentation it begins to produce beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli, along with other strains, that sustain the health of your entire body. Without enough of these healthy bacteria in your body you may begin to experience symptoms that range throughout the body but often begin with your skin.

We are constantly told we all need to get outside and get some sun to absorb vitamin D, but when we do this, we need to remember to protect our skin at the same time. The more time we spend in the sun the greater chance damage starts to occur deep in our skin where new cells are made, this then increases the rate at which our skin ages and the general overall health of our skin.

This is because our skin is designed to absorb UVA and UVB rays from the sun but when we have too much our skin has to work hard to ensure the system is working efficiently, and over time we essentially go through wear and tear. Presenting itself through early signs of aging, pigmentation, wrinkles and general loss of tone and texture. This is why it is extremely important to always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear sun protection.

From food, hydration and protection there are many ways you can help look after one of your bodies largest assets, your skin.

This information does not take into account your personal situation and is general in nature. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and seek professional medical advice.

Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or if any concerns arise.