This article follows on from my in-depth look at skin health, which discusses the importance of good nutrition for overall healthy skin and protection from the effects of ageing. In this tips article, I give some pointers on how to cope with specific skin complaints, with advice on what dietary, supplement and cosmetic changes you can make.
Acne
Diet: Low in fat (as excess fat blocks pores); low in sugar; plenty of water; fresh fruit, vegetables; regular cleansing diets.
Supplements: Vitamin A and zinc to help fight infection; Vitamin C; all antioxidants; Niacin to combat skin flushing; Vitamin E for wound healing.
Skin treatments: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate).
Cellulite
Diet: A strict no-saturated fat diet,as excess saturated fat based toxins render fat cells immobile and so harder to shift. This means no meat or dairy products; Include essential fats as they help fat cells decongest; Drink lots of water and eat lots of high water content foods such as fruit and veg. Apples are particularly good at eliminating cellulite, as the pectin is a phytochemical which strengthens the immune and detoxification systems of the body.
Supplements: Lecithin granules, Hydroxycitric acid, High dose vitamin C, Niacin.
Dermatitis & Eczema
Diet: Low in saturated fat; Eat sufficient essential fats; Test for food allergies.
Supplements: Essential oils (flax, evening primrose, borage; Vitamin B6; Biotin; Zinc; Magnesium; Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.
Skin treatment: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate).
Dry Skin
Diet: Low in saturated fat; High in essential fats; Drink at least 2 litres of water a day and eat plenty of water rich foods (fruit and veg); Alcohol and stimulants such as coffee and tea should be limited.
Supplements: Essential oils (flax, evening primrose, borage); Vitamin A; Vitamin E.
Skin treatment: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate).
Hair Loss
This can be due to many factors: stress, thyroid or nutrient deficiency: iron, zinc, vitamins B1, B5 and C and the amino acid lysine. In the case of dry hair, ensure your body has enough essential fats. Your body prioritises and if deficient, your hair is seen as a low priority to receive these.
Facial Puffiness & Water Retention
Diet: Test for food allergy; Ensure a high intake of essential fats; Drink at least 1 litre of water a day and eat plenty of water rich foods (fruit & veg).
Supplements: Essential oils (flax, evening primrose, borage), Vitamin B6, Biotin, Zinc, Magnesium.
Oily Skin
Diet: Low in saturated fat; Ensure a high intake of essential fats; Low in alcohol, sugar and stimulants such as coffee and tea.
Supplements: Vitamin C; Pantothenic acid (if you are stressed) as increased sebum production can be caused by excessive adrenal stimulation resulting from stress.
Skin treatment: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamin A in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate). This helps to control excessive sebum production.
Psoriasis
Diet: Start with a cleansing diet (as this can occur when the body is ‘toxic’ followed by one low in saturated fat (meat and dairy) but with sufficient essential fats; Test for food allergies.
Supplements: Essential oils (flax, evening primrose, borage), Vitamin B6, Biotin, Zinc, Magnesium, Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.
Skin treatment: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate).
Rashes
Diet: Low in saturated fat ; Eat sufficient essential fats; Test for food allergies.
Supplements: Essential oils (flax, evening primrose, borage); Vitamin B6; Biotin; Zinc; Magnesium; Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Skin treatment: Use a cream with significant amounts of vitamins A, C and E in forms that can penetrate the epidermis (such as retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate and vitamin E acetate).
Limit stimulants, salt, saturated fats and smoking. Eat fruit, veg, nuts & seeds. Drink plenty of water. Supplement a good multi- vitamin and mineral and essential fats. Use a quality vitamin A, C & E cream. Limit exposure to sunlight. Wash with gentle, oil based cleanser, not soap.