It is not uncommon for people to hear the phrase “you are what you eat,” and when it comes to your skin, there’s nothing truer than that. Your body is breaking down what you eat and using it as the building blocks of every internal function. Our cosmetic procedures can enhance the appearance of your skin and help it stay strong, but nothing can replace the benefits of a healthy diet.
The Negative Effects of Carbohydrates
A diet rich in simple carbohydrates such as sugars from sweet foods and sodas can increase the amount of insulin the body produces. High amounts of insulin production can lead to inflammation that causes breakdowns of collagen. Collagen is one of the most important chemicals the skin needs to keep it looking young and healthy. Many of our cosmetic treatments often consist of generating collagen for the skin, but an unhealthy diet can detract from those efforts.
In addition to breaking down one of the most important chemicals in the body, a carbohydrate rich diet may also be causing your breakouts. Several studies have linked sugar to acne spikes, which can ruin your skin further with blemishes and acne scars.
Healthy Alternatives to Try
There are ways to prevent the body from having fluxes of chemical imbalances. Foods that are high in zinc help to combat inflammation and bacterial production. Avocados are a popular alternative that falls into this healthy category. For those looking for a healthy alternative to a sweet treat, we recommend satisfying your craving with a variety of berries, which contain enough antioxidants to help improve skin quality.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
When it comes to skin care, water is imperative. Hydration really is the key to healthy skin. In addition to helping digestion, circulation, and almost every bodily function, staying hydrated will keep your skin looking clean and healthy. Skin, just like every other organ in your body, is made of cells that are made up of water. Cells that lack water can become flaky and prone to wrinkles as well as a buildup of toxins.
If you’re in need of a flavorful incentive to drink more water, try adding some lemon or infuse your water with other fruits. Lemons add some zest to your drink and they also help the body maintain a healthy pH level and dispose of toxins.
Your Comprehensive Skin Consultation
It’s always important to remember that there are multiple facets to skin care and in order to maintain a healthy and youthful disposition, each needs to be taken into consideration. Dr. Y. Anthony Nakamura is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in Dallas Fort Worth. We welcome you to contact us at Accent On You to learn more about our skin care treatments and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help your skin glow.
