Diet and skin health: The good and the bad
The skin serves as a barrier against various external threats like pathogens, UV light, and chemicals, and also plays a critical role in physiological processes such as vitamin D synthesis, immune function, and sensory perception. However, factors such as aging, diseases, and environmental conditions can adversely affect its function. Traditionally, skin conditions, particularly photoaging, have been treated with topical agents and physical means of photoprotection. Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the impact of diet and nutrition on skin health. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary choices can be a viable method to mitigate the symptoms of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging. This review discusses the skin’s structure, the effects of poor dietary habits, and how beneficial dietary practices can improve skin health. It underscores the negative impact of low water intake, high-fat diets, refined sugars, and certain additives, while advocating for the consumption of water, antioxidants, polyphenolic-rich foods, low-glycemic index foods, probiotics, and phytoestrogens to promote skin health. The review draws on a wide array of literature sources to support these findings, emphasizing the significant role that diet and nutrition play in maintaining optimal skin health. [NPID: Aging, cosmeceuticals, functional foods, nutricosmetics, superfoods]
Year: 2024
