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The CNP Diet, Beauty and Aesthetics Research Category consolidates research exploring the interconnection between the spiritual practices associated with fasting, fasting practices, and mental health. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.
Since the latter half of the 20th century, the Western diet's shift towards increased refined carbohydrate intake has been linked to numerous health issues, including effects on non-medical traits like facial attractiveness. A study of 104 French subjects examined how facial attractiveness correlates with both immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption, as measured by glycemic load. Assessments were made by opposite-sex raters using photos taken two hours after a controlled breakfast. The study found that a high glycemic breakfast reduced attractiveness in both sexes. Chronic consumption effects varied by meal and sex; overall, refined carbs reduced attractiveness unless offset by higher energy intake, except in men during the afternoon snack, where results were opposite. Factors such as age, perceived masculinity/femininity, BMI, and lifestyle were controlled to isolate carbohydrate impact. The study also discussed physiological differences in meal responses and their adaptive implications in modern diets.[NPID: attractiveness, refined carbohydrate, glycemic load, masculinity, femininity, Western Diet, facial]
Do lifestyle and hormonal variables explain links between health and facial attractiveness?
It has lately been suggested that facial beauty is a sign of underlying immunological competency. That is to say, being facially attractive could mean that your immune system is functioning properly. Nonetheless, research on this topic has produced inconsistent results. It has been suggested that these varying outcomes may stem from the influence of lifestyle factors that affect both perceived facial attractiveness and overall health. In this study by Arnocky & Davis (2024), eight women judged the uniform face pictures of 162 young guys with neutral expressions to determine their level of attractiveness. Testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and immunoglobulin A were quantified in saliva samples, and a skinfold caliper was used to calculate body fat. Self-reported data on poor health and lifestyle factors affecting health status (such as age, sleep habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, family stress, and exercise) were also collected. The study found that symptoms of poor health and higher skinfold measurements negatively impacted facial attractiveness. There was a slight but statistically non-significant interaction between testosterone and cortisol, with men who had higher testosterone and lower cortisol levels tending to have more attractive faces. According to a sequential mediation model, skinfold measures and indications of ill health mediated the associations between exercise, stress, and facial beauty. This suggests that lifestyle variables have an indirect impact on facial attractiveness. The results suggest that the relationship between facial attractiveness and immunocompetence may be influenced by common lifestyle and hormonal factors. However, further research incorporating additional lifestyle indicators, such as nutrition, is needed for a more comprehensive understanding. [NPID: Facial attractiveness, immunocompetence, good genes, sexual selection, unhealthy lifestyle, skinfold, secondary sexual characteristics]
The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols with Anti-Aging Activity in Aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts
The skin, as the body's largest organ, consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis contains dermal fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix, including collagen and elastin, which are crucial for skin's elasticity and firmness. Skin aging is accelerated by environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and smoking through the generation of reactive oxygen species and related signaling pathways. These factors contribute to reduced elasticity, wrinkle formation, and slower wound healing. Research has indicated that natural polyphenol compounds can slow these aging effects by modulating signaling pathways in aged dermal fibroblasts. This paper examines the links between aging and its molecular mechanisms and explores how various polyphenols can enhance skin health, providing valuable insights for the development of functional cosmetics and potential clinical applications.
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Interaction between the microbiota and the skin barrier in aging skin: a comprehensive review
process. Both the skin and gut, integral to the immune and neuroendocrine systems, host microbes that maintain a delicate balance. Changes in these microbial communities, particularly with aging, can accelerate skin aging by affecting the skin barrier and increasing inflammaging—characterized by inflammation and cellular aging. The review highlights how disturbances in the gut microbiome can weaken immune functions and promote aging. Meanwhile, skin microbes protect the epidermal barrier, helping to prevent infections. Aging affects the skin's outer layer, reducing moisture retention and increasing infection risks. To counteract these effects, employing acidic cleansers, well-formulated emollients, antioxidants, and protective sun care can help restore skin health. Moreover, leveraging the gut-skin connection through probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics has shown promise in enhancing skin hydration, reducing wrinkles, and strengthening the barrier. This comprehensive understanding and strategic management of microbial interactions with the skin barrier are essential for mitigating the effects of aging on the skin. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these mechanisms and refine aging interventions. [NPID: Aging, gut, microbe, skin, skin barrier]
Functional Foods in Dermatology
Functional foods, which are whole foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have been shown to potentially enhance dermatological health. These benefits include improved skin barrier function, wound healing, skin radiance, photoprotection, and hormonal balance. While most existing studies are small-scale or involve animal models, the results are encouraging. These foods may help combat oxidative stress, which in turn can lessen both visible and microscopic skin damage caused by UV exposure. Other described benefits include enhancements in wound healing and protection against photo-carcinogenesis. The review calls for more extensive, evidence-based research on humans to further substantiate the dermatological advantages of functional foods and advance this promising area of study. [NPID: Functional foods, dermatologic benefits, skin barrier function, wound healing, photoprotection, hormonal regulation, molecular mechanisms]
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]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
The Promising Role of Polyphenols in Skin Disorders
Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds with beneficial biochemical properties, are advantageous for human health, particularly skin health. Research shows that whether ingested or applied topically, polyphenols can mitigate various skin conditions and prevent the onset of others. Their effectiveness spans a range of issues, from minor irritations to severe, potentially life-threatening diseases. Polyphenols help protect against skin damage, aging, and the effects of wounds and burns. Additionally, recent studies have explored the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in treating skin ailments, including the use of polyphenol-based nanoformulations in clinical trials. This research underscores the significant preventive and therapeutic roles polyphenols may play in managing skin health. [NPID: Clinical trials, human health, nanoformulations, polyphenols, skin disorder]
Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition
The study explored the impact of dietary fatty acids on skin sensitivity by administering daily supplements of flaxseed oil and safflower seed oil to two groups of female participants over 12 weeks. Assessments included skin sensitivity, hydration, water loss, and skin surface properties, measured at the beginning, midway, and end of the study. The flaxseed oil group experienced notable improvements in skin sensitivity, reduced water loss, less roughness and scaling, and enhanced smoothness and hydration, alongside a decrease in the plasma n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. The safflower seed oil group saw improvements in skin roughness and hydration, though these changes were less significant and occurred later compared to the flaxseed oil group, and this supplementation resulted in an increased n-6/n-3 ratio. The findings suggest that flaxseed oil, in particular, effectively improves skin conditions in individuals with sensitive skin. [NPID: Skin sensitivity, dietary fatty acids, flaxseed oil, safflowerseed oil, skin barrier function, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (tewl), plasma fa profile]
Boosting the Photoaged Skin: The Potential Role of Dietary Components
Skin photoaging, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leads to symptoms like dryness, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. Increasingly, nutraceuticals are being recognized for their potential to prevent and treat these effects. This article reviews current research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying UV-induced skin photoaging and discusses how dietary components can mitigate these effects. Key factors in the photoaging process include matrix metalloproteinases, transforming growth factors, skin fat, inflammation, oxidative stress, damage to DNA, telomere shortening, microRNA, advanced glycation end products, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and certain ion channels. Evidence from animal studies and clinical trials supports that various dietary components can slow the progression and reduce the symptoms of skin photoaging. These components primarily work by preserving skin moisture, maintaining the extracellular matrix, regulating key signaling pathways, and providing antioxidant benefits. Therefore, consuming food-derived functional components represents a promising approach to combat the damage of skin photoaging. [NPID: Extracellular matrix, fibroblast, nutraceuticals, photoaging, skin]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Plant-Based Foods for Skin Health: A Narrative Review
Research is increasingly focusing on the role of plant-based foods in enhancing skin health, with these foods offering an abundance of bioactive compounds such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, polyphenols, and phenolic acids. These nutrients are known to support oxidant defense, reduce inflammation, and strengthen skin structure. Epidemiological studies have linked higher consumption of specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and polyphenolic-rich beverages with improved skin health, attributing this to their unique phytochemical compositions. While many studies have used extracts, this review emphasizes findings from whole and minimally processed foods. Current evidence points to the potential benefits of plant-based diets for skin barrier health and function. However, further research is needed to determine the ideal type and duration of intake and understand the underlying mechanisms. Future studies will be crucial in developing precise dietary guidelines for skin health. [NPID: Antioxidants, carotenoids, phenolics, photoprotection, skin.
Ketogenic Diet and the Skin
Dietary changes, particularly the ketogenic diet (KD), which is low in carbohydrates and high in fats with adequate protein, have become a focus in dermatology for managing skin disorders. This interest is fueled by emerging research from various studies, including basic science, small clinical trials, and population reports, suggesting KD's potential as a supportive treatment for skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to inform dermatologists about KD’s possible applications in treating skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. It also addresses possible adverse reactions related to KD, like prurigo pigmentosa and nutritional deficiencies, to provide a comprehensive overview of its effects on skin health. [NPID: Dietary modifications, ketogenic diet, skin disorders, anti-inflammatory properties, acne, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
The Role of Functional Foods in Cutaneous Anti-aging
The use of oral micronutrients and functional foods to combat aging has become increasingly popular, driven by a wealthier, aging society and advances in understanding aging processes. Skin aging involves both biological and extrinsic factors, the latter primarily influenced by sunlight and environmental pollutants. Functional foods typically combat skin aging through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent collagen breakdown and boost procollagen production. Several supplements, including carotenoids, polyphenols, chlorophyll, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, red ginseng, squalene, and omega-3 fatty acids, have clinical backing for their effectiveness in preventing skin aging. Additionally, collagen peptides and proteoglycans are believed to contribute to the structure of the dermal matrix. This review presents recent research findings on these nutrients' impact on skin health. [NPID: Anti-oxidant, collagen, functional foods, photoaging]
Ketogenic Diet-induced Prurigo Pigmentosa (the "Keto Rash"): A Case Report and Literature Review
Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is a rare skin condition mainly affecting young adults, characterized by itchy, red papules that turn into a net-like pattern of hyperpigmentation after the inflammation subsides. The cause of PP is unknown, but it has been linked to the metabolic state of ketosis, often triggered by adherence to ketogenic diets. With the growing popularity of ketogenic diets for weight loss, there has been an increase in reported PP cases. A case is discussed involving a 21-year-old Hispanic man who developed PP while on a strict ketogenic diet. A review of literature identified 19 additional PP cases linked to the ketogenic diet across diverse ethnic groups. Typically, the rash appeared about a month after starting the diet and improved within 18 days of stopping it. Treatment commonly involved oral tetracycline, leading to resolution but leaving behind some hyperpigmentation. This information underscores the need for dermatologists to recognize the potential link between PP and ketogenic diets to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, thus improving patient outcomes. [NPID: Prurigo pigmentosa, inflammatory dermatosis, adolescents, young adults, ketosis, ketogenic diet, erythematous papules, hyperpigmentation]
Impact of Ketogenic and Low-Glycemic Diets on Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Diet is increasingly recognized as a tool in dermatologic treatment, with ketogenic and low-glycemic diets showing promise due to their anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. This overview examines their effects on various inflammatory skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Findings suggest that low-glycemic diets are particularly effective in managing acne. However, the evidence supporting the use of ketogenic diets for other skin conditions is still sparse. To fully assess the potential of these diets, further research, including randomized clinical trials, is necessary to determine their effectiveness as primary or complementary treatments for these dermatological issues. [NPID: diet, dermatologic therapy, ketogenic diet, low-glycemic diet, anti-inflammatory, metabolic effects, randomized clinical trials]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition
Maintaining young and healthy skin through diet is a primary concern for many, especially as it becomes increasingly clear that diet plays a significant role in skin health and aging. Skin, serving as the body's primary protective barrier, undergoes aging processes influenced by both chronological factors and environmental exposures such as photo-aging. As medical advancements extend human lifespans and environmental conditions worsen, the urgency to discover safe and effective skin aging treatments grows. This review addresses the structure of the skin, the various signs and mechanisms of aging, and summarizes current research on dietary management and the impact of dietary antioxidants on skin health. It highlights the growing recognition of the importance of diet in obtaining essential nutrients and energy, and its potential to positively affect skin health and combat aging. [NPID: Anti-aging, diet, eating habits, foodborne antioxidants, nutritional level, skin aging]
Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota
Secondary metabolites from plants (such as polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids) along with microbial products from fermented tropical fruits are highly effective in enhancing skin and hair health, offering benefits like wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and hair growth promotion. Specifically, caffeine has been recognized for its ability to stimulate hair growth. A clinical trial examined the effectiveness of hair care products containing fermented papaya, fermented mangosteen, and caffeine. These products were tested on 154 participants with certain types of hair loss over a period of three months. The evaluation involved both subjective assessments by dermatologists and objective measurements using trichomicroscopy. Results indicated that these products not only reduced hair loss but also improved hair density, thickness, and follicle structure when compared to placebo and caffeine-only products. Furthermore, they helped normalize scalp microbiota, increase ATP levels in hair follicles, and reduce lipid peroxidation in the scalp, indicating overall improvement in hair and scalp health.
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
You Are What You Eat: Within-Subject Increases in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Confer Beneficial Skin-Color Changes
This study shows that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in carotenoids, enhances the yellow and red tones in human skin, making it appear healthier and more attractive. This study tracked changes in skin coloration over six weeks in 35 participants who avoided makeup, self-tanning products, and significant sun exposure. The findings revealed a strong correlation between consuming fruits and vegetables and increasing skin yellowness and redness, which was linked to carotenoid absorption rather than melanin. Notably, achieving a visibly healthier and more attractive skin tone required only modest dietary adjustments—approximately three portions of fruits and vegetables daily. These results suggest that the skin appearance benefits from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables could be used to encourage healthier eating habits. [NPID: Fruits, vegetables, carotenoids, skin coloration, dietary adjustment, healthy eating habits]
Influence of the nutritional status on facial morphology in young Japanese women
This study investigated the connection between nutritional status and facial morphology, focusing on 115 young Japanese women. Using self-reported dietary behaviors, three-dimensional facial images, and body composition data, multivariate analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between nutritional status and facial structure. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified: a balanced diet, a high-calorie diet associated with obesity, and an imbalanced low-calorie diet linked with sarcopenic obesity. The study found that those on a high-calorie diet tended to have rounder faces. In contrast, those on the low-calorie diet exhibited more masculine facial features, suggesting potential influences from sex hormones. The research highlights how dietary behaviors and body composition can affect facial morphology. [NPID: Nutritional status, facial morphology, dietary behaviors, body compositions, facial images, clustering method, high-calorie-diet pattern, low-calorie-diet pattern]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
Processed Food and Atopic Dermatitis: A Pooled Analysis of Three Cross-Sectional Studies in Chinese Adults
This study’s objective was to investigate the relationship between processed foods and atopic dermatitis (AD) in Chinese adults. It incorporated three cross-sectional surveys conducted in different regions, assessing participants through dermatological exams and dietary surveys, including a measure of sodium intake from urine samples. The results were analyzed using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). The setting was in various locations in Hubei and Hunan provinces, China. Participants were automobile workers from Hubei, and rural and civil service workers from Hunan. Results showed that out of 15,062 participants, findings revealed a significant link between moderate pickle consumption and AD. Similarly, processed meat consumption was associated with higher AD risk, with increasing odds in line with consumption frequency. Regular processed food consumers also displayed elevated AD risks. The study authors concluded that regular consumption of processed foods, including pickles and processed meats, correlates with increased AD occurrence among Chinese adults [NPID: atopic dermatitis, processed foods. [NPID: Atopic dermatitis, processed meat, pickles, sodium, adult]
Dietary antioxidants may support cosmetic treatment in patients with Rosacea
Rosacea, a persistent skin condition, significantly decreases patients' quality of life (QoL). This study by Zujko-Kowalska et al. (2024) aimed to evaluate if dietary antioxidants could enhance the effects of cosmetic treatments in enhancing QoL for rosacea patients. Data from 160 participants were collected through self-reported surveys. A commercial capillary healing serum was used in conjunction with cavitation peeling for a cosmetic operation. The standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire (DLQI) was used to evaluate QoL, while a new Dietary Antioxidant Quality Index (DAQI) was created to evaluate the quality of antioxidant diets. It comprises 12 components: zinc, iron, copper, manganese, lignans, polyphenols, phytosterols, vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. Results showed that higher DAQI scores reduced the odds of rosacea significantly impacting QoL by 40–45% and diminished rosacea symptoms by 8–11% compared to lower scores. This study highlights the negative impact of rosacea on QoL. However, it indicates that rosacea patients' quality of life can be improved by a complete treatment plan that includes both antioxidant cosmetic operations and nutritional antioxidants. [NPID: Rosacea, quality of life, antioxidants, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), cosmetic treatments, Dietary Antioxidant Quality Index (DAQI), Symptom reduction]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans
Carotenoid-based coloration, which significantly influences mate choice in many animal species, is considered an honest indicator of health because carotenoids act as antioxidants and only individuals in good health can allocate carotenoids for signaling purposes. In a study with human males, we investigated the impact of beta-carotene supplementation on facial attractiveness and actual health. The supplementation changed skin color, enhancing perceived health and attractiveness, but did not improve actual health metrics such as oxidative stress, immune function, or semen quality. This suggests that while carotenoid-enhanced skin coloration might play a role in sexual selection among human males, it may not genuinely reflect overall health. [NPID: Carotenoid-based coloration, mate choice, antioxidants, facial appearance, health, Beta-carotene supplementation]
Refined Carbohydrate Consumption and Facial Attractiveness
Since the latter half of the 20th century, there has been a significant rise in the consumption of refined carbohydrates, which has been linked to various health issues including obesity, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. This study explores whether such dietary habits could also impact facial attractiveness. The research analyzed facial attractiveness based on assessments by raters of the opposite sex, correlating it with refined carbohydrate intake measured by the glycemic load of meals likely to be high-risk (breakfast, afternoon snack, and between-meal snack). The findings indicated that individuals with higher glycemic loads between meals were rated as more attractive by the opposite sex. Structural equation modeling suggested that for men, this might be due to an increased perceived age, while for women, it could relate to increased femininity. The study discusses these outcomes in the context of dietary adaptations or maladaptations in the modern dietary environment. (See CNP Article in Nutritional Psychology here: https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/can-our-facial-attractiveness-depend-on-what-we-just-ate/) [NPID: dietary switch, evolutionary diet, facial attractiveness, glycemic load, refined carbohydrates, social trait, sugars]
Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris
The connection between diet and acne has been a subject of debate, but recent research suggests a potential impact of dietary factors on acne vulgaris. There is now undeniable evidence indicating that diets with a high glycemic load can worsen acne. Additionally, there seems to be a slight association between dairy consumption and acne. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine on acne are still not fully understood. The precise influence of diet on acne development and progression remains uncertain. [NPID: Acne, diet, dairy, glycemic index, glycemic load, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A, iodine, dietary fiber]
