Skin Health

The skin is our body's largest organ both in terms of surface area and weight. Its functions include thermoregulation, protection, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, excretion of waste and toxins and absorption. Amazingly, the entire surface of our skin is replaced every 20 days.

The environment in which we live and the cosmetics we put on our skin play a role in its health.  However, perhaps more important is our diet. Good blood sugar control can be a big factor for healthy skin(1,2,3).  In addition, vitamins such as A, C, E, B6 and B5(4,5) and minerals such as selenium and zinc(6,7) have all been shown to be important.

Other areas of our health can also influence the skin.  Bowel health plays a role. As does healthy tolerance to foods and hormone balance for some.(8)

Your nutritional therapist will work with you to idenfity which factors are affecting your skin.  A nutritional strategy will then be put in place which focuses on achieving optimal skin health.

References
1 Kappas A, Anderson K, Conney A, et al. Nutrition-endocrine interactions: induction of reciprocal changes in the delta 4-5 alpha-reduction of testosterone and the cytochrome P-450-dependent oxidation of estradiol by dietary macronutrients in man. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1983;80:7646-7649.

2 Kader MM, El-Mofty AM, Ismail AA, Bassili F. Glucose tolerance in blood and skin of patients with acne vulgaris. Ind J Derm 1977;22: 139-149.

3 Smith RN, Mann NJ, Braue A, et al: A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 86(1):107-115, 2007.

4 Kilgman AM, Mills OH Jr, Leyden JJ, et al. Oral vitamin A in acne vulgaris. A preliminary report. Int J Dermatol 1981;20:278-285

5 Leung LH. Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Med Hypotheses 1995;44:490-492.

6 Michaelsson G, Edqvist L. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment. Acta Derm Venerol 1984;64:9-14

7 Dreno B, Amblard P, Agache P, Litoux P. Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne. Acta Derm Venereol 1989;69:541-543

8 Juhlin L, Michaelsson G. Fibrin microclot formation in patients with acne. Acta Derm Venereol 1983;63:538-540