The importance we give to our appearance in our current society is unprecedented. The appearance of our skin has recently been the focus of attention in many articles and on social media. Can our diet help us to make it look shiny and lustrous?
From an aesthetic point of view, the skin is the part of our body that we worry about the most.
Beyond aesthetic considerations, the skin is the largest organ in our body. It covers an area of more than 1.5 square meters and accounts for 15% of body weight in adults. Although our view of the skin is rather superficial, the truth is that it performs fundamental functions for us.
The skin protects us from external agents, including pathogens, chemical compounds, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It also cushions the impact of mechanical, thermal, and physical injuries. In addition, it is the first line of defense of our beloved immune system against infections.
The skin is important for regulating body temperature, acts as a water reservoir, and is where vitamin D is produced. It also has an extensive network of nerve cells that detect and transmit changes in the environment through touch, pain, or temperature. No less important, our skin is essential for personal expression and communication.
Water, whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits for the skin
It’s nothing new that poor nutrition negatively affects our health. But we may be less aware of the effects it has on our skin. Eating habits and nutrient levels can not only damage it but are also essential to repair it.
Skin aging has been linked to sugar and high-fat diets. In addition, it has been shown that facial aging increases with the amount of alcohol and tobacco consumed and for a longer period.
A key nutrient for maintaining healthy skin is water. It is estimated that 18-20% of body water is stored in the skin. Therefore, not maintaining a good state of hydration can significantly affect it.
The appearance of our lips and limbs is a direct reflection of our hydration status. Furthermore, studies indicate that drinking more than 2 liters of water a day promotes both superficial and deep skin hydration.
Vitamins A, B2, B3, and B8 can be said to contribute to maintaining normal skin conditions. The same is true for zinc and iodine. Vitamin C, on the other hand, does so through the formation of collagen, a protein found between skin cells.
Skin disorders have been reported due to deficiencies in virtually all vitamins, iron, and zinc. All of these nutrients can be found primarily in natural foods. Whole grains, legumes, eggs, vegetables, and fruits are good examples.
Beyond aesthetics
If our skin is damaged, we should see a dermatologist who will diagnose it and advise us on the treatment to follow. In the case of nutritional deficiencies, we should do the same by visiting a nutritionist. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements without supervision can have negative effects on our health.
If, on the other hand, what we want is to reproduce the glow that we see in photographs of models, actresses, and singers, no food will achieve this. We must bear in mind that they are prepared specifically for these moments and that, in addition, the photos are usually retouched.
Taking care of our skin for its mere aesthetic “price” is a little less than unfair for this great organ of ours. However, taking care of our diet is a good strategy to keep not only our skin healthy but also the rest of our body.
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