How Your Diet Affects Your Skin

While a lot of information regarding some of our dietary choices and skin health connection may be anecdotal, there is a clear pattern that suggests at least three types of foods that can have an impact on our overall health, including the skin, which is, after all, the body’s largest organ. Eliminating or limiting the following three types of foods in your diet, as well as consuming foods full of the nutrition a healthy body needs, can help protect skin from common aesthetic concerns like acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and even cellulite.

Top 3 Foods That Affect Skin Health

Refined Carbs/High-Glycemic Foods

Some carbohydrates are essential to a healthy, balanced diet, but it’s important to note that not all carbs are created equally. Refined carbohydrates are commonly processed foods that include sugar and refined grains, but the nutrients, bran, and fiber have essentially been removed. Utilizing the glycemic index (GI), a tool used to denote how a carbohydrate might raise your blood glucose (sugar) level and spike insulin production, refined carbs often rank high on this scale. Spikes in sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which affects sebum (oil) production in the skin. Meanwhile, spikes in insulin after eating these refined carbs are linked to increased levels of the hormone androgen. Higher levels of androgens speed up skin’s natural skin cell renewal level, which then leads to increased shedding of old skin cells. Without appropriate skin care, the combination of increased oil production and shedding of old skin cells leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts. In fact, a diet that favors high-glycemic foods has been proven to increase one’s risk of acne breakouts by 30%.

Further still, the inflammation caused by high-GI foods and refined carbohydrates is linked to an increased risk for developing cellulite. Chronic inflammation causes fat cells to enlarge, retaining fluid and toxins that, as they accumulate, can impede blood circulation. For many women, stubborn fat tends to accumulate around the buttocks, thighs, and hips—all areas where the body is much more susceptible to cellulite. As circulation in these areas decreases, skin cells are unable to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to continue generating sufficient collagen and elastin stores, meaning skin’s structure will gradually weaken and make way for cellulite.

The Top Culprits to Avoid: White bread, white rice, white potatoes, crackers, baked goods, cereals, candies, and sugary drinks

Processed Foods

While there is some overlap in refined carbohydrates and processed foods, the main concern when consuming processed foods is what has been added rather than what was removed, as is the case with refined carbohydrates. While they may be convenient and often also rather addictive, processed foods typically contain high levels of added sugar, fat, and salt (more on that last one in a moment). While these elements both preserve the food and boost its flavor, they are also linked to spikes in inflammation, blood sugar, and insulin. This is where the cycle begins with the acne- and cellulite-related concerns that we noted above.

In addition, we can add on the effects of sugar. Processed foods are known to be high in refined sugars and this excess can encourage collagen and elastin degradation. When we consume high amounts of sugar, it enters the bloodstream and binds to a protein that leads to the creation of a by-product called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs have a negative effect on essentially every cell and molecule in the body, but on skin specifically, they tend to deliver the most damage through decreased collagen and elastin, leading to sagging tissue and plentiful wrinkles.

The Top Culprits to Avoid: Convenience foods like microwavable or readymade meals, cheeses, processed meats (think ham, salami, and bacon, among others), potato chips, sweet treats, sauces, canned fruits and vegetables, and other prepackaged goods

Salt

Salt and skin don’t mix. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium daily—that’s 1,100 milligrams above the recommended daily intake. While it may be the number one go-to seasoning, salt is linked to skin dehydration, increased cellulite, and over-productive oil glands.

To begin, salt encourages the body to retain fluid in fat cells and skin tissue, leading to an increasingly puckered and inflamed appearance, especially in pre-existing cellulite and bags under the eyes. Further, too much sodium can pull hydration out of the skin’s protective lipid barrier while stimulating oil glands as it tries to overcompensate for decreased skin hydration. This leads to increased acne breakouts. A weakened lipid barrier also lowers skin’s defenses against free radicals, pollution, and UV damage, leading to pigmentation concerns alongside the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Top Culprits to Avoid: Cured meats, convenience foods, fast food, canned foods, pasta sauces, condiments and salad dressings, and broths and soups

Treatments to Counter the Effects of a Damaging Diet

While avoiding these foods and favoring whole, nutritional options instead is the first step to limiting the damage done by these somewhat hidden sources of skin damage, there is also a long list of aesthetic treatments you may use to address your top skin concerns. The following three treatments may offer the most effective results regarding the skin issues outlined in this article and linked to our dietary choices, though you are encouraged to follow through with your own research and customized consultation to find a plan that suits your skin’s needs.

Acne Treatments

For those experiencing increased acne breakouts, a diet that focuses on limiting inflammation-causing foods alongside a series of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) acne treatments can target both current and future breakouts. With treatment sessions lasting around 20 minutes, on average, Venus Versa™ dual-light acne reduction treatments work to heal existing acne-related inflammation while destroying acne-causing bacteria to prevent future breakouts. The result is noticeably smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Cellulite Reduction

For those searching for a smoothing solution for cellulite’s lumps and bumps, target stubborn fat pockets with no surgery or downtime with radio frequency-based cellulite reduction treatments. Powered by innovative technology that targets and shrinks fat cells while supporting skin’s natural collagen and elastin production levels to improve the appearance of bumps and dimpling, Venus Concept’s non-surgical cellulite reduction treatments deliver noticeable results and are safe for all skin tones.

Skin Tone Improvement

Finally, for those seeking to reverse the damage of a high-sodium diet and weakened lipid barrier, customized Venus Versa™ photofacial treatments can diminish dark spots and other signs of premature aging for a clearer, more radiant, and more youthful-looking complexion. By effectively targeting pigment under the skin’s surface, these photofacial treatments break down melanin while thermal (heat) energy spurs skin’s natural collagen and elastin production levels. This combination speeds healing while encouraging healthy skin cell renewal for smoother, more even-toned results.

The Bottom Line

This list is far from exhaustive and it’s worth underscoring that some foods may trigger allergies or intolerances that may manifest as increased acne breakouts, rosacea flareups, pigmentation, or other skin concerns. For this reason, it’s best to take note of how and when your skin reacts, alongside the foods you’re eating, and speak to a dermatologist or aesthetics treatment provider who can better help determine the right balance between diet and care for your skin. Get started today by locating a provider near you using the search field below.

Beauty

Take the first step towards feeling great!

Find a certified Venus Treatments provider near you today who specializes in today’s top aesthetic medical solutions.

FIND A PROVIDER

< BACK TO BLOG

< PREVIOUS POST | NEXT POST >

LATEST POSTS

10 Surprising Causes of Adult Acne Breakouts

While it’s impossible to pinpoint one root cause of acne, these 10 surprisingly common mistakes could be contributing to your acne breakouts.

Feb 21, 2020

4 Real Reasons Women Gain Weight

Ladies, it’s time you know that the weight loss odds are stacked against you. Here’s why women gain more weight than men and how to game the system.

Sep 4, 2018

5 Weight Loss Foods That Are Actually Delicious

A girl’s gotta eat, and the yummier the better. No wonder those dull diets geared for weight loss can be such a struggle for food lovers! Bland food plans featuring trimmed-down vegetable, bean, and grain dishes may help shrink waistlines, but without that extra element of richness and flavor.

Aug 21, 2017

Find A Certified Venus Treatments Provider Near You

Search below to find a provider near you and to learn about our non-surgical aesthetic treatments with ARTAS®, NeoGraft®, Venus Bliss™, Venus Versa™, Venus Legacy™, Venus Velocity™, Venus Viva™ MD, Venus Freeze Plus™, and Venus Glow™.

FIND A PROVIDER

ARE YOU A PHYSICIAN?

For more information call: (+44) 208 748 2221 // [email protected] // 4th Floor, No.1 Farriers Yard 77-85 Fulham Palace Road, London

REGULATORY CLEARANCES [ More ]

Venus Versa™ has CE Mark as a multi-application device intended to be used in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. The SR515 and SR580 applicators have CE Mark for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions and treatment of benign cutaneous vascular lesions. The HR650/HR650XL and HR690/HR690XL applicators have CE Mark for the removal of unwanted hair and to effect stable long-term or permanent hair reduction for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The AC Dual applicator has CE Mark for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The DiamondPolar™ applicator has CE Mark for non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides on females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The OctiPolar™ applicator on the Venus Versa™ system has CE Mark for temporary body contouring via skin tightening, circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction. The NanoFractional RF™ (Viva) applicator has CE Mark for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin.

NeoGraft^® 2.0 has CE Mark with indication for use in suction-assisted follicular extraction and re-implantation for males and females.

The ARTAS iX™ from Restoration Robotics® is indicated for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who have black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS iX™ from Restoration Robotics® is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation; creating recipient sites; and implanting harvested hair follicles.

Venus Epileve™ has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types. Venus Epileve™ is also CE-Marked for hirsutism.

Venus Legacy™ has CE Mark for the temporary increase of skin tightening, circumferential reduction, cellulite reduction, and wrinkle reduction.

Venus Velocity™ has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types.

Venus Viva™ has CE Mark for the use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin, and the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV with the DiamondPolar™ applicator.

Venus Freeze Plus™ has CE Mark for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides using the DiamondPolar™ applicator, and CE Mark for the treatment of cellulite reduction, increase of skin tightening, and temporary circumferential reduction on the OctiPolar™ applicator.

Venus Freeze™ has CE Mark for treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides using the DiamondPolar™ applicator, and CE Mark for the treatment of cellulite reduction, increase of skin tightening, and temporary circumferential reduction on the OctiPolar™ applicator.

Venus Glow™ provides a dermal rejuvenation treatment that works to open up and deep-clean pores. Venus Concept is the exclusive distributor for Venus Glow™.

Welcome to Venus Treatments!

You are entering our website. For other country/regions and language options, please click the button below.

Click Here

Are you a physician or aesthetician? Please visit our medical and aesthetic professional website to learn more.